The Money Dance Guide - Etiquette, Safety Pins, and Playlist Picks

The Money Dance or sabitan ng pera is a beloved Filipino wedding tradition that lets guests bless the couple with good fortune while sharing a joyful dance. This guide shows you how to run it smoothly with cultural respect, safe pinning options, and music that keeps the moment warm and photogenic.

Quick overview

• Ideal length 5 to 8 minutes or 2 to 3 songs
• Best after the first course or before the dance party
• Guests line up voluntarily and attach bills or hand envelopes while the couple dances

Etiquette for everyone

For the couple

• Announce the tradition in your invitations or program so guests are prepared
• Provide respectful alternatives for those who prefer not to pin cash, such as notes or envelopes
• Smile and keep moving but pause briefly for elders and sponsors

For guests

• Join only if comfortable, any amount is welcome
• Avoid rough pinning and aim for a sash, ribbon, or boutonniere area
• A short hug or blessing is perfect, keep the line moving for others

For hosts and coordinators

• Explain the meaning of the ritual in English and Tagalog
• Invite participation kindly, never pressure
• Keep a second mic ready so parents or ninong and ninang can share a quick blessing

Safety first

• Use lightweight safety pins with rounded caps or small wooden clothespins
• Offer double sided garment tape for sensitive fabrics
• Prepare a satin sash or ribbon belt for each partner so money attaches to the sash not the gown or barong
• Assign two attendants to help with pinning and to collect envelopes into a secure pouch
• Keep the dance floor dry, have a towel ready at stage left
• Set a gentle loop for the couple so they do not get boxed in by the line

Money handling and storage

• Provide a discreet crossbody pouch for each attendant
• After every few pins, attendants transfer bills from the sash to the pouch
• Place sealed envelopes straight into a lockable cash box
• Post event, count funds in a private room with two witnesses and a simple tally sheet

Pinning options compared

Safety pins

• Pros secure and familiar
• Cons can snag delicate fabrics
• Tip use the new rounded head type and pin only on sash or boutonniere ribbon

Clothespins or mini clips

• Pros fast and fabric safe
• Cons can slip on smooth sashes
• Tip choose clips with soft grip pads

Double sided garment tape

• Pros fabric friendly and invisible
• Cons weaker hold in humid rooms
• Tip use fresh tape strips on a sash rather than on clothing

No pin option envelopes or note cards

• Pros inclusive for all comfort levels
• Cons slower in line
• Tip provide a pretty tray so guests can place envelopes and proceed to a quick photo

Flow that works

1. Host intro and meaning of the Money Dance 30 seconds
2. Invite line formation by family tier then open to friends 30 to 45 seconds
3. Play Song 1 couple begins a slow walk and short spins 3 minutes
4. Switch to Song 2 attendants start transferring bills to pouches 3 minutes
5. Optional final chorus with confetti cannons or bubble machine if venue allows 30 seconds
6. Thank you, bow, and quick photo with line 30 seconds

Sample host lines

• “Mga ninong at ninang, pamilya at kaibigan, bukas po ang ating dance floor para sa Money Dance. Sumali lamang kung nais ninyo.”
• “Kung mas komportable kayo, maaari ring magbigay ng sobre o maikling mensahe sa tray na nasa harap.”
• “Salamat po sa inyong mga basbas at pagmamahal para sa bagong kasal.”

Roles and assignments

• 1 main host to guide lines and timing
• 2 attendants for pins, envelope tray, and pouches
• 1 coordinator to manage the line and spotlight
• 1 photo and 1 video lead who know the exact reveal beats
• 1 DJ or band lead for smooth crossfades and countouts

What to prepare

• Two satin sashes or ribbon belts with hidden loops
• Small basket with 80 to 100 safety pins and mini clips
• Double sided garment tape strips
• Envelope tray with blank note cards and pens
• Two crossbody pouches and one lockable cash box
• Discreet first aid kit in case of tiny pricks
• Signage card Money Dance Information and Alternatives

Signage sample text

Money Dance Blessings
Join the line if you wish and pin bills on the sash only.
Prefer an envelope or note Write a wish and place it on the tray.
Thank you for celebrating with us.

Photo and video cues

• First pin close up with the couple smiling
• Wide shot of the line and the dance floor
• Reaction shots of parents and grandparents
• Final swirl with bills on the sash plus a tight shot of joined hands

Music strategy

Choose songs that feel romantic and hopeful, with steady tempo for smooth movement. Two to three tracks are enough. Mix decades so titos, titas, and friends all feel included.

Playlist picks by vibe

Classic OPM slow dance

• Ikaw
• Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko
• Sana Maulit Muli
• Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang
• Pangako

Modern OPM acoustic or pop

• Kathang Isip acoustic version
• Ikaw At Ako
• Paraluman
• Tadhana
• Perhaps The Night

International soft pop

• Perfect
• A Thousand Years
• All Of Me
• Marry You acoustic tempo
• Can’t Help Falling In Love modern cover

Instrumental or strings

• Canon in D gentle mix
• Thinking Out Loud instrumental
• Your Song instrumental
• Moon River strings
• At Last instrumental

Tip alternate a classic OPM with a modern ballad so the floor energy refreshes without losing the sentimental mood.

Budget guide in PHP

• Pins clips tapes and sashes 500 to 1,200
• Envelope set and signage 200 to 600
• Extra attendants overtime 1,000 to 2,500
• Confetti or bubbles if allowed 800 to 3,000
  Actual rates vary by city and package

Inclusive alternatives

• Wish card line guests hand a written blessing and pose for a quick photo
• Charity match the couple pledges a donation amount and guests add notes to a giving board
• Flower pin line guests pin silk petals to the sash then drop envelopes in the tray

Troubleshooting

• Slow line Ask the host to invite pairs or families to step forward together
• Sash getting heavy Have attendants clear bills every 30 seconds
• Stage crowding Mark a soft loop path with lanterns or floor tape
• Shy crowd Start with parents and the principal sponsors to break the ice

After the dance

• Offer a brief thank you on mic
• Move funds to a private room for counting with two witnesses
• Store notes and envelopes in a labeled keepsake box
• Send a post wedding message or card to say thanks for the blessings

With a clear plan, safe pinning tools, and a thoughtful playlist, the Money Dance becomes a highlight that feels respectful, joyful, and uniquely Filipino. Keep it short, keep it kind, and let the love fill the dance floor.