Tipping the officiant

Sherbie25

I'm getting married at the MGM Grand chapel.  We have booked a package that includes the officiant, but I was wondering whether I still had to tip him after the ceremony? How much is recommended?

SP29

Our officiant is a distant friend of my grandparents, he gave use a good rate and he did a good job. We mailed him a restaurant gift card after the wedding with a thank you note.

Your officiant sounds a bit farther removed. Personally, I think when paying a direct fee for a service, tips should be given when someone goes above standard service. Depending on how/when you are paying the officiant, you could either add a tip when paying or DH can have some cash on him the day of (I say DH because I am assuming he'll have more pockets than you ) that if you are happy with the service, give him before he leaves. I think 15-20% like any other vendor is appropriate.

Sherbie25

SP29 said:

Our officiant is a distant friend of my grandparents, he gave use a good rate and he did a good job. We mailed him a restaurant gift card after the wedding with a thank you note.

Your officiant sounds a bit farther removed. Personally, I think when paying a direct fee for a service, tips should be given when someone goes above standard service. Depending on how/when you are paying the officiant, you could either add a tip when paying or DH can have some cash on him the day of (I say DH because I am assuming he'll have more pockets than you ) that if you are happy with the service, give him before he leaves. I think 15-20% like any other vendor is appropriate.

Thank you.
We are paying for the package by credit card directly to the MGM chapel, so there is no money to pay on the day. I was thinking of waiting to see if he leaves an envelope for us.

ILoveBeachMusic

Since you are paying the MGM chapel directly, I would tip the officiant 15-20%. I wouldn't expect him to leave you an envelope though. None of our vendors had them.

KatCtoKatA

For our Vegas wedding, our contract specifies a $60 "gratuity" to the officiant.  You may want to check your contract and make sure there isn't a similar fee.  Your contact with MGM may also have ideas on what is customary, since I'm guessing you're not directly hiring the officiant.

photokitty

If a vendor left me an envelope for tipping them, I would not tip them. I find that offensive. If you expect a tip that much, be like the banquet hall and add an 18% gratuity to the final bill. Or stand there like a bellhop in old movies, rubbing your fingers together, but don't give me an envelope to fill.