Q :: Why do brides toss their bouquet to the single women at the wedding? Seems like a strange tradition... what other options are there in lieu of this?
A :: The tradition of the bouquet toss goes back to a time when brides were considered "lucky" to be getting married. It was in hopes that by tossing her bouquet to a sea of unmarried ladies, the brides' luck would rub off on them and they would be the next to walk down the aisle. Of course, this tradition has shifted a bit as some unwed women feel uncomfortable hitching it to the empty dance floor and standing amongst the brides 5-year-old cousins, arms out, hoping the bouquet will NOT come near them. OK, a bit of an exaggeration, but how many weddings have you gone to when the emcee has to roll call the names of the single women? Or worse yet, when the MOH starts dragging the single women out one by one?
Regardless of the humiliation, if the bride wants to toss, GAME ON! Here are some cool ways to "toss the bouquet"...
- Gather a bunch of single roses and tie cute little messages on each one of them (i.e. You are beautiful!, Thank you for being here today... or Drinks on me!). Have them all tied together with a single slip bow and when you're ready to toss, undo the bow and watch as your single gal pals all scramble to grab their very own rose. It's a shower of fun! You can also forego the messages and tie on gift cards to your fave coffee shop or juice stand. What a sweet surprise!
- Give it away! The simplest way to say thank you to a family member, friend or bridal party peep who has helped you along the way. Everyone loves a little kudos!
- Play a game! Who's been married the longest? Who just got engaged? Whose anniversary date is closest to your wedding date? Whatever category it is, bring those couples to the dance floor and let the crowd decide! Have fun with it, it's your bouquet afterall!
- Include them all! Why not ask ALL of the women at the reception to participate in the bouquet toss? The lucky winner not only gets your prized bouquet, but a gift certificate to a swanky spa or restaurant.
