This weekend I had a chat with Jeanne Hankerson of SJ Couture to catch up about everything new in our lives, in passing we chatted about one of her favorite dresses among the collection, Daisy. I don’t know if it was our conversation, the Super Bowl or my recently developed obsession with The Bachelor but it got me thinking about a long-standing tradition in wedding history - the bouquet toss.
Never in my life have I seen such a display of determination, desire and just plain despicable behavior as I have during the bouquet toss at a wedding. Elbows flying, dress pulling, tripping… you name it and it’s been done. What is it about a bride’s bouquet that is so special? Just a happily every after for the triumphant wide- receiver who makes the winning play, that’s all.
Where did this tradition come from, and how accurate is it? Does the winner of this Hail Mary actually get married next? Turns out, after a little research, I discovered that this tradition hails from ancient England and was designed as an effort to stave off guests who would claw at a brides dress and bouquet because she was believed to be good luck on her wedding day. To save herself (and her beautiful dress!) the bride would toss the bouquet to escape the crowd.
During a recent binge of Sex and the City re-runs, I couldn’t help but notice that none of the ladies went for the bouquet at a friend’s wedding and it fell right at their feet. Not even Charlotte went for it! I was even more surprised to read that The Huffington Post and numerous other articles are claiming that the bouquet toss is as ancient as its history. Oh thank heavens!
As a single lady nothing is more terrifying than going into a mosh pit full of other single ladies (or even worse, ladies with boyfriends who are looking for their championship ring) and hoping to make that winning catch. Whether you love this tradition or hate it is entirely up to you, but this gal is making a break for some wedding cake instead! Score!*
Photography by Katina Patriquin * Model Ashley Luccitti
