Garters, your way
Lovely reader Demi made me realize I have entirely ignored one aspect of the bridal ensemble. I have, at one time or another, touched on jewelry, hair, make-up, gowns (but of course), and undies. But I have never, not even once, mentioned garters. Probably because I was traumatized as a little girl when I happened to catch the bridal bouquet at a wedding, not realizing that I would then be required to sit still while a man thirty years my senior shoved a garter up to my thigh. ::SHUDDER::
Anyway, Demi presented me with a most unusual request:
My friend is getting married in September and I have been tasked with finding a University of Texas themed garter. All of the ones I have found so far are horribly tacky (cheap lace, plastic charms). Can you recommend any websites that makes elegant custom garters?
She’s right, you know. I have a theory that no one pays much attention to the quality of the garter because it’s hidden on the bride’s leg for most of the wedding and eventually comes to adorn the rear-view mirror of car of the man who catches it. Goodness knows he doesn’t care whether it’s handcrafted from fine lace and embellished with delicate beadwork. And it’s a truly archaic custom, according to Snopes, which explains that the groom’s public removal of his wife’s garter is a traditional way of announcing to all present his undisputed right by way of marriage to the use of her body. (Edit: This isn’t quite true, after all, though in some cultures a garter has represented the virginal girdle)
So, where does one procure a custom garter? One that won’t look cheap or tacky or fall apart? Unfortunately, most garter makers specialize in cheap and tacky. But some will–for a bit more money, of course–craft for you something that meets your individual needs. I have compiled a (very) short list.
Designer Marissa Toni (who is apparently much loved by celebrities like Kelly Osbourne, fashion designer Betsey Johnson, Melissa Rivers and Fergi from the Black Eyed Peas) will make you a special custom garter to highlight a special wedding day.
Hand-Crafted Creations will make you a themed garter designed to your specs. They will work with any fabrics and embellishments you send them. Such as a U. of T. jersey, perhaps?
Your Way Garters will also design a garter based on your specs. All you have to do is tell them what colors, fabrics, and so forth you’re dreaming of and they’ll think of something.
Hope this helps, Demi. Stay tuned for a post that more fully explains garter lore. Go Longhorns!











