Are there any new or modern traditions as alternative to the garter and bouquet tosses??
My fiance and I are not having a very traditional wedding, we are exchanging vows in Las Vegas. We don’t have very many single friends, so we won’t be doing a traditional garter/bouquet toss at the reception. Are there any new or modern traditions being done these days? I’ve tried to find some ideas and all I have discovered is the “aniversary dance” which seems pretty quaint and some silly Vaudevillian style garter activities.
Thanks – Samantha
Donna, Wedding Queen, President; Top Wedding Sites, Inc®, a wedding planning guide, and Recent Mother of the Groom –
Will there be any small children?
Samantha –
Actually, no children it will be all adults.
Reverend Susanna Stefanachi Macomb
Author of Wedding Celebrations, A Practical Guide for Couples
At one of my couple’s wedding, they played this game where all the single woman had to pass the salt shaker while music played in the background. When the music stopped, whoever was holding the saltshaker got to keep the bouquet. You could do the same with the garter, the men and the pepper shaker! It was fun and lighthearted to watch.
Blessings and much joy to you!
Rev. Susanna
Reverend Susanna Stefanachi Macomb
Author of Wedding Celebrations, A Practical Guide for Couples
Sorry, I didn’t read your e-mail carefully. You did say that you don’t have many single friends. So, here is a different suggestion.
Staying with the musical salt shaker theme, you can do it at the reception, at every table, first just for the ladies. Whoever is left holding the salt shaker gets to take home the centerpiece. The man who is left with the pepper shaker has to bring drinks from the bar for every woman at the table! Well, you get the gist…
Blessings,
Rev. Susanna Stefanachi Macomb
Dawna Smith Custom Photo Book & DVD Services
You could substitute the traditional “money dance” in favor of a FUN auction for the bouquet and garter. If you’re not in need of extra funds, you could donate the funds to your favorite charity and let your guests know prior to the auction. This would be a great opportunity to get your DJ/MC involved and have them coordinate, make up some funny rules, etc.
If you’re not too shy, prior to the auction you might want to chat with your fiancee and ask about “drawing out” the garter scene with some really good accompanying music, which would allow your photographyer/videographer amaple opportunity to capture the moment.
One wedding we attended, the groom orchestrated such a scenario, slowly taking his time and playing the crowd for all he was worth. By the time the groom had removed the garter, the guests had joined in the fun with lots of laughter and good natured teasing.
Donna, Wedding Queen, President; Top Wedding Sites, Inc®, a wedding planning guide, and Recent Mother of the Groom –
This is a terrific idea but if you could come up with a way to do it without using real money I’d like it better. I’m never a big fan of having my guests dip into their pocket for anything right there at the event. Too much pressure to come up with the cash…could prove embarrassing for those who don’t have the money or don’t wish to give.
Just my 2 cents…errrr…well…no money right….?
Samantha,
At my sister’s wedding she gave her bouquet to the couple who had been married the longest. All of the married couples were asked to come to the dance floor. The DJ would then ask people to leave the dance floor by saying..those who were married today, please leave the floor; those who have been marreid less than 5 years please leave the floor; and so on. Then, the last couple standing was asked to say how long they had been married and the wife was given the bouquet. It was very sweet and honored a life time of commitment. I think it would be great for your wedding as you said you don’t have many single friends. Good luck with your wedding.
photos via SMP