Once the Groom removes the garter, all the single (not married) men are called to the dance floor. According to tradition, the man that catches the garter would be the next to marry…not necessarily to the woman that caught the bouquet though.

Before adding this custom to your wedding, consider the men on your guest list. Are most of them married and very few single? Will the single ones participate or will you spend what seems like hours trying to encourage them to participate. If you finally convince a few to head to the dance floor, some won’t even try to catch it. We’ve all seen it. The Groom tosses the garter, all the men watch it hit the floor and the man closest to it picks it up. Not what I’d call participation but maybe that’s just me.

I’m sure you’re familiar with this custom. The Groom removes the garter from the Bride’s leg while she’s sits in a chair. Seems innocent enough right? That is until some Grooms take it a little too far. The experience can start of a little risqué depending on the musical selection chosen for this particular activity.

I think some Grooms forget that their new Father-in-law will be watching. I’m sure that’s not what he had in mind when he handed off his precious daughter during the wedding ceremony. What about grand-parents or elderly guests who come from a different era and will be embarrassed by such a performance. Let’s not forget the bride who has to sit there as her new husband sticks his entire head up her dress and removes the garter with his teeth.

I know that it’s all in fun but I’d prefer couples save this for their wedding night…when it’s just the two of them. Imagine how much fun they could have then.

While I know this is a long standing wedding custom, this is one of many I’d really like to see couples skip during their reception. The purpose of the bouquet toss is to have all the single (not married) women front and center on the dance floor in hopes of catching the bride’s toss bouquet. According to tradition, the woman that catches the bouquet would be the next to marry. Ummm, I think we all know that this is usually not the case however, it doesn’t seem to stop some ladies from fighting over the bouquet. I’ve been to a few weddings where I thought they might have to call security to break up the ladies fighting over it. Not the look most of you are going for I’m sure.

Before adding this custom to your wedding you may also want to think about your guest list. If it consists of mostly married couples and very few single friends then the bouquet toss may not be a great idea. You will have very few ladies on the floor and some of them may not want to draw attention to the fact that they are single. You will waste a lot of time trying to encourage ladies to participate.

In a later post, I will give you suggestions of activities to do instead.