To dance or not to dance? The Money Dance that is

So for the most part, Mr. Fix It has let me pretty much have my way when it comes to things we don't agree on regarding the wedding. He has been married before and I haven't and he knows how much thought and effort I am putting into everything so he usually gives in. :) But there is one area that I had logically got him to agree with me on and yet he keeps coming back to wanting his way: the money dance. You know...that thing where you and your groom stand all dolled up awkwardly in the center of the dance floor with no one else around while your guests stare at you and others line up in hopes of waiting to sway with you for 15 to 25 seconds just to stuff money in your pockets or purse after they've already brought you a gift? Well, at least that's the way I see it.

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Now don't get me wrong...this is just my personal opinion. Almost every single friend and family member's wedding I have attended has had a money dance...but it's just not *my* thing. In fact, my cousin received over $1,000 at hers while my sister barely made it to $200 at hers. And my sister's wedding was much bigger than my cousin's. But to me, it just comes across as awkward, begging, greedy and BOR-ING. I would much rather allow my guests to shake their groove thang on the dance floor than kill 10 to 20 precious minutes on the dance floor making everyone stand around. And God forbid, what if no one wants to get up and dance with us? Or what if it's all of my honey's friends that I have no idea who they are so I end up making uncomfortable small talk with them for 30 seconds? Oh, the horror!

Mr. Fix It thinks that in these economic times it would be helpful to have every opportunity we can to receive some extra funds for the honeymoon. He said with 200 guests, even if they gave $1, that would be $200 extra we have (of course, he's not thinking of our 5 year old cousins who have no apparent income at the moment). I told him *I'd* give him the $200 if it was so important to him. But honestly, we'd probably get more than that because we have very loving and generous friends and family. Besides, I told him it's the economic times we live in that make it all the more so why we shouldn't have it...because people can't afford it!

Anyway, recently he called telling me again why he really wants to do it. I told him that I would consider more creative ways of 'earning' money at our reception. For example, our DJ told us a story of how one bride and groom had their bridesmaids and groomsmen split into two teams and then sing for all the guests. Afterwards, they walked around with hats and such allowing the guests to give money to the team they thought was the better singers. All the money was given to the bride and groom and at least it was more entertaining and a performance that got the entire guest list involved in the idea. But John didn't like that idea either.

What do I do? I know that in some cultures this is a tradition and important part of a wedding...but not in my culture. So what about all you ladies? What are your thoughts and are you including this ritual in your own wedding reception?

The infamous Wedding Dance video (and one you haven't seen)

By now, everyone has seen or heard about the bride and groom who had their entire bridal party dance down the ceremony aisle to Chris Brown's Forever.  Heck, they even made the rounds on the morning network news shows and talk show circuit.  For those who have their head in the sand and have not yet seen this fun loving beginning to Kevin and Jill's wedding here it is:

The sunglasses are a great added touch.  But what I really love is how the guests are totally into it.  Look at their faces...they are laughing, clapping, cheering them on.  What a way to start off your wedding extravaganza.

When the video first surfaced (before it hit the world), I e-mailed it to my wedding party and told them to start rehearsing :)  Once it made it's way across the internet, I even had a couple friends e-mail me telling me they knew I was totally going to do this at my wedding...because I want it to be all about fun and entertainment.  But at heart, the traditional side of me says that even though my wedding party would be totally into it, I still will have a somewhat traditional walk down the aisle.  However, I have my own plans for how to start off our ceremony that are totally me and our guests are sure to love!  I can't wait to show you  once I finalize the project.

But the real reason I wanted to share with you is because, as a YouTube enthusiast, I found the even funnier follow up spoof of the dance.  These people decided to show what happened to the same couple 6 months after...I laughed hysterically at both videos!

I particularly like the Ben Affleck look-alike attorney...but the entire thing makes me laugh every time I watch it.  What's your favorite part?  And do you have anything different planned for your walk down the aisle?