The Money Dance at Weddings - Your Guide & 100 Songs
Discover the captivating world of money dances at weddings – the traditions, global variations, planning tips, and a treasure trove of 100 dance-worthy songs!
Table of Contents
What is the Money Dance at a Wedding?
The money dance, also known as the dollar dance or wedding money dance, is a beloved tradition that adds excitement and fun to wedding receptions. It involves guests taking turns dancing with the bride or groom while pinning money onto their clothing as a way to bless the newlyweds and contribute to their future together. The money dance is a delightful opportunity for friends and family to show their love and support in a unique and entertaining way.
History of the Money Dance Tradition
The origins of the money dance are somewhat shrouded in history, with various cultures claiming their own versions of this joyful custom. While its exact beginnings are difficult to trace, the money dance has been a part of weddings for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Europe, particularly in Poland and Ukraine. The tradition made its way to America with immigrants, becoming popular among diverse communities and gradually evolving into the money dance we know today.
Cultural Origins & Variations of the Money Dance from Around the World
The money dance has different names and variations in various cultures around the world, each adding its own unique flavor to this lively tradition. These variations of the money dance showcase the diverse cultural traditions and the universal desire to celebrate love and support newlyweds in a joyous and memorable way. Let's explore a few of them:
Money Dance / Dollar Dance
The dollar dance, popular in many Western cultures, involves guests attaching dollar bills to the bride's dress or the groom's suit as they dance together. The guests are usually given the opportunity to have a brief dance and a moment with the newlyweds in exchange for their contribution. The dollar dance is a wonderful way to engage guests and create memorable interactions during the reception.
Apron Dance
The apron dance, also known as the "money apron" or "money bag" dance, is a tradition observed in several countries, including Mexico, the Philippines, and parts of Eastern Europe. In this dance, the bride wears an apron or carries a decorative bag, and guests place money inside it while dancing with her. This tradition symbolizes support and good fortune for the couple as they embark on their married life together.
Filipino Money Dance
In Filipino weddings, the money dance is known as the "Tulugan" or "Saya ng Pera" dance. Guests line up to take turns dancing with the bride or groom, pinning money onto their garments as they do so. The money collected during this dance is traditionally used to help the couple with their wedding expenses or as a monetary gift for their future.
Nigerian Money Spray
In Nigerian weddings, the money spray is a vibrant and energetic variation of the money dance. Guests throw money in the air, showering the couple with bills as they dance. This tradition symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and well wishes for the couple's future. The joyful atmosphere and the sight of money raining down on the couple make the Nigerian money spray dance an unforgettable experience.
Cajun Money Dance
The Cajun money dance, a cherished tradition in Louisiana, is a lively and spirited affair. In this version, guests pin money onto the bride's dress or attach it to a satin ribbon tied around her waist. The groom then dances with the bride, attempting to remove the money while other guests try to distract him. This playful dance is filled with laughter and excitement, creating a joyous atmosphere at the wedding reception.
Greek Money Shower
In Greek weddings, the "Kalamatiano" dance often incorporates the tradition of a money shower. Guests throw money onto the dance floor while the bride and groom dance together. The couple joyfully dances amid the cascading bills, symbolizing prosperity and happiness for their future life together. The Greek money shower is a wonderful way to celebrate love, family, and abundance.
Portuguese Money Dance
The Portuguese money dance, known as the "Dança dos Noivos," is a heartwarming tradition where guests take turns dancing with the bride or groom and pin money to their clothing. The money collected is used to assist with the couple's honeymoon expenses or to help them start their new life together. This dance not only brings joy to the newlyweds but also fosters a sense of community and support from family and friends.
Money Dance Etiquette and Planning
While the dollar dance and apron dance are the most common variations of the money dance, there are countless creative ways to customize this tradition and make it uniquely yours. Some couples opt for a themed money dance, incorporating elements that reflect their interests or cultural backgrounds. Others may combine the money dance with other interactive activities, such as a raffle or a dance-off, to further engage their guests. The key is to infuse your personalities into the tradition and make it a memorable experience for everyone.
When incorporating the money dance into your wedding reception, it's essential to follow some simple etiquette guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
When to do the money dance at your wedding
The timing of the money dance at your wedding is flexible and can be determined based on your personal preference and the flow of your reception. It traditionally takes place near the end of the reception.
Many couples choose to have the money dance immediately following their first dance and parent dance. This allows for a smooth transition and keeps the momentum of the celebration going.
