Alejandro & Alejandra

Marriage ceremonies and parties are full of rites that we have witnessed many times, but whose meaning and origin are not always clear to us.

Today, many brides don't feel comfortable throwing the garter and everything that goes around this ancient tradition. So they can make an informed decision, we tell you all about this ancient rite of matrimony .

Its origins

Andres Alcapio

The tradition of the bride's garter is as old as Medieval times and originated in the 14th century in France, then spread to the rest of the world, and is still in force almost a thousand years later in places like Chile. At that time, young women wore this accessory not only to support their stockings, but also as a symbol representing the virginity and purity of the bride.

In the beginning there was a game that consisted of the men invited to the party chasing the bride after the ceremony, fighting each other, and whoever managed to remove the garter, would have good luck in their future marriage. Fortunately, this tradition evolved The bride herself would then take off the garter to throw it, and whoever received it would be the next to get married.

Traditions

Danilo Figueroa

It was believed that garters were a symbol of good luck. Bridal garters were always worn in light colors, preferably white or blue, colors that represented love, purity and fidelity, fundamental values for a future bride.

For those who want to fulfill the tradition of "something new, borrowed, old and blue", the light blue and blue details of the garters are an excellent alternative.

Practical information

Daniel Esquivel Photography

If you want to include this tradition in your wedding activities there are a couple of questions to answer:

• How many garters does the bride have to wear? Ideally two. One will be thrown to the public as a trophy and symbol of good luck, so it is advisable to have a second one to keep as a memento of your wedding day.
• Who gives the garter to the bride? Whatever each bride decides, it can be her friends, she can choose herself, or it can come from the most important single women in her family.
• On which leg and at what height do you put the garter? Traditionally it was worn on the right leg and mid-thigh, but today this has lost importance and everything will depend on how the bride feels more comfortable.

Currently

Say Yes

Today the tradition has changed and has become a game between bride and groom, where in a sensual and fun way the groom takes off the garter from the bride to throw it among his friends. How to remove the garter from the bride ? That will depend on each couple: with a choreography, a sensual dance or a humorous routine, a romantic gesture, everything will depend on the personality of the bride and groom.

Many couples have opted to eliminate this tradition from their ceremony and replace it with a game where the groom throws a box of whiskey or some other liquor to the groom and whoever catches the box, without worrying about whether or not he will be the next one to get married, gets a bottle for his home.

You already know the tradition behind the bridal garter and how it has evolved over time, now you just have to decide if you are going to add this rite to your wedding and define how you are going to reinterpret this ancient custom for your big celebration.