At destination weddings, couples aren’t as strict when it comes to ticking off the traditions of wedding receptions. For example, it’s becoming more and more common for brides to skip the tradition of tossing their bouquet. Most opt-out because they don’t want to bring unwanted attention to sad singles or lonely ladies. However, there’s actually some pretty cool history behind the tradition and we think this is one slightly-cliché wedding moment you should embrace!
The tossing of the bouquet stems (no pun intended!) from a tradition in England and France – at a time when women used to try and rip pieces of the bride’s dress and bits of her flowers in order to obtain some of her good luck. (This gives a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘trash the dress!’) In an effort to escape the desperate crowd, the bride would toss her bouquet and run away!
In the Mayan tradition, it is believed that flowers absorb the energy and love that is created by the couple during their wedding ceremony. After the ceremony, the bride has two choices: she can keep the flowers or give them away. If a bride chooses to keep her flowers, it’s believed that she traps that positive energy in the flowers. However, if she opts to give them away, then it’s said that the positive energy is free to travel the world and come back to the couple for years to come. Not surprisingly, it’s encouraged in Mayan tradition to give away your wedding bouquet so that your love and positive energy can benefit the loved ones around you. Think of it as a way to have the positive vibes of your wedding day transformed into a lifetime of love.
Fast-forward 2,000 years and I don’t think the ancient Mayans meant this to mean throwing your bouquet at a mob of single ladies bobbing along to Beyoncé. However, if you’re going to choose to say “I do” in the Riviera Maya, why not embrace local traditions and keep love flowing throughout your life as an added bonus?
If you’re considering not throwing your bouquet at your reception for fear of singling out the single ladies, consider tossing your bouquet for all the women – married and single. It could be fun and inspiring to tell your guests about the Mayan symbolism of sharing the love and positive energy of the day with one lucky lady. This will give all the ladies in attendance reason to leap with all their might! Plus, from a photographer’s perspective, the tossing of the bouquet photos can be some of the most fun and hilarious of the night – why not embrace the whole tradition?
Dean Sanderson
Cancun Wedding Photographer
As a seasoned wedding photographer with extensive experience in capturing the essence of destination weddings, I've had the privilege of witnessing and understanding the various traditions and customs associated with such events. My expertise goes beyond just capturing moments; I delve into the cultural and historical significance of these traditions, providing a nuanced perspective that enriches the overall wedding experience.
In the context of the article by Dean Sanderson, I'd like to shed light on the fascinating history and cultural aspects surrounding the tradition of tossing the bouquet at wedding receptions. The author mentions that at destination weddings, couples are increasingly deviating from strict adherence to traditional wedding reception practices. Specifically, brides are opting out of the bouquet toss, citing concerns about drawing attention to single or lonely individuals.
The tradition of tossing the bouquet has roots in England and France, where, historically, women would attempt to tear pieces of the bride's dress and flowers to acquire some of her good luck. In response to the eager crowd, the bride would toss her bouquet and make a swift exit. This historical context adds a layer of significance to what might be perceived as a cliché wedding moment.
Furthermore, the article introduces the Mayan tradition, which holds that flowers absorb the energy and love generated by the couple during the wedding ceremony. The bride is presented with a choice: to keep the flowers, trapping the positive energy within, or to give them away, allowing the positive energy to circulate the world and return to the couple over the years. The Mayan tradition encourages giving away the wedding bouquet to spread love and positive energy to those around you.
In the modern context, the article suggests a unique twist for couples considering whether to skip the bouquet toss. Instead of singling out single ladies, the author proposes tossing the bouquet for all women, both married and single. This not only aligns with the Mayan tradition of sharing love and positive energy but also adds a fun and inspiring element to the wedding celebration. From a photographer's perspective, capturing the moments of bouquet tossing can yield some of the most enjoyable and humorous photos of the night, making it a worthwhile tradition to embrace.
In conclusion, my expertise in wedding photography extends beyond capturing beautiful moments to understanding the rich cultural and historical tapestry that shapes wedding traditions. The bouquet toss, as discussed in Dean Sanderson's article, is a prime example of how these traditions can be reimagined and celebrated in a way that reflects both personal preferences and cultural significance.
