George Boyle
While some people consider it taboo, many couples now ask for cash as a wedding gift. If you're looking for ways to make a little extra money at your wedding reception without simply asking for it, there are several games you can play that involve your guests giving you cash. One such game is the 'dash for cash', where the bride and groom make a bet and the loser has to do a chore, like doing the dishes for a month. However, some people find this game strange and tacky, and it might be better suited to certain families or regions where it is an expected tradition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Activity | Game or Competition |
| Purpose | To make money for the honeymoon |
| Examples | Dollar Dance, Pay-to-Play Songs, Betting Games, Auctioning Items, Charging for Privileges |
| Considerations | Family Traditions, Guest Comfort, Etiquette, Potential for Embarrassment |
| Etiquette Tips | Use a card, Ensure clarity on who the money is from and who it is for, Consider a designated gift table or a trusted person to receive the gift |
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What You'll Learn
Dollar Dance: Guests pin cash to the bride's dress
The dollar dance, also known as the money dance, is a wedding tradition in many cultures. It is a fun way for guests to shower the newlyweds with monetary gifts and blessings for their new life together. While the specific customs may vary, the underlying sentiment of wishing the couple prosperity remains consistent.
In some cultures, the dollar dance involves guests pinning money directly onto the bride's dress or veil. For example, in Cajun weddings, which descend from French Canadian traditions, guests would traditionally pin money onto the bride's veil before dancing with her. Similarly, in smaller villages in Greece, it is customary for guests to pin money to the bride's dress during a special dance. This practice has evolved in Greek-American communities, where guests may shower the couple with bills as they dance near each table.
In other cultures, the dollar dance takes on a different form. In Nigeria, for instance, the money dance involves "spraying" cash, with "collectors" gathering the money and placing it in bags for the couple. This custom is also observed in the Philippines, where male guests line up to pin money on the bride's dress, while female guests do the same for the groom. The money dance in Portugal traditionally involves male guests paying to dance with the bride, but now includes female guests dancing with the groom.
It is important to note that the dollar dance is not universally appreciated, and some may consider it inappropriate or tacky. However, for those who choose to include it in their wedding celebrations, it can be a meaningful way to incorporate cultural traditions and receive well-wishes from loved ones.
To ensure guests are prepared and comfortable with the dollar dance, it is recommended to provide advance notice through wedding websites, invitations, or FAQ sections. This is especially important for guests who may be unfamiliar with the tradition. Couples may also offer alternatives to cash, such as well-wishes or love notes, for those who prefer a non-monetary contribution.
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Auction off the bride's garter
Auctioning off the bride's garter is a way to make money at your wedding without doing the dollar dance. The garter is a piece of bridal lingerie worn under a wedding dress on the upper thigh. The bride usually wears two garters, one to toss and a fancier one to keep. In the garter toss tradition, the bride's partner removes the garter from underneath her gown and tosses it into a crowd of male wedding guests. Whoever catches the garter puts it on the woman who catches the bride's bouquet.
If you want to auction off the garter instead, you can organise a trivia game about the couple or random facts, and whoever gets the most points wins the garter. You could also have the groom remove the garter in a fun way, such as by blindfolding him and replacing the bride with a friend wearing shorts. The groom then crawls on his knees to the bride and tries to remove the garter. When he realises it's a man with hairy legs, the groom stands up and shakes his hand before removing the garter from the bride's leg.
Another way to auction the garter is to have the single men bid on it, with the highest bidder winning. To do this, you can sell half-cards to the wedding guests for a minimum of $1 each, and whoever has the matching half to the card drawn wins the auction. However, some people find this idea offensive, rude, and cheap, and it may be uncomfortable for the bride.
If you decide to auction off the bride's garter, be mindful of your guests' comfort levels and cultural norms. While some people enjoy the tradition, others may find it inappropriate or strange, especially if they have already spent a lot of money to attend the wedding.
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Pay-to-play songs: Guests pay to choose a song
If you're looking for ways to make a little extra cash at your wedding, one idea is to have a "pay-to-play" song system. This is a fun way to get your guests involved and keep the party going, without having to resort to a "dollar dance".
Here's how it could work:
First, create a menu or list of songs that are available for guests to choose from. These could be popular wedding songs, romantic ballads, fun dance tunes, or even a mix of old and new hits to cater to a range of guest tastes and ages. You could also include some songs that are special to you and your partner, adding a personal touch to the game.
Next, decide on a pricing strategy. You could charge a flat rate for any song choice, or vary the prices depending on the song's popularity or length. For example, a well-known, upbeat dance song might command a higher price than a slower, lesser-known tune. Alternatively, you could auction off the song choices, with guests bidding against each other to choose the next song.
