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Today we are talking garter toss and how to do the whole thing the classy, more traditional way. I'm going to give you my best tips for cutting out the awkwardness and making it a fun experience for everyone!
We've all heard the garter horror stories at weddings, maybe you've witnessed or been a part of a few! (And these don't always involve alcohol!) I'll even spare you some of the insane wedding garter toss pictures that can be found with a simple Google search. Suffice to say that a lot can go wrong during the wedding garter toss ceremony at any wedding reception, even to the nicest most well meaning of just married couples!
For my next installment of wedding garter 101, I'm talking garter toss and how to do it the classy way. You can do the garter toss all types of ways, but if you are looking to keep it timeless and more traditional, this post is for you!
Remember, in the blog series I'm sharing anything and everything about the wedding garter. So, if you have more questions look around, you might find what you are looking for!
Photo Credit: Renee Hollingshead
If you want to do the wedding garter toss ceremony, here are a few quick tips to help make the whole tradition go a lot smoother and to help you end up with wedding photos that you are excited about!
Relax
Yes, you have to take a deep breath and just go with it! It is your wedding day, you are already married, the hard part is over! If you are tense or worried, it will show. Try to relax, enjoy the moment and have a good time.
Pick A Song In Advance
Often times you wedding band or DJ will allow you to choose your songs in advance for the different parts of the reception. They might even be able to make some suggestions for songs like the first dance, wedding party entrance and even the garter toss. Talk to your fiance' in advance and pick a song that you can both agree on. Preferably one that will put you at ease and get you excited! Remember that there might be a few grandparents in the room, so if you want to go the classy route stick with something that won't offend delicate ears.
Your DJ or band might have some awesome garter toss song suggestion here, so don't feel like you are alone in picking a song! Ask their opinion, that's what they are there for!
Talk It Over
Before you are sitting in that chair, make sure you and your fiance' are on the same page about how the garter toss should go down. Talk to him/her in advance about what you want and what would make you and your guests comfortable. This is not the time for surprises!
In addition to your partner, be sure to talk it over with your wedding planner or event coordinator. They need to know that you want to do the garter toss, so they will be able to get you a chair and be all prepared so you aren't scrambling. As with all things, they happen better when planned out and everyone is in the loop!
Pull Your Wedding Dress Up
Some of the worst wedding photos are the ones where the poor partner has his or her head up the bride's dress looking for the garter! It is dark under there!
Help your partner out and pull your dress up a little bit. It makes for beautiful photos with your dress pulled up a little bit and a huge smile on your face!
Extend Your Leg
Put your leg out slightly, but not too much so that you give your wedding guests a sneak peek of too much! Any help or direction that you can provide your partner will be appreciated.
It will make those wedding photos much less awkward! It seems odd to put out your leg, but I promise it will help!
Don't Look At The Camera
The worst thing you can do is to be worried about where the camera is and to try to pose for photos. Trust that your wedding photographer will do his/her job and get the good pictures of your garter toss moment.
Some of the best wedding photos are the candid shots when the couples are relaxed, having fun and being themselves. Just do your thing and your photographer will find you!
Keep Your Eyes On Your Partner
One thing that might really freak you out is scanning the crowd and seeing grandparents and friends all gathered around. Keep your focus on your partner and try to enjoy the moment. This is just like not looking for your wedding photographer, block everyone else out and focus on the moment and try to have as much fun as possible!
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Any other garter toss tips that I'm missing? I'd love to know your advice for classing up the wedding garter ceremony.
Remember, you can shop for blue, vintage, classic and modern garter heirlooms anytime in my garter shop or get in touch with me at info@thegartergirl.com for information on custom designing a garter just for you!
If you have any more garter questions, check out my garter 101 blog series or find all of my wedding planning advice here on my blog.
