Weddings - Dollar Dance

LeslieAGD · #1 09-27-2005, 08:55 AM

On the wedding message board that I'm on quite a bit, a raging debate happens whenever someone mentions the "dollar dance." Some people think it's beyond tacky and others think it's great.

Just wondering what people on GC thought of the "dollar dance" (where guests pay a dollar to dance with the bride or groom at the reception).

_Lisa_ · #2 09-27-2005, 09:21 AM

Never heard of the "dollar dance" before, but it sounds tacky to me. Maybe there is some tradition behind it that I'm missing?

Sister Havana · #3 09-27-2005, 09:22 AM

I think it's very tacky. Never liked it at all and if I ever get married, I will not be doing it.

(Some of the weddings I've been to where they've done it...you only pay a dollar to dance with the bride, the groom is not a part of it.)

aephi alum · #4 09-27-2005, 09:36 AM

I never heard of the dollar dance until I saw it described on alt.wedding - I lurked there when I was planning my wedding a few years ago.

IMO, it's tacky, because it constitutes asking for money/gifts. The bride and groom and their families should not give the appearance of asking for money or gifts. It's one of those weird unwritten rules... you can't give the appearance of asking for a gift, yet your guests "know" they should give one. No, it doesn't make sense.

33girl · #5 09-27-2005, 09:37 AM

Ugh.

The last thing I want when I get married is for future Mr 33's gross uncle to grope me while we're dancing for a dollar.

It usually includes a shot, too. If people want to give me a dollar and do a shot w/ me I don't have a problem with that.

jess_pom · #6 09-27-2005, 09:40 AM

I don't mind dollar dances... you're there to wish the couple well and this gives them a little extra cash with which to start their lives together. Although I feel bad giving just a dollar. How much does everyone usually give?

I went to a wedding a couple weeks ago where you got a shot when you paid your money and then you danced with either the bride or groom.

And the DJ at the wedding I was at this weekend called it an apron dance. The maid of honor was supposed to wear an apron and the guests stuff the money in the apron.

adpiucf · #7 09-27-2005, 09:40 AM

Beyond Tacky.

As if weddings weren't already self-indulgent enough, couples have to go in and add another level of "Look at Me!"

Why not just have the bride do a pole dance for dollars?

Lindz928 · #8 09-27-2005, 10:14 AM

Both of my best friends did them at their weddings recently (And have also been done at pretty much every wedding I've ever been to). I see nothing wrong with them. If you don't want to give them money, just don't do it.

The ones I've seen also had both the bride and groom doing it. I just gave a buck each time (cause I'm a poor 20-something), but I saw the grandparents and older guests giving as much as $50.

I think people worry too much about it. It's just fun.

valkyrie · #9 09-27-2005, 10:17 AM

My understanding is that the dollar dance is quite common in some cultures. However, I think it is just about the tackiest thing I've ever seen at a wedding.

I attended a wedding once where people actually PINNED the money to the bride's dress. But then, that same wedding featured an appearance by "Those Funny Little People" -- let me tell you, it was horrifying. I had to leave the room for a while.

honeychile · #10 09-27-2005, 10:25 AM

Most of the local weddings that I've been to, and those in the Midwest in certain cultures, have the dollar dance. I was even at one where the bride used an apron that was something like 4 generations old. I didn't have it at my wedding, and the only time I participated was at the wedding of a dear friend, when you could dance with the bride OR groom.

Otherwise, I find it tacky.

Lindz928 · #11 09-27-2005, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by valkyrie
My understanding is that the dollar dance is quite common in some cultures. However, I think it is just about the tackiest thing I've ever seen at a wedding.

I attended a wedding once where people actually PINNED the money to the bride's dress. But then, that same wedding featured an appearance by "Those Funny Little People" -- let me tell you, it was horrifying. I had to leave the room for a while.

What in the world is this?!?

Taualumna · #12 09-27-2005, 10:50 AM

I thought the dollar/money dance was when people pinned money on the bride and groom to wish them well in married life.

Lindz928 · #13 09-27-2005, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Taualumna
I thought the dollar/money dance was when people pinned money on the bride and groom to wish them well in married life.

Most people these days don't actually pin it to them anymore. Would you want someone pinning anything to your $1000 wedding gown?

Other than that, I think you are generally right.

PenguinTrax · #14 09-27-2005, 11:09 AM

I find dollar dances to be incredibly tacky. If you can't afford such a big wedding and/or honeymoon, you shouldn't have planned such an extravagant affair.

Lindz928 · #15 09-27-2005, 11:16 AM

I don't know if it's the fact that I grew up in Texas or what.... But I just honestly don't find them tacky. I don't look at it as them saying, "We spent too much on our wedding, give us money." Not at all. I just see it as fun. Why the big deal?

Again, if you don't want to participate.... just don't. I promise they won't be upset. (If they are then they have bigger problems.)