Quick Answer
What is the garter toss?
The garter toss is an American reception custom where the groom removes a decorative garter from the bride's leg — often with his hands or teeth, for laughs — and tosses it over his shoulder to a group of unmarried male guests. Tradition holds that whoever catches it is next to marry.
Last updated:
Last updated:
What is the garter toss?
Also called: garter throw.
The garter toss has an odd, slightly uncomfortable origin: in medieval Europe, guests believed a piece of the bride's clothing brought good luck, and would sometimes try to tear off pieces of her dress or even the garter themselves during the reception. Removing and tossing the garter voluntarily became the groom's way of giving guests a "souvenir" without the bride getting mobbed. Today it survives mostly as a lighthearted reception moment, often paired directly with the bouquet toss.
How the garter toss works today
- •Happens at the reception, usually right before or after the bouquet toss.
- •The bride sits on a chair; the groom removes the garter from her leg, sometimes theatrically, to music and audience cheering.
- •Unmarried male guests gather on the dance floor; the groom tosses the garter over his shoulder.
- •The tradition claims whoever catches it will be the next to marry — treated as a fun superstition, not taken seriously.
Planning notes
- •Confirm with the couple during planning whether they want this — it is one of the more commonly skipped traditions at modern American weddings.
- •If included, brief the DJ/MC on timing — it is typically slotted right after dinner, alongside the bouquet toss.
- •The bride should wear a garter under her dress specifically for this moment (a second, keepsake garter is often worn higher up and never removed).
Plan the reception run-of-show in one place
The Weddingkart checklist tool helps you sequence reception moments like the garter toss, bouquet toss, and cake cutting so nothing gets missed on the day.
Try the wedding checklist →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the garter toss always paired with the bouquet toss?
It commonly is, back-to-back at the reception, but the two are independent traditions and either can be done without the other. Some couples do the bouquet toss only.
Does the garter catcher have to dance with the bouquet catcher?
It is a common (optional) add-on: the male garter-catcher and female bouquet-catcher are sometimes brought together for a playful dance, but this is a further embellishment, not part of the core tradition.
Is the garter toss considered old-fashioned?
Many modern American couples view it as dated or overly suggestive and skip it; it remains common at more traditional receptions but is far from universal today.
Related
By Mayank JaiswalLast updated