Length of the money dance
The duration of the money dance can vary depending on the couple's preference, the number of guests participating, and the overall flow of the wedding reception. Typically, the money dance lasts anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.
However, it's important to note that there are no strict time limits, and couples can tailor the duration to fit their specific needs and the overall schedule of the reception.
How to announce the money dance at the wedding
To announce the money dance, your DJ or emcee can make an announcement during the reception, explaining the tradition and inviting guests to participate. You can also include a note about the money dance in your wedding program or have a sign near the dance floor with instructions. Make sure to explain how the dance will proceed, such as the order of guests or any specific guidelines you wish to follow.
During the money dance, it's customary for guests to approach the bride or groom with money in hand, waiting for their turn to dance. Some couples provide pins or clips for attaching the money securely. Remember to thank each guest individually and express your appreciation for their love and support.
How much cash guests should give during the money dance?
When it comes to the amount of money guests should give in the wedding money dance, there are no strict rules or set amounts. The beauty of the money dance is that it's a voluntary contribution, and guests can give an amount that feels comfortable and appropriate for them. Some guests may choose to pin a symbolic amount, while others may be more generous with their contributions.
It's important to remember that the primary purpose of the money dance is to celebrate the newlyweds and show support for their future together. The value lies not in the amount given but in the love and well wishes behind the gesture. Ultimately, guests should give from their hearts and contribute an amount that aligns with their own personal circumstances and relationship with the couple.
Stay tuned for our hand-picked compilation of money dance songs that will get everyone on their feet and make your money dance truly unforgettable!
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100 Exhilarating Money Dance Songs for Your Wedding
No celebration is complete without the perfect music, and the money dance is no exception. To help you create an unforgettable money dance experience, we have compiled a list of 100 songs that will get everyone on their feet and add to the festive atmosphere of your wedding reception.
Whether your taste leans towards timeless classics, heartfelt ballads, or lively money-themed tunes, including those for various money dance traditions globally, this versatile collection caters to all.
25 Romantic Wedding Songs
Sam Smith - Latch (Alternative)
Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars (Alternative)
Dan + Shay - Speechless (Country)
Faith Hill - The Kiss (Country)
Boyce Avenue - Teenage Dream (Classical)
Ellie Goulding - Love Me Like You Do (Electro Pop)
Adele - Make You Feel My Love (Folk)
Allman Brown - Sweetest Thing (Folk)
Jack Johnson - I Got You (Folk)
Etta James - At Last (Jazz)
Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight (Jazz)
John Legend - Stay With You (Neo Soul)
Leon Bridges - Coming Home (Neo Soul)
Beyoncé - Halo (Pop)
Calum Scott - You Are the Reason (Pop)
Christina Perri - A Thousand Years (Pop)
Sara Bareilles - I Choose You (Pop)
Savage Garden - Truly Madly Deeply (Pop)
The Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody (Pop)
Al Green - Let’s Stay Together (R&B Soul)
Ben E. King - Stand By Me (R&B Soul)
Jason Mraz - I’m Yours (Reggae)
Aerosmith - I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing (Rock)
Elton John - Your Song (Rock)
Elvis Presley - Can’t Help Falling in Love (Rock)
Interested in discovering additional romantic first dance songs? Explore our blog dedicated to first dances at weddings for an extended selection.
