Weddings in the U.S. often reflect ethnic traditions and customs
Dear Joy, After the Dollar Dance at the reception I hear that it is custom for the bride to be carried out of the reception hall by the groom. What if you have a plus size bride and it is impossible for the groom to carry her out safely, what is the etiquette on this without drawing attention to yourself? Bride
Dear Bride,
I have never heard of this type of finale to a dollar dance. Could this carryout custom be common just to your region or family? I think it is more than appropriate to skip that part of the tradition. Just be sure not to mention it or draw attention to its absence.
Dollar Dances are quite common in certain areas of the country and are practically unheard of in other regional areas. Weddings in our country can be very diverse and reflect ethnic traditions and regional customs. Immigrants brought many of their social customs to this country, and they have become incorporated in our daily lives and celebrations.
Money dances are a common occurrence in many European countries and are frequently seen at wedding receptions throughout our country. In the Midwest, “Dollar Dances” are common. And in rural areas of our own state of Pennsylvania, a bride and groom may dance to the “Buck and Doe Dance.” In this dance, the maid-of-honor collects bucks and dough from the guests who want to cut in on the bride and groom.
European guests are familiar with this custom. Polish guests have paid for a dance with a bride by pinning money to her veil or tucking paper money in a bridal purse. This money is designated for a honeymoon.
Hungarian guests will dance with a bride and give her coins for a kiss. And in Spain, wedding guests dance a seguidillas manchegas. During this dance, each guest presents the bride with a gift.
Despite the fact that a money dance is not uncommon amongst some families, some guests will find it to be a tasteless activity. Unlike their less affluent European ancestors, many contemporary couples have already set-up households, been given a few bridal showers, and through gift registries, request and receive generous wedding presents. Today’s guest may feel financially stretched and resentful of another grab at their already thin wallet.
More International Wedding Customs:
Pocketbooks filled with gold jewelry are bestowed upon Chinese brides by their female relatives.
A lucky horseshoe is given to an Irish bride and groom to keep in their home.
Malaysian brides receive gifts from the groom by costumed children. In a noisy procession, they carry lavish trays of food and currency folded into flower or animal shapes.
Romanian guests toss sweets and nuts at the bride and groom to wish them prosperity.
Russian guests receive favors of sweets from the bride at the wedding. Guests bestow the couple with money after the wedding.
Swedish brides receive a special gift from their groom -a goblet made from precious metal. The goblet is filled to the brim with coins wrapped in white tissue paper.
K. Joy Schaeffer is a bridal consultant. You can e-mail her your bridal questions at bridejoy@yahoo.com.