What a Wedding Bouquet Toss Symbolizes - Zola Expert Wedding Advice (2024)

All there is to know about this fun wedding tradition.

Weddings are a mixture of traditional and nontraditional, old and new, something borrowed and (sometimes) something blue. One thing that tends to make it to most weddings, traditional or not, is the custom known as bouquet tossing.

It’s that moment during the wedding reception when the DJ calls for the single ladies to get into position on the dance floor. The bride, with her back to the crowd, clutches her bouquet, closes her eyes, and, on the DJ’s count, tosses the bouquet into the air. Without a second thought, it’s a mad scramble from the anxious group to catch the bride’s beautiful array of flowers, all for the hope of the good luck that the wedding tradition promises.

How Did The Tradition Start?

What a Wedding Bouquet Toss Symbolizes - Zola Expert Wedding Advice (1)

*Photo Credit * // Erika Follansbee Photography

During the 1300s in medieval Europe, it was thought to be good luck to touch the bride. A bride didn’t expect to wear her wedding dress again, so others saw it as good luck or fertility charm. After the wedding, single women would chase the bride and try to rip the gown off.

During that time, marriage was a woman’s way of upward mobility and often more of a strategic move versus a romantic one. Single women were desperate to change their economic status by marrying someone who could provide for them. They wanted a bride’s accessories, simply because she was married. So, to deter guests from what had to be an uncomfortable moment, and an invasion of privacy, brides began tossing their bouquets into the crowds to cause a distraction. The wedding bouquet is said to be the best object to toss because the flowers are symbolic of fertility.

Over the years, as wedding dresses have evolved and gotten more expensive, it’s more of a tradition for women to keep them as a memento or to pass them on to other family members as a family heirloom. As society has progressed, marriage is a choice, and while luck may not be needed to fall in love and marry for romance, the bouquet toss tradition is one that has endured the test of time. It has evolved into a fun way for a bride to share her day with her single friends and family members.

Other countries have variations on the bouquet toss meaning. In Finland, the bride is blindfolded and stands in the middle of a circle of women. The bride turns slowly, while the women turn in the opposite direction, and when everyone stops a flower is handed to the lady standing directly in front of the bride.

Catch the Bouquet of Luck

What a Wedding Bouquet Toss Symbolizes - Zola Expert Wedding Advice (2)

*Photo Credit * // Emmaclearyphotoandvideo

Tradition calls for single women to participate, but if your unmarried friends aren't too keen on the idea of being pushed out of the way to catch the bouquet, don’t force them. Some may be feeling lonely or dealing with a breakup, so try to avoid shaming or guilting anyone into participating. If you only have one or two single friends attending, it might be awkward to do a toss, especially if other guests are married. Tradition says that whoever catches the bouquet or wedding flowers at a wedding is thought to be the next in line to wed. But, if the lucky lady doesn’t meet the man of her dreams, at least she has a beautiful flower arrangement.

The bouquet toss tradition has been around for centuries, but it’s a great way for brides who want a tradition to incorporate into their special day. Brides who opt for a more contemporary or modern wedding can still include the bouquet toss, but with a twist. Most often, single ladies look forward to the bouquet toss and are excited to elbow the competition. Some couples don’t like the idea of throwing a bouquet, so they can tailor a bouquet toss to their preference, or do away with the idea. Some brides can opt to stage the bouquet toss so that a specific person from the wedding party such as the maid of honor or a close engaged friend catches it. Others choose to give a flower to family members from the bouquet.

To Toss or Not to Toss?

As with all wedding traditions, nothing is set in stone. As a couple, you can determine if the bouquet tossing tradition works best for you and your wedding. There are many ways to tailor traditions to your liking and to your guests to make the day special. Be as traditional as you want, or put a modern spin on it, it’s up to you, because, after all, it’s your wedding day.

Remember, Zola, is here to help offer advice and assist you with all the details of your wedding during all steps of the planning, from the decor, wedding ceremony, and to the flowers included in the bouquet.

What a Wedding Bouquet Toss Symbolizes - Zola Expert Wedding Advice (2024)

FAQs

What a Wedding Bouquet Toss Symbolizes - Zola Expert Wedding Advice? ›

The wedding bouquet toss is a tradition that dates back to the 1300s in England. The bride tosses her bouquet to unmarried women during the wedding reception and whoever catches it is said to be the next in line to wed. The bridal bouquet toss meaning is symbolic of fertility and good luck.

What does the bouquet toss symbolize? ›

It is believed that catching the bouquet, which is thrown by the bride, represents good luck and fortune. This moment is said to signify that the person who catches the bouquet is the next in line to get married. It's not just about catching flowers; it's about grabbing hold of the future.

