Garter Toss / Bouquet Toss Advice

No, I've seen lots of brides who had a bouquet toss and not a garter toss.

Thanks! I was thinking it would be strange just because it would stand alone, but as I was writing, I realized that if I follow it up with cake, then everyone's happy - or in a sugar coma.

Thanks, KT! That's a really helpful reminder

Nope, that's exactly what we're doing! We aren't conservative or shy at all, but neither of us wanted to do a garter toss...it's just not something we wanted to do. I am doing a bouquet toss, so instead of giving my bouquet to the longest married couple for the anniversary dance, I'm giving them a gift card for a nice dinner out. You can really do anything you want at your wedding. There are no rules these days...

That was odd that my thank-you is above your post!

It happens a lot lately...makes for an interesting read

No! It's perfectly fine!

I'm not crazy about it either.

No, I have seen just a bouquet toss, or just a garter toss. You can do whatever you heart wants you to do!

I don't see why you couldn't omit the garter toss. It's your wedding, you do what you want! :-)

I hate the garter toss. Get rid of it.

Not strange at all... in fact, we decided to omit the garter toss, and did the anniversary dance at my wedding with the boquet, for those exact reasons!!

If I read correctly, there are two things going on. First and foremost, you don't want to do a garter toss. No worries... you can toss that idea out the window!

Second issue is, you're having a reception without a DJ, for 50 guests or less. A simple iPod/docking station for background music will do fine. My guess is you don't want much/if any dancing at all, and you are not looking forward to the whole "grand entrance" announcement, first dance, etc.. Chances are any toasts or presentations/announcements can be done without much ado, without a microphone or sound system... assuming your speakers can project their voices.

With only 50 guests... and assuming at least 20-30 family members... the whole idea of a bouquet toss seems also questionable to me. If you're going to have a bouquet toss for 5 single women... it's not going to be much fun for them... or for your guests to watch.

I would even encourage you to bypass the bouquet...

Good luck!

November its your Day..........and you can tailor your wedding the way you want it..... Nothing is set in stone by anyone BUT YOU!!!!! I am doing both but the garter toss first and the bouquet toss towards the end of the reception. Thats just what I read can be done..... The reason for garter toss is because I plan to change for the reception and i want to be comfortable for the remaining of the evening.

@MCDJCarlos - I think you hit the nail pretty well on the head. I hadn't considered that there would only be a handful of women involved in the bouquet toss - that makes a big difference.

@Celia Milton - there's something that made me giggle about the finality of your post. No wishy-washy maybes. I hate it too! I appreciate your insight across the boards.

I really appreciate everyone's advice!

It seems like there's definitely NO garter toss, but something or other will still be done with the bouquet. Whether it is a bouquet toss, or gifting it. We'll see!

My fiance and I are also quite conservative and I've decided we won't be doing a garter toss either. When I attend weddings I feel embarrassed just watching the removal/toss of the garter, so I can't imagine how embarrassed I'd be if it was me! Lol! I haven't decided on the bouquet toss, but what you said about giving it to the longest married couple sounds really nice.

@ Hilary C and November: I have always felt a bit embarrassed at the retrieval/tossing of the garter, too. Always thought it was just me! I don't mind it so much if a groom uses his hand, but so often lately they use their mouth, and all I can think is that people's grandparents are watching...! I, along with every other commentator here, say it's your day - you choose what you want! It won't matter to anyone but you.

I'm glad I'm not the only one out there - I thought maybe I was just too easily embarrassed and making a big deal out of "tradition".

FH pointed out that the longest married couple will most likely be his grandparents, whom I absolutely adore, so I am definitely more inclined to go that route.

@ November, we are doing neither. We are only having twenty-five people and although we are having a DJ, just don't think it makes sense to do it. I don't even know if I am even wearing a garter belt. I don't even know/ remember the reason why it is even used.