Officiant

missv19732000

An acquaintance of mine is officiating my wedding.  I originally asked her how much she would charge and she said that she would do it for no charge.  In turn, I told her she would be invited to stay for the reception.  I am not that close with her, so she would not have been invited to the event under normal circumstances (she found out I was getting married via FB and then offered her services)...do I still have to give her a gift or "tip" for her services?  How do I handle this one?

MrsGandthebeag

I would still give her a tip, 18%.

jessicabessica

I would give her a gift.  Is she a religious officiant with a congregation?  If so, I would make a donation to her congregation.  If not, I would give her a gift card for a nice dinner in a thank you card.  If she has a significant other, that person should also be invited to the reception.

missv19732000

Thank you!  She is a Notary Public.  Sounds like I will give her a tip.  She doesn't have a significant other, but if she wants to bring someone that's fine with me. :-)

Loopyseven

Ditto the PP's.  Either a tip, or a gift card for dinner or something in a nice thank you card would be absolutely within reason.  

HeidiWard04

As someone studying to be a minister, I often get asked to officiate weddings.  I often give my services as a gift to the couple if they are friends or family.  It is common for them to offer to cover my lodging if I've traveled, given a cash "tip" or gift card etc. as a thank you anyway, or donated what they would have paid me to a charity meaningful to me in my name.  Whatever feels best to you would be appropriate!  

Our officiant is donating his services for our wedding this November.  He insisted it be his gift to us.  We are both getting him a couple of nice bottles of wine, and making a cheritable donation in his name to a charity we know is important to him.

It is so kind of you think of her, despite the fact you aren't close.