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 Is it out of date?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
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The Status: The bouquet toss is no longer mandatory. About 50% of modern couples skip it.
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The Logistics: If you do it, schedule it right after the cake cutting to get the party energy up.
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The Alternatives: Consider the “Anniversary Dance” (honoring the longest-married couple) or a “Breakaway Bouquet” to share the luck with everyone.
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The Venue Tip: Ensure your venue has high ceilings (like Pelazzio’s Grand Ballroom) so the bouquet doesn’t hit a chandelier!
1. The History: Why Do We Throw Flowers?
Believe it or not, this tradition started with ripping the dress! In medieval England, guests would try to rip pieces of the bride’s dress for “good luck.” To escape the grabby crowd, brides started tossing their bouquets as a distraction while they ran away.
Over time, the tradition softened. Catching the bouquet became a sign that you would be the “next to marry.” Today, it’s less about superstition and more about a fun photo op.
2. To Toss or Not to Toss? (Modern Etiquette)
Is the bouquet toss right for your wedding?
You Should Do It If:
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You have a lot of single friends who are fun, outgoing, and excited about the tradition.
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You want that classic “action shot” of the flowers in mid-air.
You Should Skip It If:
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You only have 2 or 3 single guests (it can feel like a spotlight on them).
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Your single friends are uncomfortable with the attention.
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You prefer a reception that flows uninterrupted by structured activities.
3. 3 Classy Alternatives to the Toss
If the idea of parading your single friends feels outdated, try one of these popular Houston alternatives:
1. The Anniversary Dance (Generations Dance)
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How it works: The DJ invites all married couples to the floor. Slowly, the Emcee asks couples married less than 1 year, then 5 years, then 10, etc., to leave the floor. The last couple standing (usually grandparents) gets the bouquet.
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Why we love it: It honors marriage and longevity rather than focusing on being single. It is incredibly sweet and emotional.
2. The Breakaway Bouquet
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How it works: Your florist creates a bouquet composed of several smaller bunches tied loosely together. When you untie the ribbon and throw it, it separates, and multiple guests catch flowers.
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Why we love it: It spreads the love (and the flowers) to more people!
3. Dedication Presentation
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How it works: Instead of throwing it, walk over and present the bouquet to a specific person your mother, your grandmother, or a sister who has been your rock during planning.
4. The Ultimate Bouquet Toss Playlist
The right song makes the moment. When you book a Pelazzio All-Inclusive Package, our professional DJ will have these queued up, but here are the top requests we hear:
The Classics (High Energy)
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“Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” – Beyoncé (The undisputed champion)
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“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper
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“Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” – Shania Twain
The Funny/Ironic
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“Move B*h” – Ludacris (For a competitive crowd!)
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“Gold Digger” – Kanye West
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“Hit Me With Your Best Shot” – Pat Benatar
The Sweet/Romantic
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“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” – Natalie Cole
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“Love is a Battlefield” – Pat Benatar
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“Wishin’ and Hopin'” – Dusty Springfield
5. The “How-To”: Logistics for the Perfect Photo
If you decide to toss, follow these steps to ensure safety and great pictures.
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The Timing: The best time is right after the Cake Cutting. You already have everyone’s attention, and it transitions perfectly into opening the dance floor.
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The “Toss” Bouquet: Do not throw your main bridal bouquet! It is heavy, wet, and might have pins. Ask your florist for a smaller, lighter “toss bouquet” (often free or low cost).
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The Stance: Stand with your back to the crowd. Hold the bouquet low, bend your knees slightly, and throw up and out.
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The Photographer: Ensure your photographer is positioned in front of the catchers to capture their expressions (and the competitive reach!).
6. Pelazzio’s Tips for a Seamless Moment
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Check the Ceiling Height: You need vertical clearance. Pelazzio’s Grand Ballroom features soaring ceilings and sparkling chandeliers that are high enough to be safe from even the most enthusiastic toss.
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Coordinate with the Emcee: Our DJs/Emcees (included in the Paradise Package) are experts at gathering the crowd. Let them hype up the guests for 60 seconds before you throw. A quiet toss is an awkward toss!
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The Floor Surface: Make sure the floor isn’t slippery from spilled drinks. Our staff monitors the dance floor constantly to ensure safety for those jumping in heels.
7. FAQ: Common Bouquet Toss Questions
Do I have to include the Garter Toss if I do the Bouquet Toss?
No. In 2025, many couples keep the Bouquet Toss (fun/pretty) but skip the Garter Toss (which can feel a bit risqué or uncomfortable for older relatives). It is your wedding; you can mix and match traditions!
What if no one goes out to catch it?
This is where a good DJ saves the day. They will invite “all ladies” (not just single ones) or use humor to get people on the floor. Alcohol usually helps, too!
Who keeps the flowers?
The guest who catches it keeps it! It is a nice souvenir from the night.
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.
