How to Have a Dollar Dance at a Wedding

It is your wedding day and even though the ceremony went off without a hitch, the reception is another matter. Will everybody get enough to eat? Will some people have too much to drink? Will the carved ice sculpture melt? Should we have a dollar dance? If you are considering the dollar dance, don't worry. It is a tradition that is known across the country and is a wonderful way to spend a few moments with your guests. Read on to learn how to have a dollar dance at your wedding.

Discuss with your future spouse if he or she would like the dollar dance at the wedding reception. If either of you are opposed, forgo the dance. Communication is key. Since you are both dancing with family and friends during the dance, no one should be forced to comply if they are not comfortable.

Inform your DJ that you would like to have a dollar dance. He is probably very familiar with the tradition and can help guide you. Take his advice on when to announce the dollar dance. It should probably be after the bouquet and garter toss but it shouldn't be saved for the very end of the reception, when most people have already left.

Choose the music you would like played during the dance. Any songs with "Friend" in the title are a good idea. Examples could be "That's What Friends are For," "You've got a Friend in Me" and the theme song from the TV show "Friends." Avoid any songs with romantic overtures.

Have the DJ announce that it is time for the dollar dance and have participants line up behind the maid of honor and best man, who act as gatekeepers. Guests voluntarily line up to dance with either the bride or groom and pay for the privilege with a $1 bill--or a larger denomination, if they so choose.

Rotate the dancers in and out every 30 seconds or so, having the gatekeepers monitor the flow. This gives the bride and groom a few moments with many of their guests and a moment to connect, while keeping the event moving. Anyone can be polite and conversational for half a minute and the pressure is off the happy couple to end the dance since the maid of honor and best man are sending new partners in every so often.

Make conversation by asking your dance partner if they enjoyed the cake or have had a good time. Tell them it was wonderful to see them and accept any compliments graciously. Before you know it, your next dance partner will be tapping on his shoulder.

Wind up the event as the line dwindles. Have the DJ announce that it is "last call" to dance with the happy couple. Let the bride and groom dance together and then move onto a more upbeat song to restart the party.

Set the money aside and take it with you when you leave the reception or have it delivered along with your gifts.