Many brides choose to include a wedding garter in the ensemble for their special day. The garter is a beautiful, stylish addition to the bride’s look. While the garter will only be visible for a short time during the wedding reception, its use has become an important tradition in western culture. Some brides choose to incorporate the element of “something blue” into their garter. Garters come in a variety of styles and are made in many materials, both traditional and contemporary. The garter is an essential, important accessory for any bride. It should be chosen carefully, as it will be a keepsake of the wedding day. It is considered part of the bridal lingerie’s ensemble, and can generally be found in the bridal lingerie section of stores and online retailers.
History Of The Wedding Garter
The use of the wedding garter dates at least to the middle ages, when the groomsmen rushed the bride from all sides to attempt to remove her garter. The groomsmen considered her garter a prize, and often destroyed the bride’s dress while attempting to remove it. The garter was, and is, considered a symbol of good luck. Over time, many wedding traditions changed, with the removal of the garter being no exception. In most contemporary weddings, the groom removes the garter. After the groom removes the garter, he tosses it into a crowd comprised of all the single men at the reception.
Because the wedding garter is likely to be tossed, brides may wish to shop for garter sets that include a smaller, less ornate garter to be tossed into the crowd. Many companies offer garter sets. The smaller garter is generally in the same color and style as the bride’s official garter. Garters can be purchase pre-made, or can be made by specialty shops and retailers. Brides of servicemen may wish to pick garters that honor the branch of the service in which their husband-to-be serves. Some women may choose to use a garter that belonged to their mother or grandmother, although this is much less common than purchasing a new garter.
Contemporary Wedding Garter
Contemporary garters come in a variety of colors and designs. Ivory, white, and blue remain very popular colors for garters. Many garters will combine two or three of 
these colors. Other garters include metallic accents, usually in gold or silver. If the bride wishes, the garter may include a charm which commemorates her wedding day. If a bride would like to add a charm to a garter that does not have one, she will generally find a wide selection of charms, many of which can be personalized, at her local jewelers. Many designers now make garters in funky, fun prints and patterns. Animal patterns are especially popular. These garters can add fun to the bridal lingerie ensemble.
A variety of materials are also used in garter construction. Traditional materials, like lace and satin, remain very popular. Brides who are having a very traditional wedding may want to use a garter made of one of these materials and in a traditional color, such as ivory or blue. Of course, brides will also want to express their unique personalities and fun-loving spirits, and the garter can be a great opportunity to do so. Beautiful feathers, particularly emu and peacock, are used on many contemporary garters. These are garters with real flair, and will certainly be an eye-catching treat for the groom and for the man lucky enough to catch the garter during the toss.
Another popular wedding garter option is the beaded garter. Beaded garters come in a variety of styles. They may feature simple accent beads or entire rows of beadwork. Brides who come from cultures with strong traditions of beadwork may want to consider such a garter. These garters are truly unique and beautiful. Beaded garters will store well for years to come, with little fading and breakage if well-cared for.
As the bride searches for her garter, she should keep in mind that garter sizing is very important. If the bride’s upper leg is either too small or too large for a ready-made garter, she may wish to shop with a merchant that offers to make specially-sized garters.
An important tradition, the bride’s garter can be a show-stopper during the wedding reception. The bride-to-be will want to pick a special, beautiful garter for her new husband to remove. Whether she would like to go very traditional or is contemplating a contemporary look, the bride will be able to find a beautiful, well-made wedding garter to top off her special day.
Check out this great YouTube video that shows how to make your very own wedding garter.