Dollar Dance

[Voss102905]

Who's doing the dollar dance?

We are. It's a normal thing to go around here and we decided we would do it.

[mistylark]

I have never been to a wedding that didn't have it. So we are having one. It is perfectly normal in the midwest; but seems to be forwned on in the south, maybe other places too. I just figure if it bugs someone, they don't have to dance with us during that time.

[BJsBabyGirl]

We are planning on doing it too! It is pretty common here. I agree that if they don't like it, they don't have to participate!

[Bianca]

We are doing one too. Here, in Miami, most people haven't heard of it or think it's strange... but we're both from Ohio and having our wedding there, so it's a tradition we'll keep to. Besides earning some money, it really is a great way to spend some one on one time with your guests... and most people don't mind throwing a dollar into the honeymoon bucket!

[Chi06Wed]

I've never heard of it or been to a wedding with one, what is it?

[wesnjen]

Dollar dance? Does it involve a stripper's pole? That is all we have here in Arizona. :D :eek:

[Voss102905]

here found this better than my original explanation

The dollar dance is a Polish tradition. Men and women form two lines and pay a dollar to dance with the bride or groom, pinning the money onto their clothing. These days, the dollar dance is still widely done in the Midwest, where it's viewed as giving newlyweds some pocket money for their honeymoon. The custom is centuries-old in Poland; it was a way to help the young couple set up house and begin their new life together. It sounds as if you're concerned that the idea is tacky and don't want to take guests' money at your reception. Keep in mind that only the guests who want to participate will be offering up their dollars, and that there's a lot of history behind the tradition; it's a nice way to honor your heritage. If you're really uncomfortable with it, unpin those dollars and present them back to your guests with a hug!

[brandonsbride]

we are definitely having a dollar dance! It gives you a chance to talk to all of your guests, incase you don't get around to mingle with everyone! Also gives your guests the opportunity to get to know your new spouse a lil better! :)

[Carrie429]

We are not... not that I think there is anything wrong with them. Recently weddings I've been to have had them, but prior to that I had never seen one done. I was actually really glad my brother had one as it gave me a chance to dance with him.

As for it being a polish tradition (which I have heard before).. FH's family is basically 100% Polish on both sides (his great grandfather (or something like that) on his Dad's side was Lithuanian, but that’s the only non polish blood around). I asked FMIL about the dollar dance, and she hadn't a clue what it was. She said to play a polka or two and that will keep everyone happy. She also told me about a polish tradition involving an apron, but we won't get into that here :). So, I don’t know how much truth lies in this being a strictly polish tradition.

[TwelveGrains]

I love the idea! I'm not sure how FH will feel about it, but I thinks it's great! :D

[Tamarra35]

Actually, the $1 dance, or Money Dance, is a very, very old tradition in some cultures. My family is from Italy, and they told me of the dance back when i was a little girl. I also heard some people mentioning that it is part of the Polish, Spanish cultures as well. I have a feeling that there are many others as well.
Tamarra
http://johnandtamarra.weddingannouncer.com/

[eemiles03]

A variation of it is also a Portuguese(sp?) tradition. Fh's is half portuguese so I was looking into ways to incorporate it into wedding. In portuguese, they pass around the brides shoe to fill with money or something like that.

[eemiles03]

a lot of stuff that is "portuguese" may also be spanish because of how close they are. I just googled portuguese wedding traditions and that was one....not going to get into the "old" tradition though. Just glad that people don't do that anymore!!!!