Bridal Garters

SOMETHING BLUE: THE BRIDAL GARTER...

Why do brides traditionally wear bridal garters on their big day? Well, as with many other aspects of the ceremony, the reason is buried in history. Back in less decorous times, it was thought that if you managed to snaffle an item of the bride's clothing, it would bring you luck. Cue lots of rough games as the bride ended up being stripped by the guests!

Thankfully, it's a custom that has fallen into disuse, but it's still the groom's privilege to take off the bride's garter and throw it to the guests, just as the bride tosses her bouquet into the crowd to be caught by one of the single ladies. Superstition has it that if an unmarried male guest catches the wedding garter, he'll be next for the altar, and he should have the next dance with the lady who caught the bouquet.

Today, the bridal garter remains part of the 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue' ritual still observed by many brides. If you don't borrow your garter, we've got a lovely selection! And there's nothing like a garter to enhance a shapely leg...

Click to see all Henry Kaye's affordable bridal garters.

For more useful articles see wedding information.