There are many different cultural or traditional dances that take place at the reception. One of these, which is apparently very common, but one I had never heard of until I experienced it first hand at the reception my in-laws planned for us after we got married, is the DOLLAR DANCE, also known as the MONEY DANCE.
What is it?
During a money dance, male guests pay to dance briefly with the bride, and sometimes female guests pay to dance with the groom. The money is either pinned to the brides gown or veil, placed in a purse or apron, or collected by the best man. Some sources say it originated in Poland, but it seems to have roots in several different cultures or have some sort of variation within many cultures. In Nigeria it’s called the money spray, in Greece tossing money at the couple is part of a dance called kalamatiano (afterwards the money is collected and given to the band), and in Poland it’s tradition to pin money to the bride’s dress at the reception. My experience with the money dance in small town Kansas was having money pinned to my dress!
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Usually the DJ announces the upcoming Money Dance, and often it is explained to the guest that the money will be used for the bride and groom’s honeymoon or to give them a little extra cash with which to set up their new house. Sometimes a couple decides money from the money dance will go to their first born child. Whatever way the money will be used, the money is a symbolic gesture meant to help the new couple get started in their new life together.
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The Dollar Dance is usually a fun, upbeat, and interactive part of the reception with fun music and lots of people involved in dancing. It also can allow the bride and groom a few moments with each guest. On the other hand, the Dollar Dance can be a bit controversial within the realm of wedding etiquette. It can make it look like the bride and groom are wanting an additional cash gift from their guests. Often this dance can be and is encouraged by the families and guests. It can be a special, fun, and/or even an expected tradition. Traditions are tricky like that – what may appear as rude to some is completely appropriate and even meaningful to another.
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Here is a little more info about the Dollar Dance/Money Dance from around the world:
In Poland, the money dance originated in the early 1900s. It takes place after the first dance, and maybe even after guests have had a chance to down a few drinks. The best man or DJ announces the event. Typically it is the best man that dances with the pride first and pins money to her gown or puts it in a little purse she carries just for this purpose. Another option is for the bride to wear an apron over her gown just for this dance. It is often also known as the Apron Dance. (And hey, the apron could double as a cake cutting apron as well!)
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In Ukraine weddings, the father of the bride usually begins the pinning of money to her dress. He is followed by the best men and groomsmen, and then the rest of the male guests that want to participate. Another variation is removing the veil and wearing an apron a well. Money is placed in the apron during the dance.
Yugoslavia provides a great idea with the tradition. Instead of pinning money on the bride’s gown, the male guests hand over their money to the best man for safe keeping.
In Hungary and Portrugal, the bride removes her shoes and puts them in the middle of the floor. The shoes are then passed around for the guests to put their monetary contribution inside.
In the Philippines the money dance is announced and both the bride and groom participate. Money is pinned or taped onto the new married couple’s garments, representing the wish that good fortune is “rained” upon them, while also with hopes of helping the couple financially as they begin their life together.
In Nigeria money is thrown or “sprayed” at the bride and groom. In addition to spraying the couple with small denominations of bills, the married couple may also be given leis and other decorations or accessories made of dollar bills.
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So what do you think? Is this a tradition you want at your wedding? How will you go about it? It definitely is a unique and entertaining way to interact with your guests, as well as a way to help the new couple receive a few more bucks as they start their new life together.
