Bouquet Toss: Bucks or Bust

When I was single lady attending weddings, I used to hate being dragged into the circle for the much-dreaded bridal bouquet toss, but I always went along anyway. Of course, your attitude towards such mushy traditions makes a complete turn when it’s finally your turn to be the bride. I still have a LOT of single female friends, and mind you most of them even hate this tradition more than I ever did. So on my wedding, knowing that I could not in any way force these women into the limelight, my groom and I just decided to rig the supposedly bouquet lottery. The victim was my divorced 40-something aunt who was cool and sassy enough for the game. It actually became the most fun part of the reception party.

Bridal bouquet toss – either you hate it or love it! Most brides are sensitive enough to alter the procedures and decide instead to either have a lottery or something like a Pass-the Bouquet game. Either way, there’s still a big chance that you might get a very unwilling single gal. I heard some horrible stories like the girl literally walking out of the party after the bouquet has landed on her. Now that was just completely rude! After stuffing her mouth with a 400+ per plate buffet meal, the nerve of her to that, right?

Now single ladies, I’ve been there. I know how utterly embarrassing it is to be depicted as someone who’s desperate to be the next in line. We know that it’s not true, or even if it is and we are in denial, the least we could do is to be cordial to the couple. Think of karma, even if you don’t plan to get married. I’m sure you’ll have more embarrassing experiences than this so don’t sweat it. If you didn’t get the couple a gift off their registry list at Rustans then the bigger reason why you should be there. Hmph! (Am I speaking from experience? Hahaha!)

But anyway, if you’re planning to take a different route on this bridal bouquet toss thingie, let me suggest these alternatives or perks…

You can ditch the game altogether and just have a Bouquet Ceremony by honoring some special people:

• Parents
• Longest Married Couple
  
• Furthest Traveled Guest
  

But if you really want some riot on the floor, exploit the economic recession and DANGLE A PRIZE!

• You can do a traditional toss and whoever catches it gets some bucks!...
• Or you can have a flower pabitin and there are prizes attached to the stems…
• Or if you have a hunky and handsome male celebrity friend, ask him to be “the prize” as his wedding gift to you! He gets to put on the garter on the lucky lady. Hey I don’t know any girl who’ll refuse John Lloyd touching her leg.

Whatever the idea is… Just make sure that it involves more than just the “privilege” of being crowned the next bride. A day at the spa… a gift certificate… hmmm John Lloyd.