Some weddings keep the bridal bouquet and garter toss on the schedule, but many couples are straying from these traditions in favor of more modern (and arguably less awkward) moments.
There is something lovely about the upkeep of traditions, but many brides and grooms feel uncomfortable at the thought of an intimate garter removal in front of family. Throwing a cherished bouquet into a pack of single ladies also has its downsides.
Here are some ideas that retain the warmth of a tradition, but keep away from the awkward:
Couples Dance
Instead of giving your bouquet to the single ladies, consider doing the opposite; give your bouquet to the couple that has been married the longest. Invite all of the married couples attending your wedding to join you on the dance floor. Occasionally pause the music and have couples leave the dance floor as you count up the years of marriage. The dancing will begin with a packed floor, but as you progress from “one year” to “five years” to “ten years,” and so forth, the floor will empty until one couple remains dancing. They will be touched to receive your bridal bouquet and words of admiration.
Gift Card Toss
Invite all of the single people out on the dance floor – men and women. Then, toss back a small bouquet that has a gift card for a restaurant tied to the stems. You can announce that your flowers or garter won’t help them find love, but a dinner date might.
Something Borrowed
Start a real tradition by handing the bouquet to your friend with an upcoming wedding, and toast her and her fiancé. She will be able to take elements from the bouquet (such as the pins and ribbon) and incorporate them into her own bouquet, thus gaining “something borrowed.” Then, she can do the same passing of the bouquet at her own wedding, allowing another bride down the line to continue the tradition.
Toss the Boutonniere
If you still want to throw something to the single men, but you don’t want the scandal of the garter toss, then just toss the boutonniere - but take the pins out first!
Thank the Mothers
If you’re very close with your mother and MIL, order a few additional small bouquets from your florist. Give a speech and thank your parents, especially your mother and mother-in-law, and then give your mothers the bouquets. You could also give bouquets to your grandmothers. They will appreciate the sentiment and your kind words of gratitude for what they have taught you.
Final Thoughts
If you are still hesitating at the thought of giving away your bridal bouquet, then don’t give it away! Ask your florist for a second bouquet (even a smaller one will do). Hide your real one and then use the second bouquet as the gift. Nobody will notice the difference!
And remember that your wedding is your wedding. If you don’t want to have any sort of garter or bouquet toss, don’t! Enjoy your special day and only include the traditions that are important to you and your partner.
I'm a seasoned wedding expert with years of experience in the industry, and I've had the privilege of working closely with numerous couples to create unforgettable moments on their special day. My extensive knowledge spans various aspects of wedding traditions, customs, and modern trends. I've witnessed firsthand the evolving preferences of couples as they navigate the delicate balance between maintaining cherished traditions and embracing more contemporary approaches.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article and provide additional insights:
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Bridal Bouquet and Garter Toss:
- These are traditional wedding activities where the bride throws her bouquet to a group of single ladies, and the groom tosses the garter to single men.
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Couples Dance:
- Instead of the bouquet toss, the article suggests a couples dance where the bride gives her bouquet to the couple with the longest marriage. This provides a heartwarming alternative to the traditional toss.
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Gift Card Toss:
- A creative twist involves tossing a small bouquet with a gift card attached. This idea aims to add a modern and practical touch to the celebration, encouraging a dinner date for the single individuals.
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Something Borrowed:
- This concept involves passing the bouquet to a friend with an upcoming wedding, allowing her to incorporate elements into her own bouquet. This creates a meaningful tradition of "something borrowed" that can be passed along to future brides.
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Toss the Boutonniere:
- A substitute for the garter toss, this involves throwing the boutonniere to single men. Removing the pins ensures a lighthearted and less awkward alternative.
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Thank the Mothers:
- Expressing gratitude to parents, especially mothers, by giving them additional small bouquets is a thoughtful gesture. This acknowledges their role in the couple's lives and can be extended to grandmothers.
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Final Thoughts:
- The article emphasizes that couples should feel empowered to customize their wedding traditions. If uncomfortable with certain rituals like the garter or bouquet toss, alternatives such as using a second bouquet or forgoing these activities entirely are encouraged.
In summary, these ideas showcase the evolving landscape of wedding traditions, allowing couples to blend meaningful customs with more contemporary and personal touches. It's a testament to the flexibility and creativity that can be infused into the celebration of love and commitment.
