• Goodwill Ambassador Toss

The origin of the majority of the wedding traditions widely used in modern weddings and within certain race or cultures, stem from superstitions handed down from generation to generation by folk lore. As a result you will find various methods of incorporation from state-to-state and even city-to-city by professional Disc Jockeys for the various popular customs.

The tossing of the bridal bouquet which was formed by parts of the wreaths and garlands worn by both the bride and groom is a tradition which has its roots in early England. The tradition has been toned down from those days when it was believed that the bride would pass good fortune to others. Now, to obtain this good fortune, spectators would attempt to tear away pieces of the brides clothing and or flowers. As she would attempt to escape, the bride would toss away her bouquet into the crowd of eager onlookers. Tradition dictates that the single women who caught the bouquet receives the bride's good fortune and more important is believed to be the next to marry.

Today the removal and tossing of the garter is tame in comparison to France during the 14th century when most woman wore hose with a garter belt. It was customary for the bride to toss the garter to the men, the scary part started on occasion when the men would get drunk, and would become too impatient and try taking the garter off of here ahead of time, a tradition I'm sure most women now can do without. As with the bouquet pieces of the brides attire were considered very luck to obtain. The bride would throw the garter in pretty much the same way and the single man who caught the garter would receive the newlywed's good fortune and more important he is believed to be the next to marry.

In north America, often the bride wears two garters, the garter on the right leg, just above the knee is removed in private by the groom during the honeymoon night. The garter on the right leg is traditionally removed by the groom from his brides leg then tosses it to the unmarried men.

After the completion of the removal, and both tosses of the garter and bouquet, the individuals who caught each are recognized as the prospects for marriage. At some weddings the man who caught the garter is permitted to place the garter onto the leg of the lady who caught the bouquet, this is the actual topic for creation of this new Millennium tradition.

Playing the stripper for garter removal is part of the past and rather dated. The garter & bouquet portion of your event will be unique and classy. Not tacky or insulting.

THE NEW MODERN TWIST

Who would have thought the simple act of tossing an item in the prospect of wishing someone "good will" could possible lead to an unpleasant situation... Being creative and considerate to the emotions of your guests is a must.

Here are a few issues to consider:

1. Will the majority of your attendants have dates present that are not part of the bridal party?

2. How many children will be in attendance under the age of 18? Children are never an issue, however having a 13 year girl let an adult place a garter on her leg may not set will with many individuals.

3. Are there any hidden issues that may cause an individual to be uncomfortable?

4. Would you like a more creative approach?

"GOOD WILL AMBASSADOR TOSS"

Originated by Professor Jam in the late 1980s Here Is The Scenario: It's time for the bouquet/garter. The announcement for all single individuals results in a mother or father of a child encouraging them to participate with the event. The tradition is to spotlight the next individual who may marry. It may be some time before 10 year old Susie finds herself at the alter.

If your event will have allot of children 17 and under, just prior the garter and bouquet toss, your entertainer and emcee will announce everyone 17 and under join them on the dancefloor. The bride and groom together hold a small bouquet, tossing it over the head together to the awaiting individuals.

The individual who catches the "GOODWILL BOUQUET" are officially titled the couples "GOODWILL AMBASSADOR" throughout the marriage.

The follow-up is now to ask for all single women 18 and older for the bouquet.

Quick Tips & Items of Interest

• Being A Responsible Host
• Goodwill Ambassador Toss
• Being A Responsible Host
• Florida Marriage License
• How To Hire A Disc Jockey