Both the garter itself and the garter toss ritual have been deep-rooted as a pivotal element within wedding festivities for centuries. Although changes and improvements have been made over time, the basics of the bride wearing a garter and it being tossed to single men has remained the same and stood the test of time.
The Origin of the Wedding Garter Toss Ritual
The garter toss is one of the oldest customs surviving wedding rituals. The garter toss became common at weddings in the 1500s in France. Originally, it was related to the concept of consummation of the marriage. The bridal party would approach the bride and groom's bedroom for proof that the deed was accomplished.
They would then take an item of the bride's clothing for good luck. This was often the garter used to hold up the bride's stockings. The groomsman who retrieved the garter would then wear it in his hat for the remainder of the wedding celebration.
During the nineteenth century, as brides and grooms became uncomfortable with visitors in their chambers, the tradition evolved to that of the bride tossing her garter to the groomsmen before the end of the reception.
However, the men would often become violent competing for the garter and would sometimes tear at the bride's dress or even flip her upside down to take the garter off before she had a chance.
