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We have a fee due to the church for the ceremony, which includes the organist, but we're at a loss as to what is an approriate amount to give the priest.
I've read that if you know them well (which we do) then you generally give a personal gift instead of a monetary gift - in either case though, we're not sure what amount is considered appropriate.
How much did you give or will you give? What's an appropriate range?
Karen, I am wondering the same thing. We are thinking of a monetary gift, but want to do the 'right' thing...I was thinking $50, but does that seem 'cheap'?
We were told by our priest that it is part of his job to perform a wedding ceremony and he does not accept tips. We tried to tip the cantor at the rehearsal as well and the same thing applies to the cantor and organist. Of course, tips to the children who serve at the altar are suggested. We gave them $10 each. I was also wondering the same thing before our wedding as we wanted to make sure we tipped everyone. I guess you may find others that do accept it but this was my recent experience.
Fi was thinking $50 but I had thought $200 was more the norm!!! We asked some friends who were married a few years ago and they gave the priest $250 but I don't know if there was an additional fee for the church.
We have to pay $350 for the use of the church. I had thought about getting our priest a gift certificate for the Metropolitan Opera since I know he enjoys Opera.
When I first approached my church in Manhattan, I was told there was a $250 fee for the minister, the same for the organist, the wedding coordinator and a facilities fee, bringing the total cost to about $1000!!! - guess why we're not getting married there!
If I get more info I'll post it - I suppose if the priest can't accept a tip you could always offer him money to use for charitable purposes if you feel better about giving something. I know that our priest is active in Catholic missions in Europe and there is always need for Bibles, Communion Chalices, etc.
Wow! Hundreds of dollars, and here I am thinking $50 was nice LOL!...I'm really not sure what to do - the church costs $220, the organist costs $150 and we know we need to tip the altar servers...so that still leaves me with a dilemma. Unfortunately I don't know our priest THAT well, to know what type of gift would be appreciated (like the opera certificate - which is a very nice idea). PLEASE keep me posted if you hear or learn anything else -- only 18 days to figure it out!!! Lee
