What Is a Wedding Garter? (2024)

Regardless of your personal feelings about wearing a wedding garter, or lack thereof, this bridal fashion accessory is one that has stood the test of time. And while choosing to wear a garter is strictly a personal decision, understanding its history can help provide a bit of context when deciding whether or not you'd like to embrace this tradition.

So for brides thinking about wearing a wedding garter on the big day, or for those who are just interested in the origin of this piece of lingerie, here's everything you need to know. Plus, details on the garter toss tradition and garter toss alternatives if this wedding reception custom isn't for you.

What Is a Wedding Garter?

A wedding garter is a piece of bridal lingerie worn under a wedding dress (simple enough, right). During the reception, it's tradition for the bride's partner to remove the garter from underneath the bride's gown (with their hands or teeth) and toss it into the crowd.

Today, wedding garters typically come in a ruched, satin style or a lace band, and can be bought in any hue, though most brides typically choose the color white or blue. Some garters even feature delicate bows, appliqués, beading, rhinestones, or crystals. As for pricing, a wedding garter can cost anywhere from $15 to $125 (for an extremely ornate one), with the average price being $20 to $35.

The History of the Garter Toss Tradition

The garter toss tradition originated in the Dark Ages when people believed that having a tatter of the bride’s dress was considered good luck. During this time, crowds of guests became so lewd that they’d often follow the couple to their marital bed, ripping at the couple's clothes as a form of “encouragement,” while hoping to grab a piece of the bridal gown. As a result, the bride and groom started tossing the bouquet and the garters that held up the bride’s stockings as a way to appease the crowd.

In modern times, the wedding garter tradition has transformed into an activity that's become a personal choice for the couple of honor. Whether or not you toss your garter is entirely up to you, and if you'd rather skip this tradition during your reception, that's perfectly okay.

How to Wear a Wedding Garter

While there is no particular leg that's designated for a wedding garter, it is recommended that you wear this accessory just above your knee. This is usually the narrowest part of your thigh and your garter won’t easily rub against your other leg when walking or dancing. Also, if you are wearing a mermaid or tighter-fitting wedding dress, around your knee is where your dress will flare out, making this an ideal location for this piece of lingerie. You can, of course, adjust it and put it higher if that feels more comfortable.

As far as how long you should wear a garter, there are several options for you to consider. Many brides choose to wear their garters all day, even if their partner doesn't plan to remove and toss it into a crowd. If taking this route, it's best to wear one made of soft stretch lace that will lay flat against your skin, instead of one made of gathered fabric. Alternatively, you can slip your garter on a few moments before the throw. Simply head to the bathroom, put it on, and head to the dance floor for the garter toss event.

Lastly, you do have the option to strictly treat your garter as part of yourwedding night lingerie. In this case, pick one that matches the set you've purchased for your first night as newlyweds and stash it away until you've gotten back to the suite.

How to Buy a Wedding Garter

There is no set rule for when and how to buy a wedding garter. If a friend has gifted you one during your bridal shower, you should feel free to wear it as long as you love the style. Alternatively, if you want to pick out your own bridal garter for the big day, that is perfectly acceptable, too.

Another tip? Just be sure to order this piece of lingerie as early as possible. As with all things, if you want a custom garter design, you’ll need to check with the designer on their production time frame.

Alternatives to the Garter Toss Tradition

There are plenty of ways to get creative with the wedding garter tradition to make it your own, and you can modernize it in any way you want to. For instance, if you still want the fun moment of your partner peeling off your garter and then tossing it to the crowd, consider getting a separate "tossing garter". A tossing garter is just an extra garter (often simpler than the main one) that your partner can use so that you keep the real one as a keepsake forever.

Additionally, some brides may want to toss the garter but are uncomfortable with the idea of their partner fishing around for it beneath their dress as their parents and grandparents watch. If this is you, simply tailor the toss to suit you, and opt to hand your garter to your partner instead of having them find it.

In all, do what works best for you and your partner. If that involves the garter toss then great! If not, there are other ways to personalize your reception without embracing this tradition.