When it comes to wedding traditions you can pick and choose those that mean the most to you – many couples no longer want to wait for the ceremony to see their beloved so choose to have a ‘first look’, nor does every bride wish to toss her beautiful bouquet. And the same with the classic garter! Some see it as an antiquated tradition with no place in modern weddings, whilst others celebrate it as a bit of fun at the end of an emotional day – and of course a chance to wear something a little sexy under your wedding dress.

If you’re not so sure whether to garter or not to garter, read on to learn the history behind the tradition and to see 21 gorgeous garters that may just help you decide!

The History of the Garter

Claimed as one of the oldest wedding traditions still celebrated, the garter has been around since the Dark Ages when wedding guests (after consuming much ale!) would help couples ‘de-robe’ after the ceremony.

Garters were invented after it became considered good luck to steal a piece of the bride’s wedding dress during the process. Nowadays of course the honour is solely for the new husband or wife to ceremoniously retrieve the garter, and toss it to some lucky guest.

White Lace & Tulle Garter – The Wedding Garter Co.

Coralie Garter – Edera || Photography – Ashley Largesse

Vintage Lace Bridal Garter – The Garter Girl

Champagne Lace Bridal Garter – Anna Bridal Boutique

Pearl Embellished Garter – Love & Peony

Timeless Lace Garter – The Garter Girl

Tulle Garter – The Wedding Garter Co.

Garter Styles

Today garters are available in all different styles and colors. They can be crafted from satin, lace, tulle or even metal; in blue, gold, blush or black (yes black!) as well as the traditional white and ivory, and embellished with lace, bows, pearls, rhinestones or adorned with personalised charms! The options are almost endless.

Navy Blue Lace Garter – Beu Beu Design

Amelia Rose Gold Garter – One Fancy Day

Laurel Leaf Garter – Anna Marguerite

Black Lace Bridal Garter – The Garter Girl

Rose Garden Garter – Sheeta Design

If you’re still looking for that perfect something blue, a garter in a pretty shade or with a blue ribbon makes a subtle and sexy option.

Lace & Tulle Garter – The Wedding Garter Co.

The Garter Toss

Just because you choose to wear a garter on your big day, you are by no means obliged to do a garter toss at your wedding reception! You may feel that this is an antiquated tradition, or you may just feel uncomfortable doing it in front of gran, and that’s okay! As I said at the bginning, you can pick and hcoose wich traditions work for you.

Or it may be that you want to participate in the tradition, and have some fun – you go girl! You can always look to get one garter for the toss, and keep your beautiful heirloom garter as a wedding day memento. If so, there are plenty of designers now who create garter sets with just this idea in mind…..

Allie Heirloom Garter Set – One Fancy Day

Venise Lace Garter Set – Beu Beu Design

White Wedding Garter Set – Ivory & Blush Bridal

Something Blue Garter Toss Set – The Garter Girl

Lace Garter Set – Honey Pie Bridal

Rhinestone Garter Set – Love & Peony

Blush Garter Set – Anna Marguerite

Dainty Bridal Garter – Ivory & Blush

And it does’t matter who buys the garter – it can be the bridesmaid, mother of the bride, the bride herself; or they make a fun engagement or bridal shower gift!

So what do you think about garters now? Personally, I didn’t wear one. But back when I got married (in 2010) every garter I came across looked, dare I say it… a little cheap and nasty!

Now when I see the beautiful designs available, and imagine wearing one for a romantic bridal boudoir shoot or being captured in one whilst getting ready…. well, if I had my time again, I think I would garter!

Because the garter is no longer an unnecessary extra, but a really pretty part of a bride’s ensemble. It is something delicate and decadent, and I think wearing one will make you feel extra special, sexy and fabulous!

Amy

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