Traditional Bridal Dance?

Question

Does anyone know the rules for the traditional bridal dance?

(The dance where everyone pays to dance with the bridal)

Answer 1

I don't know if there are actual "rules" but I know it's a tradition around this area (western PA).  I've heard it's original to this area and other areas never heard of a "bridal dance" (curious to hear comments on this).  Actually also heard it's a Polish/Slovak tradition?  Not sure how accurate that is.  Anyway......bride stands in middle of circle (usually made by chairs) and her bride's maids stand at entrance of circle.  Usually maid/maitron of honor wears an apron to put the money paid to dance with the bride.  Most people pay $1.00 for a dance with bride, but some put more money in.  I've always seen it done this way:  people "tie" the money (twist it up, etc) - the purpose behind this, so I've heard, is to keep the bride & groom busy untieing the money instead of, well, you know....consumating the marriage.  (of course it's a joke).  

Once you "pay" you advace to the bride and dance with her - usually just around in a circle, hugging her for just several seconds before the next person comes in.  Groups sometimes enter together and dance in a circle around her holding hands (I've seen this done, too).  After you leave from dancing with her, the groomsmen offer you either a piece of wedding cake (neatly wrapped), a cigar or a shot of wiskey.

If the bride gets tired (these bridal dances can sometimes go on for long periods of time), she signals to her brides maids and they circle around her, dancing, while she takes a drink of water and catches her breath.

You can go through the line & dance with her as many times as you'd like, until the groom comes. ((Usually the bride's mother and father are the last to dance with her before the groom comes.))

When the groom comes, usually the bridal party forms a strong circle around the bride that he has to "break" through in order to get to his bride.  Once he gets to his bride he sweeps her off her feet and runs out of the reception hall with her.  On their way out, someone is supposed to take her shoes off of her feet.  Traditionally, they shoes are later passed around and people put money in them -- supposedly for the couple's first child.  

When the bride & groom exit the reception, usually they jump in their car or limo, etc. and leave for the honeymoon.  MORE OFTEN NOW, though, the bride & groom are seen returning back to the reception to continue celebrating with their guests.

I think I covered all that I know on this subject.  LOL   I'm a "hunkey" (Slovak & Polish) and this is a VERY strong tradition at weddings here in western PA.  

OH, and often, the guests, as they are waiting in line to dance with the bride, shake handkerchiefs in the air (or napkins). There IS a traditional bridal dance song here (not sure of other places), but I do not know it's name.  Not sure what the shaking/waving of handkerchiefs is supposed to signify.

OK.....now I'm REALLY done!!  lol

Answer 2

My fiance and I will both be doing the dollar dance, that way we can chat with guests. We are putting a twist on it, instead of just money we will invite people to write down 'words of wisdom' to give to us if they don't want to/can't give us money. We don't want to be greedy. I would definitely think about getting little bags to stuff the money in, you don't want to ruin your dress!

Answer 3

The 'dollar dance'? There aren't really too many rules about it. I was hesitant since I'd never been to a wedding where they did one, but my husband insisted on it at our wedding. We did it after the garter toss/bouquet throw. I didn't want pin holes all over my gown, so I had a pretty little bag that people could put money in. It lasted for a few songs and was a nice way for me to talk to the guests.

Answer 4

I don't think there are really any "rules",  but usually the DJ will tell the crowd that if any one wants to dance w/ the bride (and/or sometimes groom too) then they will have to pay them a $ to dance with them. It's just that easy!  Talk to your DJ and he will take care of it.

Answer 5

Different cultures have different ways of executing the

"Dollar Dance".

Answer 6

Yes, you're friend is right :0)  Your mother or maid of honor helps to unpin your veil.  Your maid of honor than sits in a chair with the veil on her lap.  As each guest lines up, they must throw money into the veil before their dance.  It is a dance where a bride can spend a little one on one time with her guests.  Each dance lasts for only about 30 seconds.  As each one ends the guests form a circle around the bride.  Your father or whoever gives you away will have the last dance with you.  The circle should be real tight at this point!  Your husband has to then fight his way in to the center to retrieve his new bride.  This can be a very physical thing and the elderly and young should refrain from the circle.  I had blood on my dress because my husband was injured when trying to get to me!  Your husband will then carry you off into the sunset so to speak.  Some couples will opt to leave for their honeymoon at this time but I came back to enjoy the last of the reception with my guests.  That is up to you!  You can make quite a bit of money from this dance because most don't just put in a dollar.  They will throw $5, 10, or 20 - depends on how drunk or rich they are...lol!  Hope this helps :0)