Bridal garters were once functional but are now worn for aesthetic and traditional purposes. They come in many styles and colors, and are often thrown to unmarried male guests at weddings. The tradition is believed to have started in England or France during the 14th century and evolved from more invasive customs.
A bridal garter is an accessory that a bride wears around her thigh under her wedding dress. In the past, garters were used for functional purposes, as they were necessary to hold up a woman’s stockings. While garters are no longer required for function, many women, particularly brides, still wear them for aesthetic and traditional purposes.
There are many style variations for the modern bridal garter. A standard garter is usually a band of elastic fabric, usually white, and trimmed with lace, bows, or other decorations. Many brides choose a garter with blue accents because of the saying, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” Some brides may take the opportunity to color-coordinate the garter with the color of their attendants’ gown.
In the United States, the wedding tradition of garter throwing is fairly standard, with a few variations. It is often done in conjunction with the tossing of the bridal bouquet. Traditionally, the groom removes the bridal garter from the bride’s leg and throws it to the unmarried male guests. The bride tosses her bouquet to the unmarried guests, and the people who catch the items will supposedly be the next to get married, though not necessarily each other. Many brides will choose to wear two garters, so that one is thrown away and one can be saved as a keepsake.
The garter tradition is believed to have started in England or France during the 14th century. There are several theories about the development of the tradition that is currently observed. One is that, historically, it was considered good luck to obtain a bridal garment, leading guests to attempt to rip off parts of the wedding dress. Brides then began the practice of throwing away personal items, such as the bridal garter, in substitution.
Another theory is that the modern tradition evolved from an old English custom in which guests followed the newly married couple into the wedding chambers and attempted to steal the stockings belonging to the bride and groom. The guests would throw the stockings over their shoulders, attempting to hit the newlyweds, and would be blessed with good luck if they were successful. It is generally believed that the modern tradition of garter throwing has evolved from these more invasive customs.
The tradition of throwing away a bridal garter continues to be observed and enjoyed by many couples today. There are nearly limitless options for contemporary garter color, style, and customization. By joining storied tradition and modern innovation in design and fashion, new brides can add a personal touch to this long-standing wedding ritual.
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