Money doesn&39;t have to be boring! Each week, CreditBloggers.com takes a look at the lighter side of the personal finance world in a series called Funny Money Friday.

Wedding season is coming to an end in most parts of the country. But the season is just getting going here in San Francisco, where the best weather is in September. Weddings inevitably bring with them the controversial "money dance." This increasingly popular dance asks guests to pin or give money to the bride and groom in exchange for a dance. How exactly did this tradition get started?

Most sources credit the dance as originating in Poland. Called "Pani Mloda," a bride will often collect dollars from guests in an apron donned just for that dance. There are even special songs that accompany the dance in Poland:

Put some money in the plate
Put some money in the plate
for her high veiled bridal cap.
for her high veiled bridal cap.

Put some money in the plate.
Put some money in the plate.
Let the whole family help out.
Let the whole family help out.

In Italy, brides hold purses instead. In Hungarian and Portuguese weddings, the bride&39;s shoes are passed around to be filled with money by the guests. Filipino custom involves pinning and wrapping money in elaborate designs. In the US, money trees are becoming popular as a way for guests to give cash without the dance.

Supporters of the money dance say that it is a tradition and a way for the bride and groom to get some needed extra money for starting their life together. Plus, it gives each guest a chance to spend a few private moments with the bride or groom. Opponents of the money dance say that it is a tacky way for the newlyweds to extort their guests for a little more money.  I personally would put myself in the "opponent" category, although I have been to many fun Filipino weddings that involved the dance.

What do you think about the dollar dance? Is it a lovely custom or a greedy grab? Did you have a money dance at your wedding? Share your feedback in the comments section below.