We are all about tradition.
But, we are also all about making sure that your wedding stays true to you as a couple. If this means abandoning wedding "traditions" or starting new ones of your own, we are game.
Photo: Sarah Libby Photography
Maybe you're trying to decide on whether or not to do a first look, or are scrambling to find your "something borrowed." Whatever you're debating within the "traditions" realm, it's important to remember that at the end of the day, your wedding day is about you + your honey, and you shouldn't feel obligated to do something or constrained by activities like a garter toss if it's not really your thing!
That said, we have seen some really hilarious and awesome garter tosses throughout our years as planners. Again, it's up to you and what you feel comfortable with/want to include! There is NEVER a wrong answer! It's your wedding, after all!
When you take a step back and look at the garter toss for what it is, it's just an activity to engage your guests. The bride has the bouquet toss, and the groom has the garter toss. If you want to replace the garter toss with something else, you should definitely go with something that involves your guests just as much!
So, as promised, here are a few alternatives to the garter toss :-)
1. If the taking-the-garter-off part is what has you + your honey hung up, don't do it!
Not into the idea of your honey getting under your dress to take the garter off? It's not for everyone, and that is okay! Maybe you're worried about the modesty of the guests, or your own modesty! Maybe your honey doesn't like the attention. All of that is TOTALLY OKAY! But, if you still want to have a garter toss, you can! Pro tip: keep an already-off garter on-hand for him to throw later. He can keep the thing in his pocket until it's time, if he wants to! Easy compromise!
2. If the idea of a garter toss doesn't align with what you want, replace it!
There are a variety of alternatives out there. You can facilitate a game with your guests, like freeze dance, the wedding shoe game, trivia, karaoke, wedding speech bingo, and more! At the end of the day, the garter toss is a group activity that holds the attention of the bulk of your guests. If you're worried about losing some sort of group element, but don't want to include the garter toss, just replace it and move on! Everyone still has a good time - especially you and your honey for staying true to your wants and needs!
3. If group activities aren't on the list of things you want to include in your wedding, don't have them!
There are things you can include instead, though, for the entertainment of your guests. Giant Jenga, corn hole, I-Spy games at the reception, funny themed ad-libs on every table, checkers, a really fun DJ that gets the party going... opportunities are again, nearly endless, and we would love to explore these with you more!
Like we said, at the end of the day, this is YOUR wedding. If a garter or bouquet toss doesn't sound like you, then no worries. It's your day. You shouldn't include or exclude something because you feel like you have to!
Have any questions, comments, ideas, or maybe you need some help through your wedding planning process? Please don’t hesitate to contact us at hello@xoeventco.com. We would absolutely love to help you make all your wedding day dreams come true!