Offering for priest

d982000

I am getting married in the church that I grew up in and the church offering for a wedding ceremony is $200. However, I am having the priest who was there while I was growing up perform the ceremony. He is no longer the priest at the church where the ceremony is being held, but instead is located at a nearby parish. In addition to the church offering of $200 (which will not go to the priest since he isn't affiliated with the church), how much would you suggest we offer the priest? I know if asked, he will not give us a straight answer since he knows my family well and would likely say it is his pleasure to perform the ceremony. Thanks! 

bibliophile2010

I would say a cash gift of $100-200 is typical. Many people also include a bottle of wine or gift card for a favorite restaurant. I would definitely include a heartfelt thank you note.

Calypso1977

minimum $100 - if he needs to stay in a hotel or anything, id personally cover his travel expense as well.

itzMS

Just agreeing with previous posters.

We gave a giftcard to a local gourmet grocery store, two more upscale bottles of the priest's favorite style of wine, and a card/note. Similar to what we would've purchased for his birthday or Christmas.

meltoine

Will he be seeing you for marriage prep too? If not, I'd say $100, a nice bottle of wine, and a note. If he's putting in more time seeing you for marriage prep, I'd say $200, wine, and a note. And ditto PP about travel expenses if there are any.