Feature Photo by: Kelly Lane Photography
Whether the thought of a wedding garter toss tradition makes you laugh or cringe, it’s one that has stood the test of time. Even brides that choose to ditch the garter toss can still wear a garter as a sexy addition to the wedding night.
What is a garter?
A garter is a piece of bridal lingerie worn under the wedding dress around either one of your legs. It is a tradition that during the reception, the groom will remove the garter from underneath the bride’s gown with his hands or if you’re feeling frisky, his teeth and tosses it into the crowd. Think of it as the boys’ version of the bouquet toss as the bachelor that catches the garter is said to be the next married.
Photos by: Kelly Lane Photography
Where did this tradition originate?
The wedding garter tradition originated in the Dark Ages. Back in those times, the bridesmaids start with the weary bride to the wedding chamber when suddenly the cry arises, ‘Get her garter’… If the woman has been thoughtful, she has fastened it loosely to the bottom of her dress so that it drags in plain view of the town’s bachelors; if she has not been a wise virgin, she may find her clothes in rags after the struggle.” It was also considered good luck having a tatter of the bride’s dress. In the 20th century garters were the modern suspender that held up a woman’s tights or stockings.
Do you have to toss the garter?
Every couple is different! If you’re sweating bullets about the thought of your groom underneath your dress in front of your parents and grandparents, skip it! You can either skip it all together or have it as a sexy addition to your wedding night. Modern brides are also opting for a garter as a family heirloom. Whether you wear your mom’s garter from her wedding or create a new one with vintage pieces. One of our favorites, La Gartier, designs custom, hand-made garters that allow the bride to choose her style to match her personality. Fashion your garter to be made from your mother or grandmother’s wedding dress for a vintage touch or an important piece such as a piece of a tie, a pin, or a sports uniform logo from your soon to be hubby for the sweetest sentimental touch. Finish it off with your initials and wedding date! Sarah, the owner of La Gartier, takes her passion for creativity and attention to detail to craft an elegant piece that will last the test of time.
Photo by: Kelly Lane Photography
Shop their garters here.
Now here are 15 of our favorite graters to finish off your bridal look!
1. BHLDN | Rosalind Garter
Looking for a little something blue? This romantic, no-fuss garter was named for the unearthly beauty that is spoken of but never appears in Romeo and Juliet. We find the sweetheart light blue bow the perfect finishing touch!
2. La Gartier | Vienna Garter
If you’re the girl that wants and loves the glitz and glam that comes with being a bride, this is the one for you. This garter is made out of a solid sparkling rhinestone band. Three star-like nebulas flank and center the front of this gorgeous design, while two brilliant, large Swarovski crystals sit to the left and right of the center nebula. The back half of this garter features a back band made of satin, elastic and just a touch of sparkle.
Photo by: Kelly Lane Photography
3. La Gartier | Hayley Garter
This gorgeous moonstone garter is made with a mixture of round-cut clear gemstones and marquise-cut opal moonstones. If you look closely at the main band, you will see exactly a few gorgeous milky white opal stones, encircled with two braids of clear Swarovski crystals. It is then finished off with 5 show-stopping round-cut gems, which light up like diamonds. The back band is made from a soft elastic band, created to lie extremely flat to the leg for a seamless, barely there look that is also comfortable. Fun fact: Hayley Paige wore this exact garter in 2015.
Photo by: Kelly Lane Photography
4. Hanky Panky | Créme de la Créme Thong & Garter Set
Feeling fun and flirty? This sweet pink low rise thong and garter set is for the romantic at heart with a soft and sheer mesh front panel and garter that is finished off with a touch of gold shimmer for some added glam.
5. Heirloom Bridal | Blue Lace Rhinestone Garter Set
We love this light blue garter that is adornded with rhinestones in an elegant floral like pattern. This is perfect for your something blue!
6. The Garter Girl | The You Glow, Girl Garter
This heirloom garter is for the bride who wants to outshine everyone with a personal style all her own! This Audrey Hepburn like style wedding garter sparkles with its faux pearls that flow like waves and an ivory satin fabric. It is designed to be the ultimate wedding day treat that you’ll never forget!
7. The Garter Girl | Shine Bright Like a Diamond Garter
Shine like the diamond you are in this garter that features sequins and sparkly floral lace from a vintage wedding dress. This is an unforgettable heirloom that is like whoa! Plus with the vintage lace detail it can double as your something new and something old!
8. The Garter Girl | Soul Mate Garter
Want to add a little spice to your bridal look? Check out the Soul Mate garter that only the most stylish brides will appreciate to adorn black on their wedding day. The Soul Mate style wedding garter is the ultimate in refined elegance with layers of lace, delicate satin, and soft velvet.
9. The Garter Girl | Just Say Yes Garter
Say “hello” to The Garter Girl’s Just Say Yes collection that are stylishly designed and expertly handcrafted- just in time for your wedding. Perfect for those “I totally forgot about this until the last minute” wedding planning moments! You can’t forget your something blue which this garter is finished off with light blue floral spirals.
10. Love and Peony | Off White Bridal Lace Garter No. 7
This elegant lace bridal garter features an off white satin background that is delicately draped over a beautiful off white eyelash lace. It is finished off with a champagne satin bow that comes in 4 different colors to choose from as well as pearls in the center. A perfect lace garter for you spring brides.
11. Love and Peony | Bridal Rhinestone Garter No. 1
This bridal garter features a delicate pear shaped rhinestone fringe and is finished off with a white satin elastic band, or you can choose from 4 other color options. We think this boho glam garter is perfect for you Rocky Mountain babes!
12. Love and Peony | Simple Lace Bridal Garter No.12
Simple yet beautiful this off white lace garter comes in several personalized embroidery details, including your new name, wedding date, or monogram. Pick from 4 options of lace that lay flat on your leg, making it perfect for a tight fitting dress!
13. Gilda & Pearl | Esmé Garter
This garter is for the fashion forward bride! As we’ve predicted for the 2022 wedding season, feathers are going to be a major trend in wedding dresses, robes, jackets, and even lingerie! An ivory silk charmeuse band and light-as-air feathers line the trim of this delightfully dreamy garter. This is the perfect accessory for the glamorous bride who can pair it with the matching tie-side knicker, bra and robe for a major feather fashion moment!
14. Etsy | Embroidered White Garter
Say it all with your new name for your garter and for your toss garter opt for the sassy “You’re Next” garter for the one lucky bachelor to claim.
15. Etsy | Champagne Floral Garter
This romantic flirty garter is perfect for the girly girl wanting an extra feminine touch to her bridal look. Choose from a light blue, grey, or champagne floral lace appliqué.
Check out our Pinterest Board for all bridal wedding accessories inspiration and come back every Friday for more fashion and beauty tips and tricks!
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