Nov 14, 2019 | Wedding Traditions

Nov 14, 2019 | Wedding Traditions

Wedding Traditions: Garter
Danielle Toth
While the garter toss has become increasingly less popular at modern weddings, many brides still choose to wear a garter underneath their wedding dress. So how did this tradition begin? In the past, women commonly wore garters to hold up their stockings, but with the advent of elastic stockings and pantyhose in the 1960s, they became...

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Wedding Traditions: Garter
Danielle Toth

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While the garter toss has become increasingly less popular at modern weddings, many brides still choose to wear a garter underneath their wedding dress. So how did this tradition begin?

In the past, women commonly wore garters to hold up their stockings, but with the advent of elastic stockings and pantyhose in the 1960s, they became less popular, and most modern women no longer wear them.

The garter toss has an interesting history beginning with the medieval belief that obtaining a piece of a bride’s wedding gown would bring good luck, according to BrideBox.com. This led many women to literally rip a bride’s dress to shreds to possess a piece of the precious fabric. 

Eventually, brides began wearing a bridal garter to supply guests with a piece of the dress without damaging it. 

The newlywed couple would also provide the garter to family and friends as proof of the marriage’s consummation. These stakeholders would wait outside the bedroom, often heckling the couple, until the groom provided the prize. Eventually, the groom began the more discreet practice of tossing the garter to guests prior to entering the bedroom, according to Reader’s Digest. 

The tradition eventually evolved to the groom publicly removing the bride’s garter during the reception, usually by ducking under her dress and making a show of pulling it down. The bride typically dons the toss-away garter right before the toss or wears it below a more formal garter reserved for her partner. 

Modern brides typically wear the garter a few inches above the knee to make it easier to remove without showing too much skin to friends and relatives, according to BrideBox.com. This also makes for more tasteful photos. There is no particular leg that is more common for garter wear, so brides most often choose whatever is most comfortable. 

However, the garter toss may eventually cease due to couples’ aversion to the overtly sexual tone of removal in front of their friends and family. 

Interested in the history behind other wedding traditions? Check out our blog on the symbolism behind wedding rings

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Address

4908 Van Epps Rd., Brooklyn Heights, Ohio 44131

Phone Number

(216) - 870 - 4513

Monday - Friday

10AM - 6PM

F.A.Q.

Do I get to meet my DJ?

Of Course! This is your big day, we want you to be comfortable and able to build a rapport with your DJ. We encourage open communication between us and our clients. We can set-up face to face meetings, video calls, and teleconferences.

How do I secure my date?

We ask that when you are ready to book, you give us a signed contract and a $800 deposit. The initial deposit comes off the final balance. After that, you are locked in to your date. Payment plans are available, but we do not require the final balance until a week before your wedding.

Are there any hidden fees?

No. All prices you see include tax, set-up & tear-down, and travel to most places. When paying with credit card there is a 3.8% convenience fee. No fees when paying by check or cash.

Do you work with other vendors?

Yes! While we have partnerships with vendors, we do not require you use them exclusively. You can always book us independently and we’ll ensure that all vendors are on the same page throughout the entire planning process and evening.

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