What Does the Wedding Garter Symbolize?

The tradition of the groom tossing his new bride's garter behind his head to his single male guests is still practiced today. However, it is done as a matter of tradition and just for fun. In earlier times tossing the garter was based on superstition.

Good Luck

If you kept any part of the bride's attire, it was supposed to bring you good luck. The garter was that piece of attire that was tossed to someone attending the wedding.

Fourteenth Century

Before the 14th century, women wore a chastity belt to guarantee that they remained a virgin. When the garter was removed, it was a symbol of the bride losing her virginity.

Roman Days

Back in Roman times, the bride would have blue trim around the bottom of her gown as a symbol of her virginity and purity. Later, the blue garter became a symbol of the trim around her dress.

Intimacy

The garter played a part in courting and flirting. It symbolized the intimacy that would take place later that night in the bridal suite.

Today's Garter

The garter in today's age symbolizes that the groom is tossing away his single life and taking on married life. Whoever catches the garter is said to be the next to marry.