Fun Wedding Photography | Bouquet Toss

A lot of couples think the tradition of throwing the bouquet at garter is sort of old fashioned and more and more we’re seeing couples stop doing the bouquet toss and garter toss.  I have to admit though, I actually really like both.

Traditionally the bride faces away from a crowd of single women, all jockeying for the front, and then throws her bouquet over her shoulder for one of them to catch. The one who catches the bouquet is supposed to be next in line to wed. Although this may seem like a cheesy tradition I actually enjoy it for a few different reasons.

• Bouquet tosses always get people out on the dance floor. Most brides head out to the dance floor to throw the bouquet. The DJ sets up a lively party song (nowadays often the overplayed “Single Ladies” by Beyoncé) and everyone dives for the bouquet. Afterwards the song continues and everyone stays out on the dance floor groovin’ because they are excited, so if your dance floor wasn’t packed before it often is after. For this reason I recommend doing the garter toss first and the bouquet toss after because girls are more likely to stay on the floor and dance than guys are. Be sure to select a really good party anthem to throw the bouquet to. Popular songs I’ve heard at weddings this year that get the dance floor hopping are: “I’ve Got a Feelin'” by Black Eyed Peas, “September” by Earth Wind and Fire and “Let’s Go” by Calvin Harris ft Ne-Yo. If your DJ setup includes party lights ask them to flick them on as soon as the bouquet is caught.
• The Bouquet toss always gets guests involved in the wedding. For a lot of the day guests are sitting and watching but don’t always get to be an active participant in the wedding like the wedding party and immediate family do. It’s a really great way to interact with your guests, and put a smile on their faces. It’s good luck, and it’s fun, which is why the tradition has been around since the 14th century! (Just be glad they didn’t tear your dress apart trying to tear a piece of good luck off for themselves, like they did back in the 14th century!)
• It creates a festive and fun photo opportunity. Not only are pictures of girls clamoring for the bride’s bouquet often hilarious, people continue to laugh and smile and joke about it long after the bouquet has been tossed and that natural laughter always makes for energetic and fun wedding reception pictures. Check out some of our favourites below.