Money Dance???

"The Money Dance", also known as "The Dollar Dance" primarily is (was) a cultural tradition. Basically, you don`t have to inform all the guests. If one of the guests knows about it, it will usually go off pretty much on it`s own. Usually another couple will start it by requesting to change partners with the bride and groom. Prior to dancing, the guest dancing with either the bride or groom would pin a dollar (five, ten or whatever) onto the bride or groom. After about 15 to 20 seconds, another couple (or individual) would intervene. Thus it becomes a competition, who will draw the most money. Usually the bride does, but should the bride happen to have more female friends there, then it is highly probable that the groom could walk away with the most pinnings (dollars).

In many cultures, it is only the bride that goes through the money dance. Now, if no one knows about the money dance, you may have to explain it to two or three ushers (and/or bridesmaids). Once it has been started, it usually goes off pretty well.

Just remember, ABOSOLUTELY NO ONE IS TO BE FORCED INTO THE MONEY DANCE (including the bride or groom - they should be asked first - as they usually know how their guests will re-act). No one is offended, no embarrassed. They participate by voluntarily walking up and requesting to dance with the bride or groom (with dollar in hand). Be sure to have pins available.

I think the toughest part of "The Money Dance" is to what music sjhould it be done to.

I hope this helps.

-Carlos

In case you don`t feel like getting poked:
Most of my family or anyone who`s wedding I have attended have changed the dance slightly-money goes into a bucket or some sort of container that can have a cute theme to it-whatever you want. Thus, no sticking with a pin, no ruining gown or rented apparal. Dancers simply walk up, toss whatever amount they like into a bucket (this way if they choose to give more no one will be embarrassed). In many cases, there was a line, behind the bucket. I think it would be great to see a whole line full of men waiting to dance with me! :-) (especially men with money) :-) ...bride humor. Anyway, LUCK

Jessica, I strongly reccomend that you NOT do the dollar dance -- it`s tacky and rude. Your guests shouldn`t feel obligated to give you money to dance with them. Also, your reception is not a funding source for your honeymoon - that is your responsibility.

I do not find it rude. It is tradiotional and fun for your guests. They will get their chance to dance money-free once that part is over. The couple can`t be expected to afford it all. Consider it the guests tip for their meal and intertainment. If you want it, go for it. If it isn`t in your taste, then forget it. Either way, good luck.

"Just remember, ABOSOLUTELY NO ONE IS TO BE FORCED INTO THE MONEY DANCE (including the bride or groom - they should be asked first - as they usually know how their guests will re-act). No one is offended, no embarrassed. They participate by voluntarily walking up and requesting to dance with the bride or groom (with dollar in hand)."

I agree with this poster..... It is not tacky and rude! It is a fun way to get to minglw with people! I have see it done where the bride has a little lace purse that guests put the money in. I have never seen it done in lieu of gifts, but just dont register and have your bridal party spread the word around. People will get thie hint to bring cash!

The dollare dance is a polish tradition.........In my area a wedding without a dollar dance is like a wedding without a cake...totally incomplete How it usually works is the bride and groom go out on the dance floor with the best man and maid of honor...the dj or band usually annouces that the next few dances are the dollar dance (usually noone else dances durring this time) the attendants collect the money and the line forms at them the dance usually lasts like 15-20 seconds then the attendant lets another dollar dancer up to the bride or groom......it is great fun....kids love to do it as well as adults. It also provides some great and fun photo ops. Like the gooms men dancing with the goom ect. It is alot of fun and that is why you should do it .........as for the money making prospects of the dollar dance you only make around 100-250. But the fun you have with it will be priceless!!

Funny, I always thought it was a Filipino tradition !!!

Also, this allows even the youngest dancers (5-10 years old -- perhaps even younger) to participate. Just imagine a 7 year old boy going out to dance with the Bride. Or a six year old girl dancing with the Groom. Fun and pictures galore !!! Heck the Groom`s likely to pin a dollar to himself to dance with his sister that wasn`t the flower girl -- because, the Bride`s little sister was the flower girl.

Dollar dances are expected at our weddings. One doesn`t have to give more than $1. It is just a fun thing to do. Usually someone brings a box of pins. People scramble to find the person with the pins so they can participate. I`m going to insert two pins into each program so guests can either do the dance or not. They will be prepared if they want to do it.

And I always thought it was a spanish tradition!!!

Hi i got this off the. Hope this helps.
"The “Dollar Dance,” “Money Dance,” “Honeymoon Dance,” or “Apron Dance” is an interesting traditions at many wedding receptions. In America, it originated at the turn of the twentieth century when European immigrants wanted to make sure the newlyweds had a little extra money to start their new future together. This probably stems from a Polish custom in which men and women would form two lines and pay a dollar to dance with the bride or groom. Nowadays, couples still follow the traditional “Dollar Dance,” formation and the money collected is often used as spending cash for the honeymoon. This centuries old Polish tradition has grown into a very prominent ritual that has also become a question of etiquette for many. "

"In some regions or cultures, a “Money Dance” may be considered tacky, improper, or down right greedy, but in others, many wedding guests look forward to the tradition, using it as a time to spend “personal time” with the bride and groom, giving them the opportunity to offer their congratulations and best wishes. "
Mel

I think its common to a lot of different cultures.

Yes it is very common in many diff cultures
Mel

In my neck of the woods the money dance is just common as cutting the cake. With so many brides and grooms footing their own bills I don`t see it as rude. Have to say we`ve never done the pins and I wouldn`t want my expensive and beautiful dress stuck full of pins. A cloth bag is usually held by the maid of honor and the best man has a tray full of shots. So for your contribution you get the dance as well as a shot. But everything is OPTIONAL. If people don`t want to dance they don`t get in line. They don`t drink, they don`t accept the shot.

Another cute idea is a money tree. Have a tree set up near the entrance with close pins to hang dollars on. You can put a couple of ones on it to get you started. It`s and alternative to the money dance

Hi everyone,
As a disc jockey, I am completely neutral on this subject, however, I don`t find it tacky, rude or obscene to have a money dance. It has been culturally accepted for eons, therefore, it should be a matter of personal preference.
As long as there is freedom of opinion, there will always be two sides, and there will always be exceptions, IMHO the rule does not make the exception.
I love playing during the money dance, it gives me a chance to play great music and see the people dance, no one has ever objected or made negative remarks during any event. Bottom line is, general public should respect the bride and groom`s wishes.
Best regards!

Rig hit it right onthe head, it is a matter of preference! I have yet to have anyone complain, the DJ must not let it go on too long and the faster the couple switching the faster and more $$$ you get. When I meet w/ the B+G I suggest instead of pinning the $$ on, they use their best man & maid of honor to collect each fo ther $$. For $1 - Hello $5 Hello, so glad you made it -$10 Hello, so glad you made it, are you having a nice time - $20 - Hello, so glad you made it, are you having a nice time, what did you think of the wedding - $50.00 - Hello, so glad you made it, are you having a nice time, what did you think of the wedding, Can you buy another dance I amreally enjoying spending this time with you! LOL J/K You get the idea!! Make it fun for everyone short & sweet!! Most Ive had a couple collect 1,500.00 the least 85.00.