One of the most well-known wedding traditions is the bouquet toss. It is a time of high energy, some competition, and usually a lot of fun. But it also makes modern brides think. Is it out of date? When should I do this? Do I have to throw away my really expensive bouquet?
Pelazzio is one of the best places in Houston to host weddings and other events, and we’ve seen this tradition change over the years. We know how to make this moment feel fun, not forced, whether it’s with competitive rugby-style catches or heartwarming alternatives.
Here is our professional guide to the rules, the etiquette, and the tips for taking the perfect picture in the air.
TL;DR
The bouquet toss is a fun tradition meant to pass “good luck” to the next person to be married. You do not have to throw your actual bridal bouquet; ask your florist for a smaller, lighter “toss bouquet” to save your flowers (and prevent injury!). The best time to toss is right after the cake cutting or before the dance floor opens. If you prefer to skip it, the “Anniversary Dance” is a popular, sentimental alternative.
1. The Tradition: What Does It Mean?
Historically, the bouquet toss stems from an old English tradition where guests would try to rip pieces of the bride’s dress or flowers for good luck. To escape the crowd, the bride would toss her bouquet and run!
Today, it is much more civilized. It is a playful moment where the bride gathers the single ladies on the dance floor and tosses the flowers over her shoulder. The superstition holds that whoever catches it will be the next to walk down the aisle.
2. To Toss or Not to Toss: The “Stunt” Bouquet
Your bridal bouquet is often a work of art (and heavy!). You might want to preserve it or press the flowers.
- The Problem: Throwing a heavy arrangement with exposed stems can be dangerous, and water from the flowers can stain your dress.
- The Solution: Use a Toss Bouquet. This is a smaller, lighter arrangement specifically designed to be thrown.
- Pelazzio Tip: While our packages include beautiful fresh flower centrepieces and ceremony arrangements, personal flowers (like your bridal bouquet) are typically handled by your personal florist. When ordering your personal flowers, ask your florist to include a small, complimentary toss bouquet so you can keep your main arrangement safe.
3. Perfect Timing: Keeping the Flow
Timing is critical to ensure you have a full dance floor. You don’t want to stop the party once it has really started.
- Option A: After the Cake Cutting. This is a classic transition. You are already up and the focus is on you. It signals a shift from “formal dinner” to “party time.”
- Option B: The Grand Exit. Some brides toss the bouquet right before they leave the reception.
- The Coordinator’s Role: At Pelazzio, your Event Captain and DJ/Emcee work together to manage this timeline. The DJ will announce the moment, get the crowd hyped, and clear the floor, ensuring the transition is seamless.
4. The Logistics: Height, Lighting, and Safety
Getting the perfect photo requires a little spatial awareness.
- Ceiling Height: You need room to arc the throw. Our Grand Ballroom, with its high ceilings and elegant chiffon drapery, is perfect for a high, dramatic toss without fear of hitting a low fixture.
- The Photographer: Make sure your photographer is in position. Our Paradise Packages include 8 hours of professional photography. An experienced photographer knows to stand at an angle that captures both the bride throwing and the guests catching.
- The Throw: Aim up, not out. This gives the photographer more time to snap the photo while the flowers are in the air.
5. The Soundtrack: Setting the Vibe
The song makes the moment. You want something high-energy and empowering.
- The Classics: “Single Ladies” (Beyoncé), “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” (Cyndi Lauper), “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” (Shania Twain).
- The Funny: “Move B***H” (Ludacris) – for the competitive crowd!
- The Sweet: “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” (Natalie Cole).
6. Modern Alternatives
If singling out the “single ladies” doesn’t fit your vibe, try these alternatives:
- The Anniversary Dance: Invite all married couples to the dance floor. The DJ slowly eliminates couples based on how long they’ve been married (5 years, 10 years, etc.) until the longest-married couple remains. You present the bouquet to them. It is sweet, inclusive, and honours marriage.
- The Breakaway Bouquet: The florist constructs the bouquet so it splits into multiple smaller bunches mid-air, allowing multiple friends to “win.”
- Gift the Bouquet: Simply present the bouquet to a special person, your mother, grandmother, or a sister, during a dedicated speech.
Whether you launch your flowers across the Grand Ballroom or hand them to your grandmother, Pelazzio is here to make the moment picture-perfect.
Contact us today to learn more about our all-inclusive packages, featuring professional DJs and photographers who know how to capture every tradition.
