Though sex on your wedding night might seem like a no-brainer, the truth is, the majority of couples (52 percent) don't actually do much more than sleep on the first night. That's a little different than in the past when couples got busy right after they said "I do" . . . sometimes right in front of their family members.
Known as the "bedding ceremony", the ritual usually began with a priest blessing the bed as the couple drank sweet and spicy wine. Family members would gather around to witness the consummation of the marriage, and as it was lucky to have a piece of the bride's clothing, women in attendance would often attempt to pull at her garter, as was the case in the Dark Ages. In his book, Wedding Customs Then and Now, Carl Holliday writes: "The bridesmaids start with the weary bride to the wedding chamber when suddenly the cry arises, 'Get her garter'... If the woman has been thoughtful, she has fastened it loosely to the bottom of her dress so that it drags in plain view of the scrambling ruffians; if she has not been a wise virgin, she may find her clothes in rags after the struggle."
Over time, the bride and groom tossing both the bouquet and garter became a way to appease the crowd.