Money Dances in Hawaii

Photos by Dave Miyamoto and Company

Several different cultures have some form of a money dance at weddings. At certain weddings, male guests will pay the maid of honor to join in a dance with the bride or female guests will pay the best man to dance with the groom. At others, such as at Samoan weddings, the guests will literally shower the happy couple with money. The most prevalent style in Hawaii, however, most likely evolved from the traditional Filipino money dance.


Typically, the money dance occurs at the end of the program, and often leads into dancing for the rest of the event. By placing it after all the other formalities such as cake cutting, toasts and speeches, parent dances, etc., a lengthy money dance does not preclude the guests from enjoying any other portion of the program, especially since money dances can last the duration of several songs. Following the money dance, guests may choose to return home, or stay for dancing.


Once the money dance begins, guests politely form a line, coming up to the bride and groom one by one, and placing a bill on either the bride or groom, for the other to retrieve with his or her mouth. The result is a sometimes provocative and entertaining display, as well as swollen coffers for the bride and groom to embark on their married life together.


Some tips if planning on this style of money dance:

• choose several songs to dance to, especially if anticipating a large number of participants
  
• assign someone to assist by collecting the money received
• prepare slips of paper to wrap the money in for hygienic reasons
• pack a bag or basket in which to collect the money
  
• ask someone to hold on to the money until the end of the reception, or deposit into the safety deposit box if at a hotel

Here's to a prosperous life as husband and wife!