Posted by Sherri Caudell Brennan, Shopping and Fashion Market Editor
Garters have fallen a bit out of fashion over the years, but the tradition of wearing them still holds for many brides. Now there are fashionable options in every possible color combination, many handmade by young crafters and Etsy entrepreneurs (have we mentioned how much we love Etsy?).
Take Julianne Smith for instance. She launched her business in 2005 after creating her first garter for a friend's wedding. In her youth she was always known for bedazzling her own jeans and sewing hair scrunchies to match all her outfits. If she couldn't find what she wanted, she made it.
So, of course, her wedding garters are stylish, fun, and not overly sparkly. Her website also features a create-your-own option, where you can choose the color and style of your garter. She will soon be coming out with an eco-friendly collection, proving that even the oldest of traditions can still keep up with the times.
Garter Lady, sold on Etsy.com, is another vendor to watch out for. Garter Lady hand makes her garters and uses heirlooms to add to some of her designs. You'll find vintage brooches and antique lace when you step into her online shop. Her is a sampling of her delicate creations.
Will you be wearing a garter at your wedding?
From: kathleen | 10/13/09 at 1:32 pm
I'm torn on the idea. My thighs tend to be on the, uh, doughier side, but since i have a full skirt that part doesn't really matter, except i worry that having a piece of elastic around my leg will be uncomfortable/it won't stay in place. I also am not keen on having my guy remove the garter and toss it. So if I do get one, it will just be for me, and as something to keep as an heirloom and maybe pass on.
From: The Encore Bride | 10/13/09 at 3:49 pm
Nope! There will be no garter or bouquet toss, this wedding will be my style as I am an Encore Bride.
From: julianne smith | 10/13/09 at 10:45 pm
wow! this is so great, thank you sherri and the martha stewart team for doing this post about wedding garters. i'm honored to be on it.
to answer the first comment's concerns - i understand you hesitation and i think that a lot of brides have the same concerns as you. i have a garter 101 series on these very topics and how you can rethink about the wedding garter tradition and overcome fears of garter wearing and do it your OWN WAY! check it out here: http://juliannesmith.wordpress.com/category/garter-101/
to specifically address your concerns...for sizing, just try it on before your wedding to ensure that it fits and won't leave any mark. maybe wear it around the house for a while! with regards to the toss, if you don't want to do it, skip it! don't do anything you aren't fully comfortable with, just keep your garter between you and your man!
From: Katie Martin | 10/14/09 at 1:30 am
We love Julianne's green garters! Nothing like them anywhere!!!
From: Allison | 10/20/09 at 6:51 pm
yes - I actually wore a Julianne Smith garter - created by my sister in law (a friend of Julianne's)!! I loved it!
From: Dream Green Weddings | 10/27/09 at 1:01 pm
We are super excited about Julianne's new green garter collection for eco-conscious brides! Find her new garter collection, along with many other handmade and eco-friendly wedding specialties at our online eco wedding boutique.