The groom goes under the bride's dress as part of the traditional garter toss at a wedding reception.
Understanding the Garter Toss Tradition
The garter toss is a lively and often humorous tradition that takes place during the wedding reception, typically on the dance floor. It serves as a counterpart to the bouquet toss, where the bride throws her bouquet to single women. For the garter toss, the groom's role is to retrieve a decorative garter worn by the bride on her leg.
During this tradition:
- The groom will typically go under the bride's dress to locate and remove the garter from her leg.
- He often uses his hands for removal, but sometimes, for added entertainment, he might use his teeth.
- Once removed, the garter is then tossed by the groom to the single men present at the wedding. It is believed that the single man who catches the garter will be the next to marry.
This playful act is a highlight for many guests, adding an element of fun and tradition to the wedding festivities.
Historical Context of the Garter Toss
The origins of the garter toss tradition can be traced back to superstitions in medieval Europe. Guests believed that possessing a piece of the bride's attire would bring good luck. To avoid their clothing being torn off, brides would sometimes toss out articles of clothing, like the garter. Over time, this evolved into a more formalized and less chaotic ritual. Historically, the garter was also seen as a symbol of fertility and good fortune for the couple. To learn more about the history, you can explore resources like The Knot's guide to the garter toss.
Modern Interpretation and Significance
Today, the garter toss is less about superstition and more about entertainment and continuing a time-honored wedding tradition. It's a moment for laughter, photos, and engagement with wedding guests. Many couples incorporate it into their celebration as a nod to tradition while adding their own unique flair.
Key Aspects of the Garter Toss
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | The groom retrieves the bride's garter for the traditional garter toss. |
| Location | Typically performed on the dance floor during the wedding reception. |
| Method | The groom usually goes under the dress to find the garter, removing it with his hands or, humorously, teeth. |
| Symbolism | Historically linked to good luck and fertility; now primarily for entertainment and tradition. |
| Next Step | The retrieved garter is tossed to single male guests, predicting the next to marry. |
The groom's act of going under the bride's dress is a specific and iconic part of this popular wedding custom, designed to be a memorable and entertaining moment for the bridal couple and their guests.
