A garter is a small piece of a wedding day, but it's one brides ask us about more than you'd think, usually somewhere between "do I actually need one" and "can I get two, one to keep and one to toss." The honest answer is you don't need one at all, but if you want the tradition, here are five we carry right now, from a delicate lace style under $100 to a crystal-chain piece with real evening glamour.
What to look for in a wedding garter
Comfort matters more than it seems like it should, since you're wearing this under your dress for hours. Look at the band: a stretch satin or scrunched band moves with you, while a firmer lace band can dig in if it's sized too snug. Beyond that, it's mostly about mood. Lace and pearls read romantic and traditional, a floral detail works well for a "something blue" moment, and a crystal chain brings more sparkle for a bride who wants the garter itself to feel like jewelry rather than a quiet detail no one sees.
Five wedding garters to shop right now
Kayden lace garter, Ariel Taub
A contemporary finish to a wedding day look, in soft off-white Venetian lace adorned with imitation pearls. Simple enough to layer under almost any gown without adding bulk. Made to order by Ariel Taub, available at Mae Bridal. Shop the Kayden lace garter, $84.
Julie leg garter, For Love & Lemons
A ruffled lace garter on a scrunched satin band, finished at the front with a satin bow and a small fabric flower. The softest and most classic option on this list. Made to order by For Love & Lemons, available at Mae Bridal. Shop the Julie leg garter, $69.
Donna "something blue" floral garter, Ariel Taub
A romantic, elegant garter with three silk organza flowers, built for the bride who wants her "something blue" to live here instead of somewhere no one will ever see. Made to order by Ariel Taub, available at Mae Bridal. Shop the Donna floral garter, $126.
Shimmer crystal initial garter, Ariel Taub
A leg accessory with a stage light quality to it: a delicate silver chain dotted with crystals that drapes and moves rather than sitting flat. The most glamorous pick here, and a nice option if the garter is coming off for a reception moment. Made to order by Ariel Taub, available at Mae Bridal. Shop the Shimmer crystal garter, $144.
Luxe leg garter, Fleur du Mal
A clean, ruffle-edged garter on a stretch band with a logo closure at the centre back, made to finish a bridal lingerie set rather than stand alone with embellishment. Made to order by Fleur du Mal, available at Mae Bridal. Shop the Luxe leg garter, $75.
How to choose a wedding garter
Decide first whether you want the toss tradition. If you do, a lot of brides buy two: a nicer one to keep as a keepsake, worn higher on the leg, and a simpler, less sentimental one lower on the leg for the toss itself. If you're skipping the toss entirely, which plenty of brides do, you only need the one you actually want to wear.
From there, match it to your dress rather than your jewelry. Since no one sees it except you, it's one of the few places on your wedding day where you can pick purely based on what makes you feel good, lace for romantic, floral for a personal touch, crystal for something that feels a little more like lingerie than tradition.
Shop the full collection
Browse the rest of our bridal accessories collection for more finishing pieces to go under the dress.
Wedding garters, answered
Do I actually need a wedding garter?
No. It's a tradition some brides keep and plenty skip entirely. There's no rule that says you need one, so treat it as optional rather than a required piece of the day.
How many garters should I buy?
If you want to do the toss, most brides buy two, one to keep as a sentimental piece and a second, simpler one for the actual toss. If you're not doing a toss, one is plenty.
Where does a garter actually go?
Most brides wear it a few inches above the knee, though exact placement comes down to personal comfort and your dress length. A band that's snug but not tight will stay put through the day without leaving a mark.
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