It’s the moment that has wedding guests clutching their wine and stepping back — or surging forward, depending on the crowd. The bouquet toss. A tradition that’s endured for centuries… even if no one’s entirely sure why.
So where did it begin, what does it symbolise, and — perhaps most importantly — do you actually have to do it?
Let’s take a walk through petals and history.
A brief history of the bouquet toss
In centuries past, it was considered good luck to touch the bride — not just wish her well, but grab a piece of her.
Guests would literally try to tear pieces from the bride’s gown or accessories as she left the ceremony. Romantic, no?
To avoid the onslaught, clever brides began tossing items to distract the crowd — first the garter, then flowers.
The bouquet, once an afterthought, became the decoy. It offered symbolism and scent, without damage to the dress.
What the boquet toss represents
Traditionally, the bouquet toss is a ritual of luck. Whoever catches it is said to be the next to marry — a playful superstition that’s endured far longer than expected.
But in a modern setting, it can feel a bit… awkward. Not every single guest wants to be publicly singled out, and not every couple wants to pause the flow of their evening to orchestrate a rugby scrum over roses.
Do you still need to do it?
In a word: no.
The bouquet toss is entirely optional — a nod to tradition, not a requirement. Many modern couples choose to skip it altogether, especially when it doesn’t suit the tone of the day or the personality of the couple.
Others choose to reinvent it. Here are a few elegant alternatives that still honour the spirit of giving:
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Present the bouquet to someone meaningful: a grandmother, a newly engaged friend, a couple celebrating an anniversary. It’s touching and deeply personal.
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Split the bouquet into mini arrangements and give them to your bridal party or close friends as thank-you tokens.
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The anniversary dance toss: invite all married couples to the dance floor and slowly whittle down to the longest-married pair. Present the bouquet to them as a symbol of lasting love.
These versions feel more considered — and less like a hen night highlight gone rogue.
Keep what matters, skip what doesn’t
Like many wedding traditions, the bouquet toss is only as important as you make it. It’s charming for some, cringeworthy for others, and completely optional for all.
Whether you toss it, gift it, preserve it in resin, or simply carry it proudly down the aisle and hand it off to your florist at the end — what matters is that it suits you, your day, and your style.
Weddings are meant to reflect the couple — not just repeat rituals for the sake of it. If a tradition fits, embrace it. If it doesn’t, make your own.