Love is Where We Are: Dollar Dance

Love is Where We Are: Dollar Dance

November 16th, 2011 @ 9:38 am by Mrs. Lioness
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I had mixed feelings about doing a dollar dance during our wedding reception. Asking our guests for money when they had already bought us presents (and many of them had also traveled to our wedding) seemed inappropriate. Then, I learned that it was a tradition at Cuban weddings. I was trying to incorporate different customs from our different cultures, and this one seemed like an easy one to include. I decided that it was silly to worry about judgment from our guests; these were our closest friends and family!

If you’re having the same debate, I highly recommend going for it. The dollar dance became of my favorite parts of our reception because it was such an efficient way to mingle. In the midst of a busy day, it granted me the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with many of my guests.

We started off with our maid of honor and best man.

A line formed rather quickly, and our initial dance partners stepped aside to play bouncer and collect payment. Mr. Lion’s stepsister was the first to cut in.

Next, I danced with one of my sorority sisters, Christina…

…while Mr. Lion danced with our friend Marco.

Next, I danced with my matron of honor/ring bearer, Laura.

We were soon joined by the rest of my bridesmaids.

Mr. Lion danced with my cousin, Shannon…

…while I danced with my friend, Chad.

Mr. Lion danced with my cousin, Michelle…

…while I danced with his groomsman, Ryan.

Next, I danced with Mama Lioness for a while…because seriously, who is going to cut in on the Mother of the Bride?!

Next, Mr. Lion danced with my cousin, Jen…

…while I danced with my new FIL.

Next up was my cousin, Steve…

…followed by sorority sister Amanda.

Mr. Lion danced with Mama Lioness…

…while I danced with his step dad…

…and his friend, Chris…

…and my MIL.

My mom was still dancing with Mr. Lion, but she had drawn a crowd!

Finally, my friend (and fabulous makeup artist!), Kealoha, brought up the rear of the line.

I don’t remember how much we made, (just that I made more than Mr. Lion…that’s the important thing, right?!), but I remember what I talked about with each of these people.

Are you doing a dollar dance at your wedding?

Catch up on the Lioness recaps here!

*All photos by H. Photography unless otherwise noted.

Tags: atlanta, pictures, pro pics, recap |

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15 Responses to “Love is Where We Are: Dollar Dance”

Guest

missmaybee

My family is from Guatemala so there will defiantely be a dollar dance, but in our tradition the dollars get pinned on the bride and groom with a safetypin

11/16/11 @ 9:49 am (reply)

Member

Roe (message) 628 posts, Busy bee

Aww, it looks like you had a great time! I’m glad that it was a hit.

I, too, have reservations. Its pretty popular in my area and I remember dancing with the bride at weddings when I was a kid, but my man’s family has never heard of these, so I’m still on the fence.

Crazy how many different cultures have such a similar tradition at weddings!

11/16/11 @ 10:03 am (reply)

Member

seagoddess2c (message) 45 posts, Newbee

we are having the money dance also — it is a mexican tradition as well as an Italian tradition (i think) but for the Italian piece of it you carry a purse and the other the money is pinned on.

11/16/11 @ 10:26 am (reply)

Member

bRooklynRocks (message) 3,769 posts, Honey bee

It looks like you had a lot of fun. I’ve heard about the dollar dance from the bee. It’s not in my culture so I didn’t do it. But it looks like a good way to mingle with your guests. I see that your photographer took a lot of great pictures and I see that you DO remember what you talked about with your guests and that’s importatant. Your parents (you and Mr. L) both look so young and good looking! And I’ve said this before but will say it again, your hair and dress are amazing!

11/16/11 @ 10:27 am (reply)

Bee

Mrs. Ostrich (message) 1,948 posts, Buzzing bee

hooray for the money dance! it’s a big tradition in our filipino culture, too!

11/16/11 @ 10:37 am (reply)

Bee

Miss Unicycle (message) 293 posts, Helper bee

I’m debating whether or not to do it. I think it could be really nice, and another opportunity to chat with your guests, but on the other hand, I’m so awkward that I don’t know if I could handle that many slow dances!

11/16/11 @ 11:00 am (reply)

Member

red dino (message) 722 posts, Busy bee

Everyone in my family has done a dollar dance at their wedding, and I’m on the fence about it. I’m glad you enjoyed yours!

11/16/11 @ 11:12 am (reply)

Bee

Mrs. Jaguar (message) 4,656 posts, Honey bee

Wow, Mr. Lion’s dad looks so young!!! Love how happy you guys look - your guests must be fabulous.

11/16/11 @ 12:01 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Hawk (message) 598 posts, Busy bee

Looks like you had a blast! (And I agree with you. It’s only right that you made more than Mr. Lion!)

11/16/11 @ 12:03 pm (reply)

10.

Guest

Laura S

I’ve been to only one wedding where that was done and I was appalled. I think it might be okay if you said the money was going to be donated to a charity….

11/16/11 @ 12:43 pm (reply)

11.

Bee

Mrs. Thimble (message) 807 posts, Busy bee

I adore how this post just keeps on going and going. We don’t do dollar dances in my neck of the woods, and I thought it was weird when I first read about it, but this looks like so much FUN! and a great way to spend time with a bunch of different wedding guests.

11/16/11 @ 1:19 pm (reply)

12.

Bee

Miss Honey (message) 1,072 posts, Bumble bee

I love these pictures and makes the dollar dance totally worth it that you have each of them (and remember the convo’s!)!

11/16/11 @ 3:50 pm (reply)

13.

Member

Future Army Wife (message) 1,110 posts, Bumble bee

Our DJ suggested the dollar dance. I’m not familiar with it but have heard that it’s really popular in the South. I agree with not being sure if we should ask our out-of-towners for cash.

11/16/11 @ 7:26 pm (reply)

14.

Bee

Mrs. Socks (message) 1,323 posts, Bumble bee

This looks like so much fun!! It makes me wish I could have danced with so many people at the wedding!!

11/17/11 @ 8:01 am (reply)

15.

Member

Ms Rocky Point (message) 293 posts, Helper bee

I am on the fence about this as well. But i suppose if I was a guest and I did not want o participate, i just wouldn’t…. But if I wanted to, i totally would, and wouldn’t be offended by it at all. Hell, i gave a stranger $20 at the piano bar the other night to play ONE song I really wanted, right away. On top of another $15 in fives for various other songs throughout the night

2/12/12 @ 7:54 pm (reply)