Throwing the garter began in France. Pieces of the bride's clothing were considered lucky, and guests would actually tear off bits of her dress. This was a symbol of the groom's good fortune which the single party-goers wanted to share in. To protect their gowns, brides began throwing things at the guests, including their garter belts

This tradition has evolved into today's practice of the bride tossing her bouquet to the single ladies and the groom throwing the garter to bachelors.

The groom traditionally removes the garter from the bride and throws it to a group of assembled unmarried men. The man who catches it is thought to be the next to marry. The man who catches the garter and the lady who caught the bouquet may start the next dance. It is also common for the recipients of the bouquet and garter to have a photograph taken with the bride and groom.

The garter is placed on the brides right leg, just above the knee. The bride may choose to wear both a garter to throw as well as a garter that she would keep.