To Dollar Dance or not to Dollar Dance?

I received a survey yesterday from one of the major bridal magazines on wedding trends. It definitely got me to thinking about this past year and some of the trends I've noticed personally here in Kansas City. One of the changing trends is the dollar dance...

To those unfamiliar, the dollar dance is held typically after any symbolic dances (couple's first dance, father/daughter dance, mother/son dance, you get the point). Guests line up to pay a dollar to dance with the bride and/or groom. The maid/matron of honor and best man are the first in line and then stay to collect the money and control the line. It's a great way for the guests to get a little face time with the couple (especially if there wasn't a receiving line) and for the couple to get a little extra spending money for the honeymoon. Sounds great, right?

In the changing times and depressed economy, couples are more and more opting out of the traditional dollar dance. Some feel as though people have already purchased a gift, probably attended showers/engagement parties, and sometimes traveled great distances to attend their wedding--all on their own dime. Therefore, they feel greedy asking for more money. On the flip side, some of the best pictures from the reception can be captured during this tradition. How often do you see the groomsmen lining up to get to dance with the groom? And don't forget the pictures of the kids dancing with the bride.

So, how can we "save" this tradition? One option is to place note cards and a small golf pencil at each place setting. In order to get to dance with the bride or groom, the guests must write a piece of advice or well wishes on the note card and present it to the honor attendants before they get their dance with either member of the happy couple. All the note cards can be collected and placed into a scrapbook for the couple. Tradition saved and no money changes hands. This also works well when one side of the family wants to uphold the tradition and the side feels it's tacky.

If you have any other ideas, please let me know! I'm always collecting thoughts for my future brides!

Until next time,

Annie