The Bouquet Toss: A Fascinating Tradition

Let's delve into the bouquet toss, shall we? What does it mean, and why have it? How can everyone be included? How do you  get an epic photo shot? I will answer all these questions and more. Photo Tegan Clark Photography 

Thought That A Bouquet Toss Was Out - Dated? Think Again.

If you've ever attended a wedding or watched an old movie about a wedding, you've likely witnessed this charming tradition where the bride playfully throws her bouquet into a crowd of single ladies. Whoever caught the bouquet was supposedly next in line to get married. 

But have you ever wondered about its origins? Hold tight because it is probably what you expect for this delightful wedding custom.

Surprisingly, the roots of the bouquet toss reach back to ancient Greece. Back then, brides carried aromatic herbs and spices during their weddings to ward off evil spirits. Gradually, these practical additions transformed into beautiful flowers, giving birth to the bridal bouquet.

Now, let's fast-forward to medieval Europe, where people believed that snagging a piece of the bride's attire or her bouquet would bring them good luck. Quite the eager pursuit of positive vibes, isn't it?

Here's where things get interesting. The modern bouquet toss that we know today took shape in merry old England during the 14th century.Picture this: enthusiastic wedding guests attempting to seize shreds of the bride's dress and flowers for a bit of good fortune. It's like a whirlwind of excitement on the wedding day! The ingenious bride began tossing her bouquet into the crowd to safeguard her precious gown from total mayhem. This clever move distracted the guests, giving her a chance to escape unscathed. Talk about a stroke of brilliance!

During the early 1900s, this bouquet-tossing craze crossed the Atlantic and found its home on American soil. As weddings became more extravagant and formal in the roaring '20s and '30s, the bouquet toss added a touch of fun to the celebrations.

Times have changed, of course. The bouquet toss has evolved, adapting to modern sensibilities. Nowadays, many couples view it as a lighthearted tradition rather than a prophecy of the next person to wed. Some couples even skip it, focusing on other aspects of their special day.

Those often wanting a bouquet toss, often will use a junior bridesmaid bouquet or a bunch from the $2 shop instead. After all, many florist bouquets are a real work of art and can be costly, so couples may want to keep them. 

In the spirit of inclusivity, the bouquet toss has transformed in recent years. Couples are making it more open and inclusive - a heartwarming shift. No longer is it limited to only single ladies; today, everyone is invited to partake in the fun, spreading love and joy to all in attendance.

You have to admit- It's a great photo op. I like it before the first dance or in-between dinner and dessert. It is fun to have all guests gathered around and count down to 3; then, the photographer knows when to snap that perfect shot.   

Some couples infuse deeper meaning into this tradition. Rather than tossing the bouquet, they present it to a loved one who couldn't be there on the wedding day. It might be a beloved grandparent in a hospital or a cherished friend who has passed away; they place the bouquet on their gravesite—a beautiful way to keep their memory close on this significant occasion.

So, there you have it - the bouquet toss, from ancient Greece to the present day. A tradition that has journeyed through time, adapting to the changing currents of love and marriage. 

Whether you embrace it wholeheartedly or opt for a bouquet-free celebration, one thing is certain: the bouquet toss will continue to sprinkle its magic and excitement on weddings for generations to come.

Would you have a boquet toss? I would love to hear your views!
Love, Jade x

Tegan Clark Photography captured the perfect shot for this blog at Cate and Andrew's summer wedding.