did you officiant ask this question?

AwaitingAugust Posted: Jan 08, 2010 04:40 PM

did you officiant ask this question?

so i spoke with a Rabbi just now and i asked what his fee was ... his response was that it depends on the amount of guests at the ceremony (eg: a small wedding with 15 guests is charged less) ...

i've spoken to other Rabbi's and none have said that ... i find it very very weird!

Has anyone heard that question from their officiant (doesn't have to be a rabbi)?

Should I even bother meeting with this guy or does he sound a bit ghetto?

Cacarina Posted: Jan 08, 2010 04:42 PM

Re: did you officiant ask this question?

That sounds so strange. How would the number of guests affect his ability to officiate? I just don't see any valid reason as to why more guests would mean more money in his eyes.

ETA: And further more, you would think that more people would mean more exposure for him to other people who may want to use his services. So wouldn't more guests be a good thing???

AngnShaun Posted: Jan 08, 2010 04:43 PM

Re: did you officiant ask this question?

Posted by Cacarina

That sounds so strange. How would the number of guests affect his ability to officiate? I just don't see any valid reason as to why more guests would mean more money in his eyes.

ITA

colEvapaige Posted: Jan 08, 2010 04:46 PM

Re: did you officiant ask this question?

That does not sound right.

my friend paid like $900 for her rabbi, and another paid about $600. It way depends on the place of worship or the congregation, NOT on how many guests.

AwaitingAugust Posted: Jan 08, 2010 04:52 PM

Re: did you officiant ask this question?

i'm glad i'm not the only one who finds it weird ...

so should i give him a shot and meet with him?

mrsdraskin2009 Posted: Jan 08, 2010 04:58 PM

Re: did you officiant ask this question?

Posted by AwaitingAugust

i'm glad i'm not the only one who finds it weird ...

so should i give him a shot and meet with him?

I wouldn't...it kinda sounds like he's fishing for money, and if you meet w/him and like him, that would always be in the back of my mind.

las1 Posted: Jan 08, 2010 05:38 PM

Re: did you officiant ask this question?

that is odd no rabbi's asked me this. his few should not vary based on the number of guests.

sophisticat13 Posted: Jan 08, 2010 05:41 PM

Re: did you officiant ask this question?

That is very strange....I wouldn't bother meeting with him. Did you ask him why the fee is based on the number of ppl at the ceremony?

slyman1101 Posted: Jan 08, 2010 05:54 PM

Re: did you officiant ask this question?

never heard of that before...

AwaitingAugust Posted: Jan 08, 2010 05:57 PM

Re: did you officiant ask this question?

Posted by sophisticat13

That is very strange....I wouldn't bother meeting with him. Did you ask him why the fee is based on the number of ppl at the ceremony?

yea, i asked but his answer didn't really make any sense so i just dropped it.

he said something about the fact that he wouldn't charge as much if i had a small wedding with 15 people at someone's house ...

like i said, stupid answer.

Diana12 Posted: Jan 08, 2010 05:58 PM

Re: did you officiant ask this question?

No, I have never been asked that. Usually they have a flat fee/donation. I would be careful with that one.

drivwal Posted: Jan 08, 2010 08:35 PM

Re: did you officiant ask this question?

What?? That sounds a bit ghetto to me. Any time I have ever heard quotes from officiants (including rabbi) the prices were all similar. Expect it to be around $500 or so but this guy seems a little weird. Unless he was talking about you going to a small location like at his studio for a tiny wedding with like you, your parents, and that's it I can see that being a smaller amount charged but otherwise...its a little weird.

springsandra Posted: Jan 08, 2010 09:55 PM

Re: did you officiant ask this question?

That's very strange to me.

I spoke to a few rabbis, some cantors, and some interfaith officiants. Every single person I spoke to quoted me $750. We went with an interfaith officiant (who was very nice, and it went well).

After, I found out a lot of women got their officiants for a bit less than ours was and I was a little annoyed about that, but what can you do. He did a good job and I didn't give him a tip over that enormous fee. We're married, so I guess it worked out.

NicoleandMichael Posted: Jan 08, 2010 10:28 PM

Re: did you officiant ask this question?

That doesn't seem right at all. I completely agree with you, what would it matter if there were more people?

MrsCM Posted: Jan 08, 2010 10:57 PM

Re: did you officiant ask this question?

That's really strange. I know wedding planners who say the same thing and really, I think it's to assess your budget so that they can squeeze the most out of you possible.

Nina1010 Posted: Jan 09, 2010 12:00 AM

Re: did you officiant ask this question?

Kinda Shady. I don't think I would accept that response. Ask around for a referral if having a Rabbi is important. If not, then there are Officiants out there, like Pastors April / Deb who range $400 - $600 and come highly recommended.