The Dollar Dance:

Charming Wedding Tradition or Poor Wedding Etiquette?

There are many wedding traditions which have been a customary part of a marriage celebration for hundreds - or even thousands - of years. Customs like exchanging wedding bands, the first dance, and cutting the wedding cake are a lovely part of any wedding. But then there are those customs which are a bit more questionable - some would even say objectionable.

Chief among these is the dollar dance. A debate rages about whether it is a perfectly acceptable "old world" wedding tradition, or simply a money grab. While it is true that paying a dollar to dance with the bride at the wedding reception is an old custom, it is equally true that many people find it outdated or even downright tacky.

The idea originated back when couples were usually married very young, and their community wanted to come together and help them get started with a few dollars to set up housekeeping. These days when a lot of weddings cost as much as the downpayment on a house, there is something a bit ridiculous about keeping up that pretense. It is particularly questionable when the bride and groom are established professionals. The guests may feel like, if anything, the money should be flowing in their direction!

If a dollar dance is not traditionally done at every wedding in your community, don't even consider it. Those who are unfamiliar with the custom will find it to be really tacky. In fact, I once attended a wedding with a dollar dance. The custom came from the groom's family, and nobody from the bride's side had ever heard of it. When it came time for the dance, rather than being showered with cash, the bride spent most of the song alone on the dance floor. Once the embarrassing spectacle had ended, guests resumed dancing.

While it is ultimately up to each couple to do what feels right for their own wedding, the dollar dance is one wedding custom that most people would prefer to see retired.