Often couples toy with many wedding traditions. Should we or should we not do the dollar dance, bouquet and garter toss, the list goes on and on. I found this great article that provides background information on the tradition as well as provide other alternatives for the dance:
What is a dollar dance?
A wedding dollar dance is a dance that is preformed by the bride and groom at the reception. Traditionally, it’s purpose is to give the couple extra money to spend on their honeymoon. It is more prevalent in some families than others. For this reason, the dollar dance has adapted slightly varying purposes over the years.
Should you have a wedding dollar dance?
That is strictly personal preference. Talk to your friends and family members to get their feelings about it. However, if it is something you want – then by all means have it!
One bit of advice: If dollar dances are not frequently done in your area, don’t assume that your guests will know what to do. Have your bridal party, or close friends, initiate the dance. You may also want your DJ or band to announce what is taking place.
How does a wedding dollar dance work?
Here are two different ways:
1. The bride and groom dance together to the song of their choice. A friend, or family member, stands close to the dance floor holding straight pins. Guests go, one by one, to the bride and groom to pin money to their clothes. The dance stops when the song ends or when the last guest gives money.
2. Same as the first except the bride and groom stand apart. The male guest line up to dance with the bride and the females with the groom. Each guests gets a short (few seconds) dance with either the bride or groom after pinning money to their clothes. This one is our favorite! It allows for interaction between the couple and their guests!
Wedding dollar dance alternatives
You may want to employ one of these alternatives if you like the idea of a dollar dance, but feel uncomfortable about your guests giving you money.
1. Well Wishing Dance. Place small pieces of paper on tables with instructions for your guests to write down their thoughts and wishes for the bride and groom. Have your guests pin these wishes to you and your groom instead of money.
2. Have a money or well wishing tree. Place a box or fabric covered board near your guest book. Have your guests stick well wishes or money there and eliminate a dance altogether.
3. Guess Who Has The Gift Dance. This is a really cute idea that we came up with for a couple not too long ago. It was a hit. Do not give your bride and groom gifts to each other before the wedding. Instead, give them to your maid of honor and best man. Have them secretly pick out two guests to hold onto them.
Continue with the #2 wedding dollar dance example. Have the DJ or band announce that a special dance is about to take place and that all guests should line up to dance and give well wishes to the bride and groom. Have him/her also mention that somewhere in the line is the bride and groom’s gifts to each other.
You and the groom are then required to ask each guest “Do you have my gift?” during your dance until you are left dancing with the person who is holding your gifts from each other.
You can then open them and share that moment with all of your guests
Comments 2
The “dollar dance” is done quite often in African weddings. We call it “spraying money” on the couple. It’s quite common and never out of place. It’s possible for couples to remake the money used to pay for the wedding based on the “spraying” of money.
Thank you for the comment Kelechi. It was very enlightening.