How to Stage the Wedding Bouquet Toss

Tossing the wedding bouquet is a tradition still celebrated in many American weddings. Interestingly, the tradition itself evolved as a means of self-defense. Any piece of the bride's clothing or ensemble was considered lucky, and to escape the clutches of eager wedding guests, brides would often toss their bouquets into the crowd as a distraction. The woman who caught the lucky bouquet was thought to be the next to get married.

Instructions

1. Gather the attention of the crowd and announce the bouquet toss is about to take place. Ask all unmarried women to come to the center of the room. This is generally done right after the wedding cake is cut.

2. Give the bride her "toss bouquet," which is usually separate from the bouquet she carried down the aisle or poses with in photographs. Many florists will prepare a smaller, lighter bouquet for the toss at no additional charge. Some brides create their own "toss bouquet" using bows and ribbons that decorated the gifts at their bridal shower.

3. Have the bride stand with her bouquet in hand. The bride should turn her back to the crowd of women. You may want to play music during this part. Popular selections include "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper and "It's Raining Men" by the Weather Girls.

4. Count to three and have the bride toss the bouquet over her shoulder to the crowd.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a photographer standing ready to capture the moment on film.

• As an alternative to singling out your unmarried girlfriends, consider inviting all guests to come forward for the bouquet toss.

• Many couples forgo this tradition altogether or incorporate the bouquet toss in a more modern way, such as presenting the flowers to the wedding guests who have been married the longest.