Dollar Dance (Money Dance)

Posted on | May 31, 2010 |

This custom has been around in some form or another for many years. It has gained in popularity in the past few years, and is referred to as the “dollar dance” or “money dance”. It is very popular at weddings in New York and New Jersey and has branched out to all areas of the country.

The custom is said to have been started by immigrants who wanted to give the bride and groom a little extra money to start their new life off on the right foot. Some say it’s an Italian tradition, some say Polish, but no matter where it started it is alive and well today.

What is the dollar dance? It is when the Bride and Groom get on the dance floor as guests pay $1.00 for the privilege to dance with them. Before the wedding the Bride and groom choose a few songs. You don’t need to pick songs with great meaning, any slow song will do. Your guest is getting some one on one time with you and you will most likely be chatting and not listening to the words of the music. At some determined point in the wedding (you will discuss this with your DJ or Band) the songs are played. Usually it is done along with the tossing of the bouquet and garter.

Typically the best man and maid of honor help the guests form 2 lines, one for the bride and one for the groom. They lead the guests out to the dance floor about every 30 seconds. They switch the partners and escort the one that had been dancing with off the floor. The cost is a dollar for the short dance, but many of your guests will pay more. Once everyone who has requested a dance is done, the normal party dancing resumes.

The dollar dance is controversial, and not all your guests will be thrilled with it. It is a personal choice if you want to add it, but if it’s not a tradition in your family I wouldn’t recommend starting it. You can do a wish dance instead which is basically the same thing, minus the money. Guests line up in the same fashion, but instead of giving money they let the bride or groom know the wishes they have for them. It still gives you great one on one time with your guests, without the possible ramifications of asking for money.

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Category: Wedding Dances
Tags: Money dance

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Dollar Dance (Money Dance)

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