still appropriate to offer money to pastor? - The PASH Wedding Forums and Message Boards

treasia · #1 03-31-2006, 06:20 AM

is it still proper to offer money to the pastor who performs the ceremony for us? it has been several years and i do not know for sure. and if so what is the right amount? is there a right amount? money is very tight for the next several months as we leave on vacation next weekend for 4 days, are getting married in late may, have a birthday to plan for at the end of may, and have another birthday in late june. some advice please.

treasia

Complicated Woman · #2 03-31-2006, 01:13 PM

I would say yes, it is appropriate, because they have to put in a LOT of extra hours to perform a wedding and they may divide the tip with other staff who have to work doubly hard to prepare for the ceremony.

Some pastors, though, (my boss) won't accept a tip or charge a fee for officiating.

Lizbet · #3 03-31-2006, 03:26 PM

The church where I held my wedding recommended a tip to the pastor at the Bride and Groom's discretion. Since Fri and Sat (rehearsal and ceremony days) are ususally her days off it was only right that she get some kind of compensation. We gave ours $100.

ljeagle · #4 03-31-2006, 04:34 PM

We are given our minister $100 I think it's only right to give them something. If he won't take it ask him to give it to his church. If you are asking him to drive a long distance you might want to give him more. Gas prices are getting high again.

kenzies_mama · #5 03-31-2006, 05:24 PM

Our minister doesn't accept tips persay, but does take gifts to the church. We are planning on donating $100 for his services.

ladedah · #6 03-31-2006, 05:26 PM

we also are giving a donation for his services. we are "donating" $150 because he also agreed to do our pre-mariatial classes after hours.

Kim&Bob2004 · #7 04-01-2006, 12:21 AM

We gave an offering of $200. We were told by a pastor friend that anywhere between $150 and $300 was the standard offering.

syringa · #8 04-01-2006, 12:47 AM

Some churches charge a fee for the pastor's services and they will tell you when you reserve the church. If yours doesn't, or the wedding will not be held at the church, the pastor should be paid for his/her time spent on your behalf. If the person performed pre-marital counseling or has to travel some distance to the wedding, they should receive more than someone who doesn't even attend the rehearsal.