The dollar dance, sometimes called the money dance, is a wedding tradition where guests take turns dancing with one or both newlyweds while giving them money as a gift.
It isn’t part of every wedding, but for some couples and families it is an important tradition. I’ve also seen plenty of different versions of it over the years. Some are sentimental and traditional, while others turn it into a fun part of the reception.
The music can go either direction.
Choosing Music for a Money Dance
There really isn’t one type of song you have to use.
Some couples choose songs about money and have fun with the theme. Others choose favorite love songs and treat the money dance as an opportunity to spend a few moments with individual friends and family members.
You also aren’t limited to one song. Depending on how many guests participate, a money dance can easily last several songs.
Songs That Have Fun With the Money Theme
If you want to lean into the idea of a dollar dance, there are plenty of songs that make the connection obvious:
- ABBA – Money, Money, Money
- Aloe Blacc – I Need a Dollar
- Barenaked Ladies – If I Had $1,000,000
- Barrett Strong – Money (That’s What I Want)
- The Beatles – Money (That’s What I Want)
- Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers – We Need Some Money
- Dire Straits – Money for Nothing
- Jennifer Lopez – Love Don’t Cost a Thing
- Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx – Gold Digger
- Ludacris feat. Pharrell – Money Maker
- Madonna – Material Girl
- The O’Jays – For the Love of Money
- Pink Floyd – Money
- Steve Miller Band – Take the Money and Run
- Travie McCoy feat. Bruno Mars – Billionaire
These can make the tradition feel playful rather than formal, especially if that fits the personality of the couple and their guests.
Love Songs for a More Traditional Money Dance
The song doesn’t have to mention money at all. If you want the moment to feel more sentimental, a familiar love song can work just as well.
Some possibilities include:
- Al Green – Let’s Stay Together
- Ben E. King – Stand by Me
- Brian McKnight – Back at One
- Etta James – At Last
- Frank Sinatra – The Way You Look Tonight
- James Taylor – How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)
- John Legend – All of Me
- K-Ci & JoJo – All My Life
- Nat King Cole – L-O-V-E
- Stevie Wonder – Isn’t She Lovely
- The Temptations – My Girl
- Tim McGraw & Faith Hill – It’s Your Love
The right songs really depend on what you want the tradition to feel like.
Think About How the Dance Will Work
The music is only part of planning a dollar dance.
Think about who will participate, how guests will know when it’s their turn, where any money or cards will go, and whether both newlyweds will be dancing at the same time.
It also helps to think about how long you want the tradition to last. If a large number of guests participate, the money dance can take quite a while. I can keep the songs moving so guests have enough time for a dance without any one person staying on the floor too long.
Make the Tradition Your Own
Like a bouquet toss, anniversary dance, or any other wedding tradition, a money dance isn’t something you have to include simply because other weddings have one.
But if it is part of your family or culture, or you simply like the idea, there is no reason not to make it part of your reception.
Choose music that fits the way you want the moment to feel, whether that’s sentimental, funny, energetic, or a combination of all three.