The tradition of the bride tossing her bouquet to the single ladies at her wedding reception is often a favorite moment at the reception. In recent years, however, the popularity of this event has begun to wane. Here are some pros and cons to the wedding reception bouquet toss:
Pros of hosting a bouquet toss
1. It’s Tradition.
Some in attendance are waiting for this moment during your reception. The bouquet toss is a benchmark for older generation. When a tradition is observed, their expectation is fulfilled and a certain comfort level borne of familiarity is reached.
2. Guests get involved.
If plenty of singles are at your party, the event generates suspense for your wedding guests. If some of the singles are well-mannered but rowdy friends, you can expect great enjoyment and fun. Hosting the toss in the midst of your dance party is a great way to get singles to meet on the dance floor. All guests want to feel the thrill of the moment, and a great Master of Ceremonies will include married couples in the event, too. Professional DJs draw on their experience and follow simple techniques that engage your guests and elevate the excitement of your reception’s most memorable moments.
3. Great photo and video opportunities are made.
You can expect great shots of your friends wearing spontaneous smiles and their Sunday best. The camera will capture their laughter and looks of surprise, embarrassment and goofiness, as they carry out the traditions of the bouquet toss.
4. Bouquet tosses can be fun.
If the singles at your reception are in the spirit of the moment, then these rituals that bring people together will be fun and exciting for you and your guests.
Cons of hosting a bouquet and garter toss
1. Many guests may not want to participate.
It’s customary for the Bride to help gather the singles in attendance and invite them to get involved in the bouquet toss. If singles are reluctant to participate, but go along to be polite to the Bride, the events won’t be fun for them and may make them uncomfortable, a feeling which is sure to spread among the guests watching them.
2. There’s less party time.
If your dance floor is rockin’, why screech the party to a halt? Even small traditions, like the bouquet toss, take a little time to organize. You can expect to spend 10 to 12 minutes gathering the participants, and watching rowdier singles prolong their moments in the spotlight. While others are distracted, guests who aren’t caught up in the moment may take this opportunity to leave.
3. Do you really want a picture of this?
Since the bouquet and garter toss are mostly staged events, we all know what to expect, with certain variations on the old theme.
4. Some guests may act inappropriately.
Why take the chance of subjecting your guests to potentially ill-advised and outlandish actions?
Bouquet Toss Songs
If you choose to have a bouquet toss at your wedding reception, you’ll want your wedding DJ to set the mood with the right song. Here are a few popular choices.
“Single Ladies” – Beyonce
“Just A Girl” – No Doubt
“This One’s For The Girls” – Martina McBride
“Oh, Pretty Woman” – Roy Orbison
“Material Girl” – Madonna
“Jump” – Van Halen
“Wannabe” – Spice Girls
“Teenage Dream” – Katy Perry
“Don’t Cha” – Pussycat Dolls
“Where My Girls At” – 702
“Short Skirt, Long Jacket” – Cake
“American Woman” – Lenny Kravitz
“Man, I Feel Like A Woman” – Shania Twain
“She’s A Lady” – Tom Jones
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper
“Hey Ladies” – Beastie Boys
“One Way Or Another” – Blondie
“Ladies Night” – Kool & The Gang
“Whatta Man” – Salt-NPepa
“Wishin’ & Hopin’” – Dusty Springfield
“You Sexy Thing” – Hot Chocolate
“Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” – Marilyn Monroe/Moulin Rouge
“Wild Thing” – Tone Loc
Will you toss the bouquet at your wedding reception?
