Very few brides follow all wedding traditions to the letter, although almost everyone still throws a garter. Not being married myself, yet, I still have to wrap my head around the guy-getting-his-hands-under-your-dress and throwing your, hopefully-not-to-sweaty, garter to a bunch of overly excited bachelors.

Trying to make sense of the madness I went searching for answers. First Google was helpful with history. Several centuries ago, it was believed that owning a piece of the bride’s dress would bring the possessor good luck. This would often end up with the wedding dress being ripped and ruined. Therefore, the brides started wearing garters to save their dresses. It used to be the bride who would throw the garter to the eligible men. It is said that occasionally the men at the wedding would become too drunk and try to vigorously remove the garter from the bride. The groom would then get involved and remove the garter from the bride to protect her. These days the groom throws the garter to bachelors at the wedding, the one who catches the garter is said to be next in line to tie the knot.

I then asked my happily married sister what she thought of this popular wedding tradition and what it meant for her on her wedding day. She said it is the most fun of all the traditions. She felt sexy and a bit naughty when her blindfolded hubby fumbled with removing it from her leg.

I am not completely convinced that this is something I want to do at my wedding. I need more input! The topic is now open for discussion on the community, please join in and tell me why you think a garter is still so popular.

Here are some delightful garters, if garter throwing is for you.

Make them, buy them or borrow them!

Order these garters from Etsy.com