What Is a Wedding Garter? (2024)

Wearing a garter—a thin band of elastic fabric that was created to hold up a woman's stockings—on your wedding day is a polarizing concept for most brides: Some love the idea while others feel the accessory (and the traditions associated with them) are antiquated and unnecessary. Regardless of your personal feelings about wearing a garter beneath your wedding dress, there's no denying this bridal fashion accessory is one that has stood the test of time. Whether or not you choose to wear a wedding garter is entirely up to you, but understanding their history can be helpful when deciding if you plan to embrace this tradition.

So, for brides thinking about wearing a wedding garter on the big day, or for those who are just interested in the origin of this piece of lingerie, here's everything you need to know. Plus, we're sharing what you need to know about the garter toss tradition and garter toss alternatives if this wedding reception custom isn't for you.

What Is a Wedding Garter?

A wedding garter is a piece of bridal lingerie worn under a wedding dress on the upper thigh. Generally made of lace, these thin pieces of fabric feature an elastic band that holds them in place; in years past, their purpose was to hold a woman's stockings up on each of her legs. During the wedding reception, it's become tradition for the bride's partner to remove the garter from underneath her gown (with their hands or teeth) and toss into the crowd of male wedding guests; whoever catches the garter is meant to put it on the woman who catches the bride's big-day flowers during the bouquet toss.

Today, wedding garters typically come in a ruched, satin style or a lace band, and can be bought in any hue, though most brides typically choose the color white or blue. Some garters even feature delicate bows, appliqués, beading, rhinestones, or crystals. As for pricing, a wedding garter can cost anywhere from $15 to $125 (for an extremely ornate one), with the average price being $20 to $35.

The History of the Garter Toss Tradition

The garter toss tradition originated in the Dark Ages when people believed that having a tatter of the bride’s dress was considered good luck. During this time, crowds of guests became so lewd that they’d often follow the couple to their marital bed, ripping at the couple's clothes as a form of “encouragement,” while hoping to grab a piece of the bridal gown. As a result, the bride and groom started tossing the bouquet and the garters that held up the bride’s stockings as a way to appease the crowd.

In modern times, the wedding garter tradition has become a fun, entirely optional reception activity. Whether or not you toss your garter is entirely up to you, and if you'd rather skip this tradition during your reception, that's perfectly fine.

How to Wear a Wedding Garter

While there is no particular leg that's designated for a wedding garter, it is recommended that you wear this accessory just above your knee. This is usually the narrowest part of your thigh and your garter won’t easily rub against your other leg when walking or dancing. Also, if you are wearing a mermaid or tighter-fitting wedding dress, around your knee is where your dress will flare out, making this an ideal location for this piece of lingerie. You can, of course, adjust it and put it higher if that feels more comfortable.

As far as how long you should wear a garter, there are several options for you to consider. Many brides choose to wear their garters all day, even if their partner doesn't plan to remove and toss it into a crowd. If taking this route, it's best to wear one made of soft stretch lace that will lay flat against your skin, instead of one made of gathered fabric. Alternatively, you can slip your garter on a few moments before the throw. Simply head to the bathroom, put it on, and head to the dance floor for the garter toss event.

You also have the option to treat your garter as part of yourwedding-night lingerie. In this case, pick one that matches the set you've purchased for your first night as newlyweds and stash it away until you've gotten back to the suite. And if a garter doesn't feel right for you at all? Skip it. You don't have to wear one at any point during your big day.

How to Buy a Wedding Garter

There is no set rule for when and how to buy a wedding garter. If a friend has gifted you one during your bridal shower, you should feel free to wear it as long as you love the style. Alternatively, if you want to pick out your own bridal garter for the big day, that is perfectly acceptable, too.

Another tip? Just be sure to order this piece of lingerie as early as possible. As with all things, if you want a custom garter design, you’ll need to check with the designer on their production time frame.

Alternatives to the Garter Toss Tradition

There are plenty of ways to get creative with the wedding garter tradition to make it your own, and you can modernize it in any way you want to. For instance, if you still want the fun moment of your partner peeling off your garter and then tossing it to the crowd, consider getting a separate "tossing garter." A tossing garter is just an extra garter (often simpler than the main one) that your partner can use so that you cherish the real one as a keepsake.

Additionally, some couples may want to have a garter toss but are uncomfortable with the idea of one partner fishing around for it beneath the other partner's dress as their parents and grandparents watch. If this is you, simply tailor the toss to suit you. You can hand your garter to your partner instead of having them find it.

Still not crazy about the idea of a garter toss, even with these modifications? You can skip it entirely.