How to Do A Dollar Dance, Without Money?

I've seen couples separate and dance with other people during the actual dancing portion of their reception. You may not get to talk with everyone, but even with the money dance, I've danced with someone for a short period and didn't get to really "catch up".

Catherine, I know I don't think I will get to catch up but I would like a chance to spend more time with people than just the thank yous when I go around to the tables without completely giving away my whole night to spend with the guests (I would like to spend some dancing with the FH! ) I just know my family and unless there is a timer... it could get long haha

You designate a certain amount of time per person to dance with and have your MOH or a designated person send the next person to "cut in" and you are basically passed off from person to person.

Edited: I swear I can read. Can't really blame it on being on my phone. My bad!

She said WITHOUT money @Della

Why not just do a receiving line after the ceremony? Then you get time with everyone.

H and I didn't want to do a dollar dance and were exploring alternatives also. The best one I could find was bartending. See if your venue will allow you to pour drinks for half an hour and that way it's just enough time to greet someone and thank them for coming.

Hmm maybe have the DJ announce "If you would like to dance with the bride and groom, now is the time. Grab them and start dancing!" good idea! i love dancing.

We did first look pictures and extended the cocktail hour, this extra time during cocktail hour allowed us to talk to every guest, it was literally a god send!

Everyone was chatty and got to congratulate us, we got to thank each and everyone of them for coming.

We just mingled and hit every group.

Extended cocktail hour definitely sounds like a great idea also!

Thanks @Catherine

This is how we did it: we added 15 minutes to cocktail hour and used 15 minutes of photo time. That gave us 30 minutes to greet our 90 guests.

I know this post has only been going about an hour and it's after work for many people already, but I love how all the people that are SOO against dollar dances haven't commented to provide an alternative that doesn't involve money. So they disagree with it but can't come up with a solution. Again, maybe they're already gone for the day.

I like Kristy's idea of having the DJ announce that people can grab you, but some people may feel uncomfortable butting in but if you know your crowd it could work!

I'm actually against dollar dances and here to comment but I've been eating dinner, so...

I was going to suggest that people can write advice to the newlyweds on slips of paper (you could have some on the tables or maybe near the guestbook) and they could "pay" those to dance with you

@Stephanie, that's a cool idea! Again, I did say maybe there was a reason people that are against it weren't on here. But it just seemed a little ironic. So thanks for proving me wrong, that some of the people that are against it do actually have a way to offer a solution.

Also as a side note, I'd never do a dollar dance myself (never heard of it before WW), but I'm not really for or against it.

Nice these are all awesome! Sher Bear and tucker052315 we are going to do a receiving line at the ceremony but I always feel like those are so rushed. Most of the weddings I have been to had dollar dances and you would see the aunts and uncles dance, the groom dance goofy with his friends and just seemed like an all around fun time where they could either talk or just share a moment.

I really like your ideas Kristy and Stephanie! I think the advice slips would be a great way to put a personal touch on it

Sarahdell - I am way too uncoordinated to bar tend! I will be lucky if I make it through dinner without wearing my food/drinks! haha

Love love the advice slips idea!!

Um....isn't the point of inviting all these people to spend some time with them? Or did I miss that part?

Table visits, chatting with them throughout the evening.....

or what's the point in having them there?

Celia yes but I also want to enjoy my time with my FH which will not always include tables. I want to spend time with everyone but I want to make sure I at least catch up a little/share moments with everyone there. I am a dancer (not good, more like Elaine) but it will be the one night I want to be on that floor the most so just trying to optimize time with everyone. I don't know its my wedding and I guess just want to do what every strikes my fancy that night! Haha

Raffle tickets? Give everyone the pair of tickets, then when they dance with you or your groom, they put one in a jar and keep the other half for later, then you can draw a couple of tickets later for small prizes? Like centerpieces or a bottle of Boone's Farm? I HATE dancing, but I'd totally dance with someone for a chance to win a prize! Tacky? I don't think so! I LOVE raffles!