Fun Garter Toss Ideas for Wedding

Bring a wedding tradition from the 14th century to a modern age.

Instead of sticking to an outdated regimen for modern receptions, today's brides and grooms put their own spin on familiar wedding customs. One such area that seems culturally required, but needs a bit of revamping was the bouquet/garter toss. Historically, this was done to indicate the next couple to walk down the aisle; but with couples waiting longer to take the plunge, the custom has much of its relevance. To put the fun back in the tradition, play around with the rules as well as the prize.

Co-Ed Free for All

Instead of following the cliched production of throwing the bouquet and garter separately, allow all your guests to hit the dance floor for a bouquet/garter toss free for all. This allows both single men and single women to participate in the fun at the same time, and amps up the competitiveness as well as a little silliness, too. For a wedding with a large number of single, younger guests this can be a fun, rowdy alternative to stuffy tradition.

Offer Alternative Prizes

Instead of the prediction (or threat) that catching the garter indicates an imminent trip down the aisle, attach a more tangible and attractive prize to the garter like money or lottery tickets. Open the contest up to everyone at the reception instead of just the singles. If the groom is especially generous, he may offer the ultimate prize like his little black book to toss to one of his single friends since he won't need it anymore.

Auction It Off

For those magnanimous brides and grooms and their philanthropic friends, you could use the garter as a prize to raise money for a favorite charity. Allow guests, male and female, single and married, to pay a dollar towards the garter raffle, and then make it a competitive moment at the end of your reception. Additionally you could take bids from your guests and let them determine how much they'd be willing to give to the endeavor.

Use It as a Prize of Honor

Instead of reserving this tradition solely for your single friends, use the bouquet and the garter as a prize honoring that couple present who has been committed the longest. For those receptions with mostly committed couples, host an "anniversary dance" where all couples are asked to join the dance floor. One by one eliminate each couple by their years together from fewest years to the most. Surprise the accomplished couple with their prizes out of respect and honor for their longevity.

References

• Dex Knows: Garter Toss Ideas
• Wed Alert: Bouquet and Garter Toss
• Jem Star Entertainment: Bouquet/Garter Toss