Toss the Bouquet? Or throw that tradition away?

We’ve all been there at one time or another.  It is that awkward moment during the wedding reception when all of the single ladies are invited to join the bride on the dance floor so that she may toss her bouquet at them, and (as if being singled out for their lack of relationship isn’t embarrassing enough) these singles now all fall all over each other, pushing, shoving and diving just to catch this bundle of flowers.  Why? Well, that’s easy- we engage in this public display of indignity because we’ve been told that the woman who catches it will be the next to marry.  I mean, isn’t that obvious?

All joking aside, this tradition isn’t all bad, and for many couples it is a lot of fun.  So if you plan on sticking with the tradition- go for it.  It certainly makes for a hilariously fantastic video op!  But, if you are anything like Mama, you may be interested in putting a bit of a modern twist, on this old tradition.  For those of you are looking to get a little creative, here are few alternatives to the usual flower flinging to consider: 

The Anniversary Dance:  The anniversary dance has become a very popular option among modern brides.  Here is how it works.  After the bride and groom have their first dance, the DJ invites all of the married couples in attendance to join the couple on the dance floor.  While the song is playing, the DJ asks that all of the couples married 5 years or less to sit down.  Next he’ll ask those married10 years or less to sit down.  And so on, until only one couple (the couple who has been married the longest) is remaining on the dance floor.  The bride then presents her bouquet to this couple.  What a wonderful way to celebrate a new union by appreciating the longevity of an established marriage.

 

Show Thanks:  You may want to take this opportunity to thank all of the special people in your life.  Perhaps you’d like to recognize your parents, your sisters or brothers, your grandparents, or even you bridal party.  After the ceremony the bride can pull single stems out of her bouquet.  A note can be attached to each stem with a small note of thanks to these people.  The stems can then be left on the chairs of the attendees that are being honored.

Honor Mom:  Another nice idea is to use the bouquet to honor your mother, and your new mother in law.  You could split the bouquet in half, and tie each half with a ribbon.  You can then present one half to your mother, and the other half to your new mother in law.    You can do this during the reception, or if you prefer you can present these bouquets in a more intimate setting just before the reception begins.  

Pay Tribute:  Dedicate the bouquet to a loved one who is no longer with you.  The bouquet can be placed on a small table along with a photo of your loved one.  The next day you (or someone you’ve selected) can place the bouquet at the gravesite.

Break-away Bouquet:  Another popular solution is the ask the florist to create your bouquet as several small bouquets.  The small bouquets are then tied together with a ribbon.  Just before the bouquet toss, the bride removes the ribbon.  When she tosses the bouquet the small bundles will separate allowing for many (if not all) the single ladies to snatch one up.  

A Bouquet Dance:  This option can be very silly, but a lot of fun.  It is much like a game of hot potato, and all of the ladies (married or single) can be invited to participate The DJ invites everyone to the dance floor and they all circle around the bride.  When the music begins the bride tosses the bouquet to someone in the circle.  The guests then pass the bouquet around the circle while the group dances around the bride.  When the music stops, the person left the bouquet is the winner. 

Scavenger Hunt: Both men and women can play this bouquet game.  Here is how it works:  The bride hides the bouquet somewhere in the reception hall.  Throughout the night the DJ drops clues as the where the bouquet is hiding.  The first person to find the bouquet will be the next person to find true love. 

Funny Money:  Are you one of those people that gets a kick out of the usual scuffle, diving and fighting that is associated with the bouquet toss?  Well, then why not take it to the next level?  Create a money bouquet, like the sample we've provided here, and toss that into the crowd.  Then you and your new hubby can sit back and enjoy the chaos! 

Whatever you choose to do, always remember that there is no rule that says you must stick to the traditions that have been created before us.  As a matter of fact, creating new traditions has become a popular tradition among modern brides.  It has to start somewhere, so why not be the first to give it a try. 

Do you have any bouquet toss alternatives you’d like to share with everyone?  Send us a comment and tell Mama about it!