Wedding Day Tips and Traditions

The Dollar/Money Dance

The dollar/money dance is a dance where wedding guests pay money – any amount they want – to have a dance with the bride or the groom. The best man and maid of honor are traditionally in charge of gathering the money. The DJ plays as many songs as needed depending on the amount of people in line, and each guest only gets a minute or two to dance with the bride or groom. Traditionally the money is used for the honeymoon or to help the couple with household items. 

If you plan on having a dollar/money dance, plan to have it early in the evening. Older guests may enjoy joining in on the fun, but often leave early in the evening. This dance also tends to slow things down since not everyone is allowed on the floor. It’s best to get it done towards the beginning of the night. 

Since not everyone does the dollar/money dance, or even knows what it is, make sure that your best man and maid of honor know what it is, and know their duties. 

The Receiving Line

A receiving line is for greeting each guest and thanking them for coming to your wedding. It guarantees yours guests some face time with you. It is generally immediately after the ceremony, or at the beginning of the reception. Traditionally the bride’s parents – as the hosts – head the line, followed by the bride and groom ad then the groom’s parents. Some include the wedding party, and some even include grandparents. Since some couples pay for their own weddings, the tradition as blurred a bit and people are doing it however works best for them. 

If you’re going to have a receiving line, make sure everyone that is going to be in the line knows where, when, and the order you want them in. Consider the traffic flow of guest trying to get out of the ceremony location to get a drink of water, go to the restroom, etc. instead of going through the receiving line. Generally the receiving line takes about 6 minutes 

Garter Placement

Brides always ask me, “Which leg?” Either leg is really fine; it’s up to you. It should go above your knee about half way up your thigh. 

Ring Placement

Traditionally the engagement ring – if not already soldered to the wedding band – goes on the bride’s right hand during the ceremony. This allows for the wedding band to be placed closest to the heart during the ring exchange. The engagement ring can then be placed back on the left hand for photos. 

Be Prepared

Make sure to take an “emergency” kit with you to the wedding location. Include things like band aids, antacid tablets, mints, aspirin, needle/thread, lint brush, Kleenex, safety pins, tampons, hair pins, etc. Anything you might need. You never know when a rip, a stray hair, or a rouge sneeze night attack.

Also, have your Maid of Honor carry a couple of tissues incase you need backup during the ceremony. (This is why dresses with pockets are AWESOME!)

Remember to Eat

Have light snacks available for you and your wedding party. You don’t want to over eat and feel horrible, but you need to get some good fuel in your body to keep you going. It’s a big day and you need your strength. It’s easy to get distracted and forget. Keep bottled water available and stay hydrated.

Another Maid of Honor duty: Make sure the bride eats and hydrates! 

Delegate

Don’t do it all on your own. Give out tasks to trustworthy people to handle the day of the wedding. You are going to be busy enough just keeping the butterflies down! Your mind will be racing and you won’t be able to remember all those little details. It’s okay to ask for help. 

Keep Things Sober the Night Before

Thinking about having your bachelorette and/or bachelor party the night before the wedding – it does happen – think again. It’s a bad idea to drink a lot and/or stay out all night the night before your wedding. You will feel awful in the morning and you probably won’t look too great in those photos you’re paying for. Plan it at least a week or two before the wedding day so that you can have fun with all your friends, and still have plenty of time to recover.