How do you best display a money tree at a wedding?

Question

I'm getting married on Saturday and we have decided not to do a money dance, but a money tree instead. We have been told that its best just get a small treelike plant and put a roll of tape next to it and people will hang money on the tree. But, should there be a sign that says money tree so that people get the idea? Or is none needed? I just thought someone would have a helpful suggestion about how to display the whole thing tastefully and elegantly. Thanks!

Answer 1

I truly belive the money tree thing is Tacky!

All honest if I done brought a gift to your wedding and then u want money,I don't think So!

Answer 2

I'm from around Houston and money trees are very common around here. I think it just depends on what area you are from. Around here, all the craft/hobby stores, as well as several decor shops sell actual money trees. Some are extremely decorative! Beware of thieves, though. The bills are just itching to be snatched away!

Answer 3

I wouldnt put a sign-- but it might be smart to maybe have a family member put a dollar or two on there so that people see and kinda get the hint. I hadnt thought of doing that-- I dont want to do the money dance either.  

Answer 4

To be honest, there's nothing "tasteful" about a money tree - it's pretty much just a blunt request for, and ostentatious display of, cold hard cash.  Even in a friendly setting, it's also tempting to anyone who might be in need of cash.  And it's difficult to figure out who gave cash, so you don't know who to thank later.

I suggest having a box instead, available at most bridal or party supply stores.  Provide small decorative envelopes so the guests can submit the money safely.  Put the box at the gift table, or near the sign-in book so someone can watch over it.

As an alternative, consider this tradition from the Northwest: auction off the garter.  The winner gets to remove the garter from the bride's leg, and then put in on the girl who catches the bouquet.  It raises a lot more money for the honeymoon than a plain money tree.

Answer 5

I don't think I would understand the money tree. I have always seen wishing wells. they serve the same purpose but everything is hidden away. Good Luck and Congrats.

Answer 6

Every wedding I have ever heard of has been a victim of theft. Guests, employees of venue and caterers all steal cards and gifts. I can only imagine what will happen with cash hanging from a tree by scotch tape. Really bad and tacky idea.  

Answer 7

You probably haven't thought of it this way because a lot of people do things like that these days, but IMO, there is no way to make it either tasteful or elegant. People will be giving you wedding presents anyway, won't they? If they also want to give you money, they can put it in with the present or in with a card. That way they will be giving because they want to, not because you had your hand held out, and everyone, including you, will feel really good about it.

I think one reason why people consider doing something along this line is that their dream wedding is going to cost a lot more than they had expected. However, the dream wedding and the honeymoon are much more for the benefit of the happy couple than for the guests, so if this paragraph applies to your wedding, I think that instead of a money tree, it would be far more tasteful for you to just scale back on some of the decorations, the photographs, the food at the reception, or the music, whatever...You know what is soaking up the funds.

Wishing you a wonderful wedding day!

Answer 8

I never understand why people do this, to be honest. There is no way to make this look tasteful or elegant...your guests have already spent:

1.Time out of their day (away from work) to go to your wedding

2. Drive/fly to your wedding, possible spent money for hotel

3. Brought gifts and/or bridal shower gifts for you already

And you still want them to fork over cash? Let it go. It will only irritate people.

Answer 9

I personally find Money Dances in poor taste..so that would apply to a Money Tree, also.  Why are you expecting more than the wedding gift you already received, plus probably shower gifts?  Very tacky!

Answer 10

Wow can I come? Lol when you MoneyTree its sounds like people will be taking rather than giving.

I don't know im not very creational but i would say some roses  and other colourful flowers and a sign saying 'Please Be Generous'

Answer 11

LOL!!  You must be kidding.  There is NO way to tastefully and elegantly put out a money tree.  A money tree is not tasteful, nor is it elegant.  Forget it.  Forgetting it will show much more taste and elegance...believe me.

What's next?  A $5 cover charge at the door?

Answer 12

You can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear.

The same addage applies to money trees & dollar dances.

You can dress it up all you like and it's still tasteless and tacky!

This is a ridiculous custom and needs to be eliminated from all weddings.  Begging for money at your wedding is never a good idea.

Be gracious and accept the gifts that people bring and do not look for otherways to fundraise at your wedding.

Answer 13

A fake tree with a roll of tape & dollar bills hanging off will NEVER = tasteful or elegant.  Thanks for the giggle though.

Perhaps you could just pass a hat around before serving dinner.  That way people will feel even more pressure to give you even more money or gifts.  Yeah, good plan.

Answer 14

I am sorry but a money tree is tacky tacky tacky TACKY..The dollar dance is a tradition and has been for awhile..They give a dollar they get to dance with the bride or groom, but a money tree..Tacky..I am there to see you NOT to just give you money...I am sorry but that is tacky and SELFISH

Answer 15

why the heck are you having a money tree?  people will already be bringing gifts and cards with cash as a wedding gift.  now you also want them to tape some money onto a tree too?  why not just send a bill to the couples after the meal?  I know I would definitely be thinking "what the heck was going through their minds when they decided on a money tree...TACKY!"  and I can guarantee others will be thinking the same.  sorry but there answer to your question...there is no tasteful or elegant way to display a total begging for gifts.

Answer 16

You cannot do it tastefully and elegantly- money trees are tacky, and there is no way around that. It'll be tacky regardless of how much ribbon you put on it.

However, there are some families in which they are traditional and people don't mind doing them.

Ask a close relative or two to put money first, and people will get the idea.

Answer 17

you can have the tree sitting out in the open and have some bills already attached. i would have a $1, $5, $10, and $20 attached so people don't feel obligated to give too much, and also so people don't just give $1 each. good luck

Answer 18

Go to a craft store, like Michael's if you have that.  They might have little trees there.  They'll also have mini wooden clothes-line clips you can buy.  Clip those on the tree, and then have one of your bridesmaids clip a few bills (give them to her) onto the tree so people will get the idea.  I wouldn't post a sign.  Also, put it somewhere discreet, like at the back of the gift table.

p.s. definitely recruit a groomsman or bridesmaid to "guard" the gift table.  You never know.......

Answer 19

Money Dance=OK

Money Tree=Bad

If I saw a wedding tree at a wedding I would think that the bride and groom are very greedy and just getting married for the money. That is basically like asking for money and that is a big No-No. A money dance is fun and interactive for the guests and you guys but a tree is not fun in any way.