
In keeping with the tradition of formal balls where the first dance was led by the guest of honour, at a wedding the first dance is led by the bride and groom. Newlyweds sometimes choose to invite their bridal party to join them part way through the first song.
Historically the father danced with the bride to symbolize relinquishing the protective role for his daughter and passing that responsibility to his new son-in-law. Today many couples also choose to feature the groom dancing with his mother during this song.
Historically people would take a piece of the bride's outfit as a good luck charm. The single woman who got the bouquet was assumed to be the next woman to get married. Today's bouquet and garter toss are our modern day acknowledgements of that tradition.
BOUQUET TOSS
GRABBING THE GARTER
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