Weddingbee Blog

What could make me go from the joy of cake cutting to this?

Why, the tosses, of course. (And I was actually giggling, not crying, hee hee)

I have previously expressed my concern about the bouquet and garter tosses. I didn’t want to single out our unattached friends in the most literal way possible, I’m easily embarrassed, and do people even DO the tosses anymore? Then, I came up with the idea of attaching a prize to the whole business, and decided to go for it. I mean, who doesn’t like prizes?

Why, there’s a prize on my bouquet!

Before the toss, we attached a gift card to the garter and the bouquet (I used a bridesmaid’s bouquet, because I wanted to keep mine!). We then called up ALL the ladies and ALL the gentlemen. And while I’ve cringed at other wedding when single ladies and guys were dragged up for the toss, no dragging was necessary - our guests were eager to participate.

But first, the garter needed to come off. Now apparently, this tradition isn’t as prevalent in Mr. Hamster’s home country of Singapore. So for him and our Singaporean guests, this whole “take an article of clothing or flowers and throw it at people” was new, novel, and intriguing. And I’ll admit, he was not that good at finding the garter, even though I had pretty much looped it around my ankle for maximum modesty (well, as modest as you can get in a garter toss).

Mr. Hamster: “WHAT is a garter, and where is it?” Mrs. Hamster: “OMG.”

Mr. Hamster: “Oh thank goodness.” Mrs. Hamster: “Oh thank goodness.”

Then it was time for the tossing:

Ah. Most of the guys in the very front of the crowd were the Singaporeans, for which this was new. They were SO into it, and SO disappointed, when one of my relatives caught it! I gave them a quick lesson on garter tossing physics to prepare them for their next American wedding:

“It’s all in the trajectory, guys.”

Then it was my turn. I took an appraising look at ceiling height and distance from the crowd and went for it:

Look at the height that some of these girls achieved! I love that my mom and her friend were also in on the action.

The recipient of the lovely bouquet and gift card was none other than Mrs. D’orsay!

All photos by Erica Lyn

I’m happy to report that there were cheers and applause all around, and no grabby gals (or gents).

Despite my initial reservations at the toss, I was really happy we went with it, and the twist we added. Everyone really enjoyed it and the pictures were priceless!

What have we done so far?

• Poured tea
• Bumbled our way through a rehearsal.
• Rewarded ourselves surviving the rehearsal with some food.
• I teased you.
• The ladies got beauteous.
• We put on our party clothes.
• We had our first look.
• We sweated it out in the park.
• The bridal party set the stage.
• I made Mr. Hamster cry.
• We stuffed ourselves silly at the cocktail hour.
• Mr. Hamster and I showed off our dancing skills.
• I danced with Daddy Hamster.
• I went gaga over our cake.

Will you be doing a toss (or some variation on it)?