When we think about weddings, it can be interesting to think about them in terms of cultures or customs other than our own. Who knows when you will find a custom or a ritual that is perfect for your friends or family, or when you will discover one that your family used to take part in? One case in point of a wedding tradition is the money dance. Rooted in ancient traditions, is it still a popular feature of many modern weddings.

Usually, the money dance begins with the best man, the DJ, or the master of ceremonies announcing it. The essential point of the dance is that people walk up and ask the bride for a dance and when they do so, they will offer her some money for the privilege. This money will go towards setting up housekeeping for the bride and the groom in their new life together. Good housekeeping, it seems, never goes out of style.

The money dance is different depending on country, region, and family tradition. First, there is the question of where the money goes. Some traditions insist the money be pinned to the bride's gown or to her veil, while in other traditions, it is simply handed to her in an envelop. Some families insist the bride puts the money into a specially designed apron or purse. When she wears an apron, her veil is given to a bridesmaid until the dancing is over. In some countries, the money must be held by the best man until the wedding is over. In Hungary and Portugal, the bride sometimes removes her shoes and the shoes are passed around and filled with money.

Who asks for a dance is a point of contention. In the Ukraine, for instance, the bride is traditionally asked to dance first by her father and then by the best man and groomsmen. In other countries, this honor is left to anyone brave enough to ask. In modern celebrations, the bridesmaids and the maids of honor will likewise oblige the groom to dance.

Though this custom may seem questionable, it is no different than the custom of the bridal registry. Like the bridal registry, the money dance is intended to help the couple off to a bright start in their new life. It is one of many traditionally encoded mechanisms that ensure a bountiful start for newlyweds.