What Is The Tradition Behind The Wedding Garter?

The Garter Toss Tradition

The garter toss remains popular at American weddings. During the reception, the groom removes the bride's garter—often to playful music—and tosses it to the unmarried male guests. The man who catches it is said to be the next to marry.

Some couples pair the garter toss with the bouquet toss, with the catcher of the garter placing it on the leg of the woman who caught the bouquet. However, many modern couples choose to skip the garter toss entirely, finding it a bit outdated or preferring to keep the garter as a private memento.

If you're planning a garter toss, consider having a second "toss garter" so you can keep your beautiful bridal garter as a keepsake. Our tulle garters make perfect toss garters—lightweight and elegant.

The Garter Removal

When the garter removal happens at a wedding, it typically takes place during the reception after the cake cutting. The bride sits on a chair while the groom removes the garter, usually from the left leg (though there's no strict rule).

The removal can be as playful or tasteful as you like—some grooms make a show of it, while others keep it quick and elegant. The key is doing whatever feels right for you as a couple.

Not planning a public removal? That's perfectly fine. In the UK especially, most brides prefer to keep their garter private—worn for themselves and their partner, without the reception spectacle.

UK vs US: How Traditions Differ

The wedding garter tradition varies significantly between the UK and America:

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

British brides typically keep their garter private—a romantic detail for themselves and their partner. The garter toss is rare at UK weddings. Instead, the garter becomes a treasured keepsake, often stored with the wedding dress or in a memory box.

🇺🇸 United States

The garter toss remains a popular reception tradition at American weddings. The groom removes the garter and throws it to single male guests, mirroring the bouquet toss. Many brides buy a separate "toss garter" to keep their main garter as a memento.

What Does the Garter Symbolise?

Throughout history, the wedding garter has symbolised different things: luck, fertility, proof of consummation, and romance. Today, it primarily represents tradition and intimacy—a beautiful bridal accessory that connects modern brides to centuries of wedding history.

For many brides, the garter also serves as their "something blue," tying into the well-known wedding rhyme. Our something blue collection features garters with delicate blue ribbons, crystals, and silk accents.

Helpful Garter Guides

• What is a garter?
• Which leg does a garter go on?
• How to measure for your garter
• Who buys the garter?

Handcrafted in England

Every Britten garter is made by hand in our Bath studio using the finest silks, laces, and tulles. Whether you're embracing the garter toss tradition or keeping yours as a private keepsake, you'll find something beautiful in our garter collection.

Have questions about choosing the perfect garter? Get in touch—we're always happy to help.