🎵 Beyond the Bouquet and Garter Tosses
Fresh Toss Alternatives That Actually Get the Party Started
Beyond the Bouquet and Garter Tosses
Here’s the truth if you have been working with wedding couples for a bit. The garter and bouquet toss just don’t hit like they used to.
I've watched this tradition fade over the years, and not with a bang, but with a polite sidestep. Most couples choose not to single out their single guests, and honestly, the vibe is better for it. Today's receptions are all about inclusion, joy, and keeping the energy on the dance floor. And that moment in the timeline once reserved for a garter toss? That’s prime real estate for something way more fun (Yes, besides dancing).
So, if you’re ready to mix it up, here’s a roundup of creative, crowd-inclusive toss alternatives that could work wonders. Whether you lean whimsical, sentimental, foodie, or full-on party animal, there’s something here for every couple looking to make the moment truly theirs.
Fresh Toss Alternatives That Actually Get the Party Started
For the Playful
The Plush Toss A couple once tossed a Pusheen plush across the dance floor, and folks went wild for it. Pick a character or plushie that means something to you (your favorite movie, your pet, your college mascot), and go for the big throw. Want a bigger splash? Toss a bunch of mini plushies and watch the scramble.
Memory Trinkets Toss small objects that represent your love story. Think tiny Eiffel Towers, mini guitars, to little sushi keychains. Each piece tells a chapter of your journey, and the guests who catch them walk away with a bit of your history.
Bubble Storm Instead of tossing anything at all, hand out mini bubble wands and flood the floor with sparkling bubbles. It’s interactive, it looks amazing in photos, and it brings out everyone's inner kid. (Warning: Don’t give too many wands out to soak the dance floor with dangerous soap.)
Ribbon Wands with Charms Everyone gets a ribbon wand to wave, but a handful have charms tied on like stars, keys, and hearts that symbolize good luck or future happiness. Think of it as a wedding version of finding the golden ticket.
For the Couples Who Love Their Snacks
Candy or Candy Bar Toss Yes, it's chaotic. Yes, it's unbelievable. Individually wrapped sweets can become unexpected party favors in midair. Spice it up by labeling a few treats as prize-winners for something extra. (Think Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket)
Gourmet Tossables Think mini spice jars, tea sachets, or packets of your favorite coffee. Tuck in a recipe or a note explaining why it’s your go-to flavor combo.
Gift Card Game Attach small-value gift cards to plushies, ribbons, or even balloons. Suddenly, the toss becomes a thrilling few seconds of the reception.
For the Game-Loving Crowd
Date Night Dice Roll a giant foam die labeled with group activity ideas like "Dance-Off," "Sing-Along," and "Photo Challenge." The catcher gets to choose what comes next, and everyone joins in.
The Key Hunt Toss out a small box with a locked latch. Hidden among your guests? The keys. Whoever unlocks the treasure wins a little something special.
Scratch-Offs Hand out lottery scratchers with a “good luck” wish. It’s quick, quirky, fun, and someone might walk away a little richer.
For the Sentimental Souls
Message in a Bottle Have guests write marriage advice or notes of encouragement. Place them in decorative bottles and toss them into the crowd. The receivers get to keep those heartfelt little time capsules. They can also be used as part of the guestbook.
Mini Photo Frames Toss empty frames for guests to fill later with photobooth snaps, polaroids, or selfies. Instant favor, instant keepsake.
For the Music-Loving Newlyweds
Karaoke Mic Toss Throw a soft plush mic into the crowd. Whoever catches it either sings a quick verse or chooses someone to serenade the couple. Trust me, it’s always memorable. (Hopefully Anna Kendrick is a guest - IYKYK.)
DJ Freeze Challenge: Cue up a surprise track and have everyone dance their hearts out. When the music stops, the best (or funniest) move wins a prize. Totally customizable and perfect for late-night energy. You can turn it into a Squid Game-like event, too.
For the Creative Couple
Craft Kit Toss Tiny DIY kits. Think mini plant starters, paint-by-number, friendship bracelets that double as favors, and future date-night starters.
Paint Splash Pouches Colorful, mess-free powder pouches or shimmer confetti make for amazing photo ops. Safe, silly, and visually stunning. (Make sure they are not opened during the reception. Skip if you are worried about it.)
A Few More Crowd-Pleasers
Glow Stick Grab Nothing gets people hyped like glowing accessories under the dance lights.
Mini Sport Ball Toss Baseballs, basketballs, Nerf balls, or whatever your thing is, toss it and let the celebration reflect your shared passions.
Anniversary Angels Toss anniversary charms (Year 1, Year 5, etc.) and ask guests to reach out on those dates. A sweet touch that keeps the love going for years.
Adult Drink Basket If you know the winner of any challenge is an adult, plan an adult party basket with a bottle of top-shelf liquor or a mocktail.
Here’s what matters
Your wedding should reflect who you (the wedding couple) are. If tossing a garter doesn't feel like your style, or even relevant anymore, skip it. These alternative tosses bring joy, laughter, and surprise to the moment without anyone feeling left out or awkward.
As your friendly neighborhood wedding DJ, I can say this with confidence: when couples choose something personal, inclusive, and a little unexpected, the crowd always responds positively when the “why” story is shared.
Need help figuring out how to time these moments with your music? I’ve got ideas for that too. Just say the word.
Thanks for reading!
Matthew Campbell
Wedding MusicLetter
P.S. Check out my wedding music planning bookstore for printed books and digital downloads.
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