To encourage participation, you could offer a small prize for the guest who pays to play the most songs or for the table that contributes the most. For example, they could receive a complimentary bottle of champagne or a special mention in the wedding speech.
Finally, ensure that your DJ or band is clear on the rules of the game and is prepared to be flexible with their setlist to accommodate the chosen songs. It's also a good idea to have a backup plan in case participation is lower than expected, such as a standard playlist or giving the DJ free rein to play to the crowd.
With a little planning, "pay-to-play" songs can be a fun and interactive way to involve your guests and raise some extra funds for your honeymoon or other expenses, all while keeping the party atmosphere going!
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Betting game: Guess who will cry first
"Betting game: Guess who will cry first" is a fun wedding game that can be played in several ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Tip Jar Style Bets
Set up tip jars labelled with the names of individuals who are most likely to shed a tear during the wedding, such as the mother or father of the bride/groom, grandparents, siblings, or even specific friends. Guests can place bets by putting money into the jar corresponding to their prediction. This simple approach is easy to organize and allows guests to participate without drawing too much attention.
Bowl Predictions
Before the ceremony, place bowls with the names of potential criers at the entrance. Guests can bet on who they think will cry first by putting money into the respective bowl. This option provides a broader range of choices and adds an element of competition as guests try to outguess each other.
Raffle Tickets
Instead of using jars or bowls, sell raffle tickets to guests, who can then write their name and their prediction on the ticket. This approach adds a gambling element to the game and makes it easier to track who wins. If you choose this option, ensure you check the state laws regarding selling raffle tickets.
Trivia-Style Predictions
During cocktail hour, provide each guest with a question/answer list that includes predictions about who will cry first. Guests can fill out their guesses and calculate their scores at the end of the night. This option adds an interactive element to the game and keeps guests engaged throughout the reception.
Prizes
To make the game even more exciting, consider offering a small prize to the guest who correctly guesses the first crier. This could be a token gift, a bottle of wine, or a gift card. Alternatively, you could give the winner a portion of the money collected from the bets, creating an added incentive for guests to participate.
Remember, while this game is meant to be fun and lighthearted, be mindful of the individuals involved. Some guests may be more sensitive or emotional than others, so approach the game with tact and ensure it is played in good taste.
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Buffet line priority: Tables bid to eat first
There are many ways to decide the order in which guests can go to the buffet at a wedding reception. One way to make it fun is to turn it into a game. Here are some ideas:
Trivia about the couple: The DJ or MC can ask questions about the couple, and the first table to ring a bell and answer correctly gets to go to the buffet first. This can be a fun way to get guests interacting with each other and the couple during the reception.
Find the item: The DJ/MC can ask guests to find a specific item, and the first person to find it gets to line up their table first for the buffet. This game can be made more inclusive by adding unisex items like a flask or a grey striped tie.
Paper airplane contest: Each table makes a paper airplane with their table number on it. One person from each table goes to the dance floor and they all throw their planes simultaneously. The tables are called to the buffet in the order of the distances their planes reached, with the furthest going first.
Hobby horse race: When the buffet is ready, ring a bell. The first person to run to the hobby horse by the bridal table and ride it around gets to be the first in line to eat. Repeat the process for each table.
Pay to be the first: If you want to raise some extra cash for your honeymoon, you can auction off the privilege of being the first table to eat. Whichever table bids the highest gets to eat first while you get their money!
While some people enjoy the fun and interaction that games bring to a wedding reception, others may find them unnecessary or a waste of time. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide what they are most comfortable with and what they think their guests would enjoy.
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Frequently asked questions
A dash for cash is a game where guests are invited to pay to participate in certain activities. For example, guests can pay to play a song from a menu of songs that won't be played otherwise. The money collected from these activities is then given to the newlyweds.
First, decide on the activities you want to include, such as a song menu, betting on who will cry first, or a pay-to-play dance-off. Then, set up the necessary materials, such as bowls for bets or a blindfold for a guessing game. Finally, invite your guests to participate and collect the money.
Opinions vary on whether including a dash for cash at a wedding reception is appropriate. Some people view it as a fun way to involve guests and raise money for the honeymoon, while others consider it tacky and greedy. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide if they are comfortable with including a dash for cash, considering their families' traditions and beliefs.
Yes, there are several alternatives to a dash for cash. One option is to auction off the bride's garter. Another idea is to have a traditional "pay to play" game, such as "Name That Tune," where the winner's table gets to go to dinner first. These games can be a fun way to involve guests without explicitly asking for money.
