The Wedding Bouquet Toss: What it Means (and What to Avoid)

All about the bouquet toss! Symbolism, how-to tips, and what *not* to do

 

 

We love a fun wedding tradition that gets friends and family members involved, like tossing a wedding bouquet! 

 

Related: Asking a Friend or Family Member to Officiate Your Wedding? Read This First...
 

‘Tossing the bouquet’ is said to have originated with brides in ancient England. In those days, a bride would toss her wedding bouquet over her shoulder into the waiting arms of a group of eligible maidens. It was thought that the girl or young woman who caught it would be the next to marry, and things could get very competitive.

 

The bouquet itself was special too – made from an assortment of seasonal flowers and herbs believed to have magical properties. 

 

Related: Flower Meanings and Symbolism : What Does Your Wedding Bouquet Say?
 

 

In addition to looking and smelling lovely,

types of flowers each have their own unique symbolism and meaning.

 

 

These carefully selected arrangements were steeped in Pagan wedding lore and ancient witchcraft, and symbolized fertility and blessings and protection for a fruitful and successful union. 

 

Modern wedding traditions have (thankfully) become less gendered and all around more inclusive than weddings of the past. This means that a modern bouquet toss often includes couples and wedding guests of all genders. Grooms can get in on a bouquet toss, too! 

 

Related: The 5 Most Patriarchal Wedding Ceremony Traditions (& Their Modern Alternatives)
 

 

But choose this wedding tradition at your own risk… 

 

But choose this tradition at your own risk… Especially if you have terrible aim! Avoid tossing the bouquet in rooms with low ceilings, ceiling fans, or overhead lights. 

 

Otherwise, the magic moment might end up being unforgettable for an entirely different reason… 

 

 

 

 

Looking for perfect bouquet toss songs? 

 

Use this inspiration to add music to your wedding ceremony: 

 

 

• Give Your Wedding a 1960s Pop Infusion with These 10 Songs & Lyrics
   
• The Cure’s Best Love Song Lyrics for Your Wedding Vows or Ceremony Script

 

 

 

Looking for alternatives to the bouquet toss? 

 

Try one of these ideas instead:

 

• Tradition & Creativity in the Ceremony
   
• Italian Wedding Traditions - From Warding Off the Evil Eye at Your Ceremony to Dancing La Tarantella

 

• 5 Strange and Delightful Wedding Traditions From The Past
   

 

Illustration by Jessica Levey

 

From "5 Strange and Delightful Wedding Traditions From The Past"

 

 

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You might also like: 

 

• Choosing a Wedding Officiant: What (or Who) Are Your Options?
   
• How to Ask Someone to Officiate Your Wedding - Our Favorite Way to Say 'Will You Marry Us?'
   

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