What does the wedding bouquet symbolize? ›

What does a bouquet symbolise and why do brides carry bouquets. Flowers have been a key part of the bridal look since the ancient Romans started to carry and wear floral garlands to their nuptials as a symbol of fertility, fidelity, and new beginnings.

What do flowers Symbolise in a wedding? ›

A white rose is still known as a symbol of purity. However, a yellow rose, which can be viewed as a sign of friendship, also carries the meaning of jealousy or even, infidelity." Additionally, with chrysanthemums, red ones mean 'I love you,' but yellow ones are said to represent slighted love.

What does throwing flowers in a wedding mean? ›

The tradition of the bouquet toss started in England in the 1800s and was created to bestow luck upon the guests. Single women were desperate to catch the bouquet as marriage was the only way to bring a woman and her family out of poverty, meaning it was seen more as a necessity, rather than a romantic act.

What does a bouquet of flowers symbolize? ›

What Do Flowers Symbolize? With their colorful and beautiful blooms, flower meanings are often synonymous with joy and pleasure. However, different types and colors of flowers bring unique meanings. Some flowers are seen as symbols of friendship and purity, while others are tied to forgiveness and death.

What is the story behind the wedding bouquet? ›

“The origin of the bridal bouquet stems back to Rome when bridal couples would weave greenery and blooms into garlands and crowns scented with roses or orange blossoms, adding herbs to honor the gods and promote fertility and good fortune,” says Valerie Ghitelman, vice president of product development, sourcing, and ...

What is the purpose of a bouquet? ›

The custom of having a bridal bouquet dates back to ancient times when woman would carry strong herbs and spices from reasons such as warding off evil spirits to creating lust and fertility. Flower girls and brides maids would carry sheaves of wheat which symbolized growth.

What does the bouquet stand for? ›

As she walks down the aisle, the bouquet symbolizes the beauty of her transition from single life to marital unity—a testament to the commitment she is making. The Meaning Carried Today. Today, the bridal bouquet stands as a symbol of love, hope, and the beginning of a new chapter.

What does bouquet mean spiritual? ›

spiritual bouquet Add to list Share. Definitions of spiritual bouquet. noun. (Roman Catholic Church) a card indicating that the sender will perform certain devotional acts on behalf of another. type of: sympathy card.

What is the superstition about the wedding bouquet? ›

As superstition has it today, the lady who catches the bouquet and the man who catches the garter will be the next two to get married. This doesn't necessarily mean to each other, but it is a fun idea.

What flower means "I love you forever"? ›

Just when you thought the rose was the most meaningful flower, the heliotrope steals the show; it means eternal love.

What's traditional in a wedding bouquet? ›

White roses are the obvious choice for a traditional bridal bouquet, but lavender, red, peach, and pink roses can all be used for a pop of colour to suit your wedding palette. Roses are also easy to use across many types of arrangement, and can either be the focal point or a gorgeous accent flower.

What is the meaning of bouquet toss? ›

The wedding bouquet toss is a tradition that dates back to the 1300s in England. The bride tosses her bouquet to unmarried women during the wedding reception and whoever catches it is said to be the next in line to wed. The bridal bouquet toss meaning is symbolic of fertility and good luck.

Do people still do bouquet toss? ›

In the last five years, we have noted a decline in these long-standing traditions and estimate the frequency of bouquet and garter tosses to be approximately 50 percent. Whether you choose to include these traditions or “toss” them is completely up to you.

What does the garter toss mean? ›

The wedding dress garter tradition traces its roots back to ancient times. In medieval Europe, it was a common practice for the bride to toss her garter to the wedding guests. Historically, the garter toss signifies the transition from maidenhood to marriage, a momentous step in a woman's life.

What is the history of tossing the bouquet? ›

The modern tradition of tossing the bouquet began to emerge in the 14th century when the bouquet was seen as a symbol of good luck. At the end of the wedding ceremony, the bride would toss her bouquet to her guests, with the belief that the person who caught it would be blessed with good luck and happiness.

What is the bouquet toss etiquette? ›

It's generally best if the bride randomly tosses the bouquet. The single female guests will feel slighted if she picks someone and aims for her. The guests who want to try to catch the bouquet should position themselves in the direction the bride will be tossing the flowers.

Why do Christians throw bouquet? ›

BOUQUET TOSS

After the ceremony, the bride tosses her bouquet backward at a crowd of unmarried women. It is said that whoever catches the bouquet will be the one to get married next.

What is the meaning of the garter toss? ›

Traditionally, the wedding garter most often symbolizes love and luck. In the Middle Ages it was more tied up with notions of virginity and the consummation of marriage; these days it's more of a fun, lighthearted wedding way to show off the couple's chemistry and interact with their guests.

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