This post is probably going to make some of you cringe, but where I’m from, money dances are a tradition. I’ve never been to a wedding in New Orleans that didn’t have a money dance, but I know to some, these are considered tacky. I learned this after being flamed on a wedding forum when I was looking for song suggestions. Ugh… why can’t we brides just get along?
Anywho, we chose “Mony Mony” (close enough to “money” right?) by Billy Idol as the song. We chose this song because we just wanted to have some fun and laugh with our guests over a dance. Sure, they didn’t have to put money in a Crown Royal bag that my MOH was holding, but wow, were we overwhelmed by the generosity of our guests. It took us 2 songs to dance with everyone who wanted to dance with us.
Yes, I know, Crown Royal bag. So, a bride forgot one thing to get, and the reception coordinator had to improvise. Big deal. 
So, here are some shots from the money dance. We all had a blast!
This is me and our ring bearer. He is so stinkin’ cute!
Oh yes, ALL of my friends from college decided to gather around Mr. Ballet Flat and dance with him. I’m sure he felt like the quarterback on the football team at senior prom here.
Here I am with FIL Ballet Flat. I’m sure he was cracking jokes about something or the smile from the wedding is just plastered on my face. I don’t think there was a time when I didn’t smile that night. HA!
This is the wife of one of Mr. BF’s groomsmen. They were actually going to Disney World the same time as us, and received big news the day after the wedding. They were pregnant! (By the way, the pictures of their precious baby girl clutches at my heart strings and brings on some serious baby fever!)
This is my brother and me. He’s a total jokester. He’s probably cracking jokes about how he had to run a marathon to escort three women (my mom and two grandmothers) down the aisle in a row because someone went out of order. Ah… poor guy. Sorry ladies, he’s off the market.
Ahh… Uncle BF (is that what he’s considered)? This is Daddy BF’s brother. He is the most hilarious man I will probably ever know, and when one of my friends requested “Stanky Leg” to the DJ, he was one of the few adults on the floor learning the dance. It was awesome-sauce.
Gosh, I can’t believe how fun the money dance was! It was so good to talk to guests one last time before the reception was over. Stay tuned… we have one more dance to go!
Did you/will you have a money dance?
Images courtesy of Amanda Meyer Photography
Previous recaps:
Our NOLA Nuptials: The Bridals
Our NOLA Nuptials: Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!
Our NOLA Nuptials: Practice Makes Perfect
Our NOLA Nuptials: It Was All a Blur
Our NOLA Nuptials: Poof, Spray and a Lie
Our NOLA Nuptials: The Finishing Touches
Our NOLA Nuptials: Walk it Out
Our NOLA Nuptials: Making it Official (Part 1)
Our NOLA Nuptials: Making it Official (Part 2)
Our NOLA Nuptials: Some Afterthoughts
Our NOLA Nuptials: At First Glance
Our NOLA Nuptials: Smiles All Around
Our NOLA Nuptials: Dancing Klutz
Our NOLA Nuptials: Just Dance
Our NOLA Nuptials: Charmed
Our NOLA Nuptials: Time for Dessert
Our NOLA Nuptials: Put a Ring on It
I loved our money dance! And not because we got money (that was fun too) but because made people relax and it was really fun.
Looks so freakin fun. Mr. Peep’s cousins requested the Stanky Leg before the wedding. We’ll get him back at his wedding in October.
I don’t get the haters…I think money dances are so stinkin fun! I see it as a great way to involve guests in the reception, and it gives them a guaranteed opportunity to dance with the bride or groom (as long as they have at least a buck on them!)
I have never seen one in “real life” but it sure looks like you guys had a lot of fun and that’s what really matters.
I’m from the mid-west (Iowa/Illinois border) and EVERY wedding I’ve been to has a money dance. I like that you did something upbeat…. I’ve only seen awkward slow dances : ) We might have to consider this option…
I’m from St. Louis and this is a tradition for my family too. In fact I only remember being at one wedding where they didn’t do one and I thought it was weird! I think it’s a fun idea. You aren’t forcing people to participate and we’ve always referred to it as the dollar dance, it’s not like you’re forcing people to fork over $20 to dance with you, it’s just a fun way to add a few extra bucks to your “starting our lives together” account 
As a fellow NOLA bride, I’m sure we’ll be doing one. I originally said I would absolutely not participate, but my mom is really pushing for it. We always swing by the ATM on our way to weddings because we know we’ll be doing the money dance.
