The Price of Love

The dance floor is split down the middle. Two distinct lines are formed. Dollar bills are flowing freely. The waltz is playing.

The dollar dance is a running wedding tradition in America, giving newlyweds extra cash and a chance to dance with a number of their wedding guests.

According to www.theknot.com, a wedding Web site, the dollar dance originated in Poland. It gives couples an opportunity to set up house and begin a new life.

In some cases, the money can be pinned on the bride or groom, or placed in a bucket.

Karen Rader, a McAllen wedding planner said she has assisted in countless dollar dances.

“The best man generally stands near the bride and the maid of honor stands near the groom and those wishing to dance with said bride or groom give the maid of honor and best man any amount of money and just dance for a little bit. Thirty seconds at the most,” she said.

For Jose Luis Ramirez, and his wife Elisa, the dollar dance came in handy on their wedding day.

“There were a couple of people I had to pay on site. When you are about to get married, you don’t think about carrying cash. Some of the money went to the DJ and the video guy. They wouldn’t take money till the day,” he said.

The couple received around $750 from the dances and influence from the DJ didn’t hurt, Ramirez said.

“Our DJ said that gas prices, bread, and milk is going up and so is the dollar dance. We call it the five-dollar dance. It was no longer the dollar dance, it was something new for our wedding,” he said.

Ramirez believes the dollar dance gives the bride and groom more time to spend with guests.

“It’s a tradition in every wedding that I’ve been to. My understanding is it’s the family’s way to help you get started with your new bride. For me, it’s a chance to have one-on-one time with the guest,” he said.