^{Image Courtesy of Stacey Kay Photography}

LDS Wedding Reception Tips and Traditions

Tossing the bouquet is a time-honored tradition that’s been around for centuries—but like everything else in your wedding, it’s completely up to you!

Whether you want to do a classic toss, put a creative spin on it, or skip it entirely in favor of something more personal, here’s how to plan this moment for your LDS wedding reception.

How to Do a Traditional Wedding Bouquet Toss

Most brides plan the bouquet toss about 30 to 45 minutes before the end of the reception—often right after the cake cutting. But there’s no hard rule! You can break up dancing or socializing with this fun event at any time.

Here’s how it works:

• Your DJ makes a quick announcement inviting unmarried women to the dance floor.

• You (the bride!) stand 15–20 feet away, facing away from the crowd.

• Then, without looking, you toss the bouquet over your shoulder.

Tradition says that whoever catches it will be the next to marry!

Pro tip: Use a smaller, inexpensive “toss bouquet” so your real bouquet stays picture-perfect. And be sure your photographer is ready—snapping the bouquet in midair is a priceless memory you’ll love forever.

Should You Invite All the Women?

Some brides feel awkward singling out just the single guests. If that’s you, try opening up the bouquet toss to all the women at your reception! Married or single, young or older, it can be a fun, inclusive way to celebrate the women in your life.

Instead of promising that catching the bouquet means "you’re next,” just say it brings good luck! You’ll likely get a much bigger and more enthusiastic crowd—and a lot more smiles in the photos.

Not Sure About Tossing the Bouquet? Try One of These Sweet Alternatives

If tossing the bouquet doesn’t feel quite right to you, you’re not alone. Many Latter-day Saint brides choose meaningful alternatives that better reflect their personality and guests.

Here are a few ideas you might love:

The Generations Dance
Invite all the married couples onto the dance floor. Throughout the song, your DJ calls out milestones—"If you’ve been married less than 5 years… sit down.” The last couple dancing gets the bouquet as a celebration of lasting love.

The Blindfolded Bouquet
Have your female guests form a circle around you. Blindfolded, you spin gently while music plays—then call “stop” and hand the bouquet to the woman in front of you. It’s playful, sweet, and a little bit silly in the best way.

 A Gift for Your Mothers
Prepare two small toss bouquets and present one to your mother and one to your new mother-in-law as a special thank you for their love and support.

A Blessing for an Engaged Friend
Know someone who’s about to walk down the aisle? Pass your toss bouquet to her as a gesture of good luck and love.

A Flower for Every Woman
Hosting a smaller reception? Consider having a single-stemmed flower for each female guest and hand them out one by one with a smile. It turns a tradition into a personal connection.

Do What Feels Right for You

The bouquet toss can be lighthearted fun, a heartfelt gesture, or anything in between. What matters most is choosing what feels right for your celebration.

Remember, your wedding reception is about love, family, and joy—not following every tradition to the letter. If you take a moment to make it meaningful, whatever you decide will be just right.