Traditions: The History of the Bouquet Toss

We've all witnessed it (and most of us have even taken a part in it). The single women all crowded onto the dancefloor with hopes of catching the Bride's bouquet so they can be the next lucky bride. How did the tradition of the Bouquet Toss come about, you ask?

via Wedding Bee

Way back when, wedding gowns were not as big of a deal as they are today. In fact, brides usually got married in one of their best dresses instead of going out and buying a new fancy white one. Since brides never planned on marrying again, preservation of wedding dresses wasn't an issue.

Touching the bride's dress was considered good luck and managing to snag a piece of the dress was considered the height of all luck. So, guest began to rip pieces off the bride’s dress while she was still wearing it. Clearly this started to become problematic...and a little risque.

Since having their dress ripped to shreds was not something most brides wanted, they needed another idea of something "lucky" that they could throw into the crowd to keep their single lady friends under control.

That is why the bouquet toss was born! Nowadays there may be a mad rush to catch the bride's flowers, but at least her dress is out of harm's way! (source of bouquet history-isms)