The Tradition of the Blue Wedding Garter

Many wedding traditions we see today originate from centuries-old customs, and one of the most recognizable is the blue wedding garter. This small accessory connects to the famous wedding rhyme:

“Something old, something new,
Something borrowed, something blue.”

This rhyme dates back to Victorian England in the 1800s, when each item symbolized a wish for the bride’s marriage. The “something blue” represented purity, love, and fidelity—qualities people hoped would guide the couple throughout their life together.

Why Brides Wear a Garter

The garter tradition actually comes from early European wedding customs. At one time, guests believed it was good luck to take a piece of the bride’s clothing after the ceremony. As you can imagine, this sometimes became chaotic, with guests attempting to grab parts of the dress for luck.

To avoid damaging the gown, brides began wearing a separate garter that could be removed and shared instead. Over time, this evolved into the modern garter toss, where the groom tosses the garter to unmarried guests during the reception.

The Meaning Behind the Tradition

While today it is often seen as a fun reception tradition, the garter actually has symbolic meaning tied to wedding history.

Blue
Represents fidelity, loyalty, and lasting love.

The garter
Serves as a symbolic piece of the bride’s attire that can be shared as a good-luck token.

The toss
Traditionally, the groom tosses the garter to unmarried men, similar to the bouquet toss for women.

The garter toss became especially popular in American weddings during the 20th century, and it remains a playful tradition at many receptions.

Modern Ways Brides Are Reimagining the Garter

While some couples keep the traditional toss, many brides today are finding new and creative ways to incorporate the garter into their celebration.

Cut-and-Share Garter

Instead of tossing it to one person, the groom can cut the garter into small ribbon pieces and share them with guests. This nods to the original European belief that a piece of the bride’s attire brings good luck.

Lucky Ribbon Garter

Attach multiple ribbons to the garter and have guests each pull one ribbon. Only one ribbon releases the garter, creating a fun, interactive moment during the reception.

Anniversary Blessing

The garter can be given to the longest-married couple, a newlywed couple, or someone celebrating a milestone anniversary as a symbol of lasting love.

Prize Toss

Couples sometimes attach a small prize to the garter—such as a bottle of champagne, scratch-off tickets, or a date-night gift card—making the toss feel more like a celebration for everyone.

Bridal Party Keepsake

Some brides choose to cut pieces of the garter ribbon and give them to bridesmaids or close friends as a sentimental keepsake and good-luck token.

A Small Tradition with Meaning

Whether it’s used in a traditional garter toss or reimagined in a more modern way, the blue garter remains a charming piece of wedding history. It connects today’s brides to centuries of tradition while still allowing couples to make the moment their own.

At The Persnickety Bride, we love helping brides find meaningful accessories that add personality and tradition to their wedding day—from veils and jewelry to special details like a beautiful “something blue.”