Jacob & Rebekah Macias, 9.2.12, Flower Farm, Loomis, CA. Photo by, and courtesy of, Chris Shepard Photography (www.shepard-photography.com) Videography by Phillip Alan Films (phillipalanfilms.com) Custom Monogram option shown – Ask for details!

First, some history

Why do we do it, and where did it come from?  The tossing of the bridal bouquet is a custom with roots in England.  It was believed to be a way for the bride to pass along her good fortune to others.  Bridal guests would try to tear away pieces of the bride’s clothing and flowers in order to obtain this fortune.  In an attempt to get away from this tearing of her gown, the bride would toss her bouquet into the crowd.  As tradition has it, the single lady who catches the bouquet has received the bride’s fortune and will be next in line to marry.

To toss, or not to toss?

For many modern brides, this is the question.  No wedding tradition needs to be adhered to steadfastly, and you should never feel pressured to include anything you aren’t excited about in your wedding day.  If a certain tradition has significance for you, or you just like it because it’s FUN, then include it in your celebration!

The bouquet toss is one of the traditional elements that is familiar to most of us.

Many contemporary brides love this tradition, and it’s almost always a high-energy focal-point when it is included.  It’s becoming quite common though, for brides to either choose an alternative to the traditional bouquet toss, or to opt out of it altogether.

What else can we do?

Many things can be done instead of the traditional tossing of the bouquet.  Here are just a few fun ideas:

• Presentation.  Present the bouquet to someone special.  Work with your MC to include a short message letting folks know who you’re presenting your bouquet to, and why.
  • Your mom, mother-in-law, grandmother
  • Recently engaged friend
  • Someone celebrating a recent or near birthday, anniversary, etc.
  • Longest married couple
  • Your sister(s).  Use multiple bouquets as-needed
  • Anyone, for any reason you like!
• Alternatives.  Instead of tossing a bouquet, you can toss other fun items instead.
  • Teddy Toss.  If there are a good number of young children present, you can do a “Teddy Toss” instead. Have the children gather together in the usual formation, and toss a small-to-medium sized stuffed animal.  This is a huge crowd favorite, and is a great way to include children in the celebration.  Can be done in addition to the traditional bouquet toss as well!
  • Glow Sticks.  Toss a home-made “bouquet” of glow sticks to be passed out by whoever catches it.  Great way to get the party started on the dancefloor once the lights go down!

Song Suggestions

Want some fun song ideas for your bouquet toss?  Here are the Top 50 most popular choices from the last year!