So, you are debating over whether or not to have a money dance. You may be concerned about it coming off wrong, making your guests uncomfortable or looking a bit tacky. But, it can also be a great way for participation, having interaction with your guests, having lots of fun and lets face it…getting some financial reward. How can you carry this off without any of the negative factors raising their ugly head. It really depends on the DJ you hire! The transition into the actual special dance and the way your DJ conducts his or herself on the microphone play a major role in how your guests will perceive what is happening.
The DJ being “Cheesy” or trying to be funny, actually making remarks like ”Bring Your Checks, Cash, or Credit Cards…” , is very inappropriate. The DJ should simply make the announcement to inform your guests about the dance. Also, you don’t want to attempt the dance and not get a reaction, subsequently leaving you stranded and possibly embarrassed on the dance floor at your own wedding! So, I am here to give you a plan of action.
First, do not attempt a money dance after you serve dessert! Sometimes, older guests plan on leaving immediately after the cake. These are guests that will not be participating and therefore not giving any money! Also, if people are eating cake or enjoying their dessert, they are far less likely to get up and dance. We always peform the money dance early in the wedding reception. This does a few things. It will get your guests up out of their seats and moving. It also gets them used to being out on the dance floor.
Second, the DJ should plan ahead. Communication is key. Having willing participants ahead of time is very important. The DJ should approach members of the bridal party to inform them of the dance and ask specific bridal party members, “the bestman and maid of honor” if they wouldn’t mind getting things started. This way, by the time the DJ is finished announcing the dance and procedures to your guests, there is already someone out on the dance floor with you, giving your guests a visual and most importantly Not Leaving You Stranded and Embarrassed.
Third, the money dance should not take too long. Traditionally the dance can take up to 30 minutes! It can take over and ruin a beautiful wedding. So, we always play just a few selections, not too fast and not too slow, and then the DJ makes an announcement, ”If you haven’t had a chance to dance with our lovely couple, we will continue the Money Dance, however we will also open the dance floor for the Entire Wedding Party”. So now you’ve actually transitioned into open dancing. Your guests are used to being on the floor, if they are waiting to dance with you they will have fun dancing while they wait and it didn’t take over your wedding and become boring.
It is best to perform the dance after your First Dance or even after any Parent Dances. This also is a good way of holding back the actual “Bridal Party” dance. You can then use this special dance and transition into open dancing after the cake or dessert to keep the party going, almost like a second half or new start making for a great party flow!
