Why do brides wear garters?

Brides wear garters because wedding guests believed it was good luck to receive a piece of the bride's dress. This tradition dates back to the 14th century. Male guests would sometimes rush the bride after the wedding ceremony to get pieces of the wedding dress or garter, so the bride would throw her garter at the male guests to keep her dress intact.

This could lead to a torn dress or the bride getting injured.To avoid this situation, brides began taking off the garter and throwing it to the crowd of male guests. At this time, the garter also symbolized consummation.

Today, it is customary for the groom to remove the bride's garter and throw it to his groomsmen. A bride wears the garter on the right leg.