25 Money-Themed Songs
Pet Shop Boys - Opportunities (Alternative)
ABBA - Money, Money, Money (Baroque pop)
Barenaked Ladies - If I Had $1,000,000 (Country)
Chris Janson - Buy Me a Boat (Country)
Willie Nelson - If You've Got the Money, I've Got the Time (Country)
Hall and Oates - Rich Girl (Classic Rock)
Patti Smith - Free Money (Folk)
The Steve Miller Band - Take The Money And Run (Folk)
JAY-Z ft. UGK - Big Pimpin' (Hip-Hop)
Ludacris ft. Pharrell - Money Maker (Hip-Hop)
The Notorious B.I.G. - Mo Money Mo Problems (Hip-Hop)
Barrett Strong - Money (That's What I Want) (Pop)
Billy Joel - Easy Money (Pop)
Destiny's Child - Bills, Bills, Bills (Pop)
Gwen Stefani ft. Slim Thug - Luxurious (Pop)
Jessie J ft. B.o.B - Price Tag (Pop)
Lady Gaga - Money Honey (Pop)
Madonna - Material Girl (Pop)
Sia ft. Sean Paul - Cheap Thrills (Synth Pop)
Travie McCoy ft. Bruno Mars - Billionaire (Reggae)
The O'Jays - For The Love of Money (R&B Soul)
AC/DC - Moneytalks (Rock)
Pink Floyd - Money (Rock)
The Beatles - Can't Buy Me Love (Rock)
The Beatles - You Never Give Me Your Money (Rock)
10 Filipino Money Dance Songs
Yeng Constantino - Hawak Kamay (Indonesian Pop)
Rey Valera - Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko (Pinoy Pop)
Yeng Constantino - Ikaw (Pinoy Pop)
Gary Valenciano - Kailangan Kita (Pop)
Gary Valenciano - Sana Maulit Muli (Pop)
Inigo Pascual - Dahil Sa'yo (Pop)
Joey Albert - Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin (Pop)
Martin Nievera - Kahit Isang Saglit (Pop)
Regine Velasquez - Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka (Pop)
Side A - Forevermore (Pop)
10 Nigerian Money Spray Songs
2Baba - African Queen (Afrobeats)
Iyanya - Kukere (Afrobeats)
Mavins - Dorobucci (Afrobeats)
Yemi Alade - Johnny (Afrobeats)
Flavour - Ada Ada (Alternative)
Kiss Daniel - Woju (Alternative)
D'banj - Oliver Twist (Nigerian R&B)
P-Square - Personally (Nigerian R&B)
Skales - Shake Body (Nigerian R&B)
Davido - Skelewu (Nigerian R&B)
10 Cajun Money Dance Songs
Beausoleil - Allons à Lafayette (Cajun Music)
Clifton Chenier - Chere Tout-Toute (Cajun Music)
Jimmy C. Newman - Evangeline Special (Cajun Music)
Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys - La Danse De Mardi Gras (Cajun Music)
The Balfa Brothers - Les Flammes d'Enfer (Cajun Music)
Zachary Richard - La Porte d'en Arrière (Cajun Music)
Jo-El Sonnier - Jolie Blonde (Country)
Rod Bernard - Colinda (Country)
Rusty & Doug Kershaw - Diggy Liggy Lo (Country)
D.L. Menard - The Back Door (Folk)
10 Greek Money Shower Songs
Antique - Opa Opa (Greek Pop)
Despina Vandi - Gia (Greek Pop)
Haris Alexiou - apopse thelo na pio (Greek Pop)
Kaneis edo den tragouda - Nikos Papazoglou (Greek Pop)
Nikos Vertis - S' Agapao / Νίκος Βέρτης - Σ' Αγαπάω (Greek Pop)
Nikos Vertis - Thelo na me nioseis (Greek Pop)
Manos Hadjidakis - Μες σ' αυτή τη βάρκα (Greek Pop)
Melina Merkouri - ‘Τα παιδιά του Πειραιά’ (Greek Pop)
Stelios Kazantzidis - Zilevo Ta Poulia (Greek Pop)
Mikis Theodorakis - Zorba’s Dance (Urban)
10 Portuguese Money Dance Songs
Amália Rodrigues - Uma Casa Portuguesa (Fado)
Marafados - Rosinha dos Limões (Fado)
Ana Malhoa - A noite é loucura (Pimba)
Ana Malhoa - Bomba Latina (Yo Soy Latina) (Pimba)
José Malhoa - 24 Rosas (Pimba)
Quim Barreiros - A Cabritinha (Pimba)
José Malhoa - Malhão Malhão (Pimba)
Rebeca - Meu nome é Rebeca (Pimba)
Rosinha - Eu Faço De Coentrada (Pimba)
Zé Cabra - Deixei tudo por ela (Pimba)
In conclusion, the money dance is a beautiful tradition that adds excitement, joy, and a sense of community to wedding celebrations.
Whether you choose to embrace the dollar dance, the apron dance, or a cultural variation, this tradition allows your loved ones to express their blessings and support through dance and monetary gifts. By understanding the history, cultural origins, and variations of the money dance, you can create an epic experience that reflects your love story and creates cherished memories for years to come.
Remember, love is for everyone, and the money dance is a beautiful tradition that brings people together in celebration of love and support. So put on your dancing shoes, gather your loved ones, and prepare for an epic money dance that will make your wedding day truly unforgettable! 💗
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