Wedding Garters: History, FAQs, And Alternatives - Brides

Wearing a garter—a thin band of elastic fabric that was created to hold up a woman's stockings—on your wedding day is a polarizing concept for most brides: Some love the idea, while others feel the accessory (and the traditions associated with them) are antiquated and unnecessary. Regardless of your personal feelings about wearing a garter beneath your wedding dress, there's no denying this bridal fashion accessory is one that has stood the test of time. And while whether or not you choose to wear one is entirely up to you, understanding the history behind it can be helpful when deciding if you plan to embrace this tradition.

Whether you're considering integrating a wedding garter into your look for your big day or are just interested in the origin story behind this piece of lingerie, here, we explain everything you need to know. Plus, we're sharing more about the garter toss tradition, including garter toss alternatives if this wedding reception custom isn't for you. Read on for more.

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What Is a Wedding Garter?

A wedding garter is a piece of bridal lingerie worn under a wedding dress on the upper thigh. Generally made of lace, these thin pieces of fabric feature an elastic band that holds them in place; in years past, their purpose was to hold your stockings up on each of your legs. During the wedding reception, it's become tradition for the bride's partner to remove the garter from underneath her gown (with their hands or teeth) and toss it into a crowd of male wedding guests; whoever catches the garter is meant to put it on the woman who catches the bride's big-day flowers during the bouquet toss.

Today, wedding garters typically come in a ruched, satin style or a lace band. While this accessory is available in a variety of colors, most brides typically select one in white or blue. Some garters even feature delicate bows, appliqués, beading, rhinestones, or crystals. In terms of pricing, a wedding garter can cost anywhere from $15 to $125 (for an extremely ornate one). On average, you can expect to spend $20 to $35 on this accessory.

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 reportedly became so unruly 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 garter toss has become a fun—but entirely optional—reception activity. Whether or not you participate in this ritual is entirely up to you; if you'd rather skip this tradition during your celebration, that's perfectly fine.

How to Wear a Wedding Garter

It's recommended that you wear this accessory just above your knee—the narrowest part of your thigh—to ensure that your garter won’t easily rub against your other leg when walking or dancing. Additionally, if you plan to wear a mermaid or tighter-fitting wedding dress on your big day, the spot 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 place it higher if that feels more comfortable for you.

Many brides choose to wear their garters all day, even if their partner doesn't plan to remove it as part of your reception. If you decide to take this route, wear one made of stretchy lace that will lay flat against your skin, instead of one made of gathered fabric. You can also opt to slip your garter on a few moments before the toss ritual. Simply head to the bathroom, put it on, and head to the dance floor. You can also treat your garter as part of your wedding-night lingerie. In this case, select 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. And if a garter doesn't feel right for you at all? Skip it. You don't have to wear one at any point during your big day.

The biggest thing to remember is to try on your wedding garter before the morning of your big day, as problems with fit are much easier to solve in advance.

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, feel free to wear it on your big day. Alternatively, if you want to pick out your own bridal garter for your nuptials, that's also perfectly acceptable. 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 and make it your own. For instance, if you still want the fun moment of your partner peeling off your garter and then tossing it to the crowd—but don't want to give up your own, consider getting a separate "tossing garter." Additionally, some couples may want to have a garter toss but are uncomfortable with the idea of one partner fishing around for it beneath the other's dress as their parents and grandparents watch. If this is you, simply tailor the ritual to suit your preferences. For example, you can hand your garter to your partner instead of having them find it. And if you're still not excited about the idea of a garter toss even with these modifications? You can skip it entirely. That's perfectly okay.

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