Dollar Dance for Charity

If it's common in your area, you won't have a problem with any issues from your guests. I think you can do whatever you want. Dollar dances are not common around me, but coming on here, it seems they are. I've been to one wedding where they did it and I felt uncomfortable, but that's just because I've never seen it before. I think that's a great idea to have it go to a charity!

I don't think asking them to open their wallets, even for a charity, is okay. Especially because it's a charity of your choice, not theirs. Not that I think anyone is OPPOSED to that charity, but, it's pressuring guests to spend money, even though it's optional, even for a good cause. Because who wants to be the one who is like "nah i don't wanna give a dollar" - it just creates pressure.

I think you could honor him by including his name in the program (if you do one) or maybe having his picture by the guestbook or something, in memory of him. You could also play his favorite song.

I know a lot of people don't like the charitable donation as a favor (ex: "We donated $1000 to this charity instead of favors!" but I don't totally mind it. You could just donate the money you would have budgeted for favors in his memory, and then not do favors at all...don't need even need to say why.

I know the dollar dance is somewhat regional, but I think that no matter how worthy the cause a wedding reception is not a good place to fundraise. I would probably do a table with a picture of him and a rose and a sign that says 'in loving memory' or something instead, if you're asking for personal preference/opinion.

Well Staci, knowing Reading, the dollar dance is not uncommon. If you are doing it anyway, I would just quietly give the donation instead of announcing it. You can maybe send something to his family, letting them know.

Dollar dances are pretty normal here and so are dollar dances towards a charity. So if it is a norm in your world I think it is a good cause to support.

I like Stephanie favorite song idea!

You also could do a "in leiu of favors, we have decided to donate money to ________ in your honor" and maybe give a blurb about the special person in your lives who passed away?

Just a thought

I think it's a good idea!!

What a great idea. If this is a "thing" in your area, and people expect it, then what a better way to do it than to give the extra money to charity. That makes me want to do one.

I think it's a great idea! Especially if you explain the reasoning.

Not a fan. More money extracted from guests for a charity that they didn't choose; of course they can opt out of the dance. I'm also not a fan of public donating. Just do it because it's meaningful to you.

The dollar day is common where I am from. I guess I didn't realize it was a regional thing. I think it is a great idea! Go for it, and don't hide what you are doing with the money. Be proud to honor your friend.

The dollar dance is super common in my area and people expect it so I think this is a great idea!

Also, to people saying you're pretty much demanding money from your guests- that's not how it is. Other people are still out having a good time on the dance floor half the time and it's just an open invitation that if you'd like to come up and dance with the bride and groom you can and if you'd like to throw in an extra dollar or whatever, you can. Nobody remembers who danced and who didn't and some people dance without giving money. In my area, people love it and love doing it. It's an individual moment with the bride and groom and not a judgmental or forced thing.