Don’t Like - No Bouquet Toss

Weddings are frequently competitive affairs. They’re an opportunity to go big if you have the means. They’re also exercises in taste where everywhere is detail considered with the knowledge that they’ll then be commented on in hushed tones by the guests. People take notice of a great appetizer or an amazing floral arrangement. And yet, many modern weddings have removed the most openly competitive event of the entire affair: the bouquet toss. Of the four weddings I went to this year, none of them had a moment where the bride turned around and chucked her bouquet to a group of non-married women to “see who would be next.” It’s a silly tradition, one that in no way reflects the current state of wedding planning. But it’s increasingly rare now. That’s a loss. Perhaps the pressure to be next is too great. Perhaps the bride doesn’t want to get rid of her bouquet. Perhaps it puts the spotlight on someone else. Perhaps it leads to fights and sore feelings. But perhaps all that is worth it when the bouquet arcs through the air for the most formal game of three flags up anyone ever plays. It adds an event and creates a nice pause in the party. What if someone is hoping to show up and win something that day? It seems pretty rude to deny them.