How to Aim a Bridal Bouquet Toss

The bridal bouquet toss is believed to be derived from a 14th century French tradition in which female guests took a piece of the bride’s wedding gown. To avoid ruining the dress, the bride offered the bouquet as a substitute. If you plan to include this honored tradition at your reception, here’s how to aim the bouquet.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bridal bouquet

1. Decide who will participate in catching the bouquet. Tradition states all single females participate, but sometimes very young girls get knocked down in the excitement.

2. Conduct a practice throw at the reception site beforehand to avoid an embarrassing throw. If the ceiling is low or a chandelier dangles in the way, you will want to practice avoiding these obstacles. Practice throwing to a spot.

3. Make the decision beforehand, if you want your sister or best friend to catch the bouquet. Ask the “chosen” woman to stand in front in the center. She should be in the spot you threw to in practice. Clue in your intended recipient.

4. Craft an alternative bouquet for the tossing. Some bridal bouquets are too cumbersome or fragile to be thrown. A secondary smaller bouquet might be appropriate and make it easier to hit your target.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that the bouquet toss is meant to be fun. If the bridal bouquet ends up entangled in the chandelier or floating in the punch bowl, it’s sure to make for a silly video you’ll laugh about later!
• Consider substituting a new tradition for the bouquet toss. You could present the bouquet to the groom’s parents after a short toast, or you could give the bouquet to the couple at the reception who has been married the longest.