A lot of times, it’s the only chance most guests get to dance with the bride/groom.
A friend of mine that got married like 10 years ago received almost $1000 from the money dance (and she had a relatively small wedding). It’s major help for the honeymoon!
I’ve never been to a wedding with a money dance before, but I wish I have been – it looks like so much fun!
We have a lot of money dances down in NC too (I think ours is one of two that *hasn’t* had one). I’ve never thought they were weird or tacky either…we’re just shy and not even having a solo first dance:).
That picture of you with the ring bearer makes me wish we had nieces or nephews or friends with kids…
I’d never heard of one before I came on here – we don’t have them in the UK, but they look fun!
i love how in all your recap posts everyone is smiling, laughing, and having such a great time!
We had one in West Virginia. Most weddings I;ve been to have had one and most of the weddings I’ve attended have been in Maryland or PA. It was fun and we got to spend a bit of one on one time with our guests. We didn’t make much about $180 but it came in handy on the honeymoon.
I am from Louisiana TOO and about 3 hours from New Orleans..I AM IN FULL SUPPORT OF THE MOO-LAH MAKING DANCE..and YES money dances are traditional/ occur at every single wedding I have ever attended. We PERSONALLY received a lot of money during ours, (almost $400) but I think what I like most about it is, the personal/ special moments shared with your guests..that you would otherwise, never had been able to enjoy. Especially for us, since we opted to not do a traditional receiving line at reception – these dances, gave us a chance to take a break from all of procedureral flow of the reception, and say hey and thanks for coming, so glad you were part of my day, etc .
I hope to dance with lots of our friends and family–I think it’ll be hard to peel me off of the dance floor! But I’m not doing a money dance. It costs so much for people to come to a wedding that I just can’t feel good about one more event where people feel obligated to spend money on us. Works differently with every group though, and I’m glad you had fun with yours.
i love dollar dances! (thats what we call them in illinois anyway!) i don’t think they are tacky at all, and it’s not an obligation so no one should feel like they have to give money, it’s mostly for fun and just to get everyone on the dance floor.
Looks like a hoot!
We don’t do them much in California. My cousin did though…and I had no idea what it was and didn’t pay. Oops! Haha I think I still owe him five bucks!
i’m actually fond of the money dance. sometimes it’s the only chance to really get some face time with the bride and groom during the wedding. i have no problem slipping them a few bucks for that honor!
Every wedding I have been at in California so far has had a dollar dance. I am a little shaky on if I want one for my wedding yet or not. Mr. Tribble to be wants one so he can get a chance to see more of our guests but I just hate to ask for money like that. I need to think of a way to make it a friend dance so everyone can come up and wish congrats with out feeling like they needed to give up cash before the dance.
I do like the up beat song for the dance though. I have seen it get awkward when the song was slow and one line or the other is shorter or gone.
I’m from the midwest (Indiana), and the money dances are a staple at weddings! People always come prepared to every wedding with a few ones (or more!)…….they are always a blast, and make for great photo ops. =)
Mrs. Ballet Flat, New Orleans Age and Occupation: 24, Geographic Information Systems Analyst Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, IT Analyst Engagement Date: March 16, 2008 Wedding Date: May, 2009 Blogging Since: September 25, 2008 Venue: St. Charles Borromeo Church/Jefferson-Orleans North About Me: I absolutely love wedding planning, spending time with Mr. Ballet Flat, various crafts, watching football, baking, pop music, bargain hunting and ice cream. My idea of a great date night is dinner and clearance shopping with Mr. Ballet Flat! I currently live below sea level in the suburbs near New Orleans, where I make maps all day, everyday for my job. I'm slowly becoming more and more obsessed with anything New Orleans related for our wedding, and I can't wait for the big day!
Latest Gallery Pics