When it comes to grooms and the garter toss, there are some important Do’s and Don’ts. If done discretely, the garter toss can be a fun and much celebrated tradition. As a symbolic gesture of the groom tossing his old life away in exchange for his new married life, the garter toss is a way of passing good fortune on to whomever catches it. As tradition, anything that the bride wears is believed to feature good luck, which is why the garter toss dates back to ancient times. The man who catches the garter is thought to be the next to wed.

Now that the basics are covered, it’s important that everyone follows the proper etiquette for tossing the garter.

Grooms And The Garter Toss Tip # 1

Do not remove the garter with your teeth, which is just poor taste. Instead, gently raise the bride’s dress just enough so that the garter can be removed while being discrete at the same time.

Grooms And The Garter Toss Tip # 2

The bride should always be seated as the groom removes the garter. Additionally, she should be pointed to the side so as to not be facing the crowd directly as her garter is removed.

Grooms And The Garter Toss Tip # 3

Before the garter toss is to occur, the bride may want to slide the garter down from it’s usual placement on her upper thigh to just above her knee. This will allow for a more tactful removal of the garter and will make it easier for the groom.

Grooms And The Garter Toss Tip # 4

If the bride wishes to be especially discrete, she may rather remove the garter herself before handing it to the groom for tossing.

Grooms And The Garter Toss Tip # 5

Traditionally, the woman who catches the bouquet and the man who catches the garter are expected to either share a dance, a photo opportunity or both.

When it comes to grooms and the garter toss, the decision as to whether this tradition will become a part of your wedding is a choice that only the couple can make. The best thing about having your wedding is that it is YOUR wedding and you get to decide what is, and what is not, included. If you like the tradition of grooms and the garter toss, include it in your special day. If you would rather skip it, keep the garter for your wedding album.