Reception part 5

The most stressful part is finally over.  You’ve done all the traditional dances and you’re so close to open dancing.  It’s all downhill from here.

            This time, it’s ladies first of course.  That’s right, I’m talking about the bouquet toss.  This can be pretty fun, and I’ve noticed that most of my couples choose the song “Single Ladies” by Beyonce.  It works really well, and I’m pretty sure that’s why it was written.  I usually start the song and call the single women up while the music is playing.  I then lay down the ground rules telling the girls not to scratch, bite, pull hair, and things of that nature.  After that, I simply tell the bride to fire when ready.  She does, some lucky girl catches it, and it’s on to the garter toss.  On a side note, if there is any obstruction between the bride and the girls such as a ceiling fan, it will be hit.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought to myself “She’ll never throw it high enough to hit that fan,” only to see the bouquet smash into one of the blades.  I’ll admit, it never gets old.

            The next event is the garter toss.  I’ve heard DJ’s at other weddings say pretty suggestive things during this part, but that’s just not me.  I don’t think it’s the DJ’s place to say anything like that, and really find it creepy.  It’s always best to figure out how this event is going to happen way beforehand.  Sometimes they opt to put the best man on his hands and knees for the chair, but it’s always better to figure that out at your initial meeting with the bride and groom.  Opposite of the bouquet toss, I tell the guys not to run away, and to at least make an effort to catch the garter.