Minister

SingleMom31

This isn't so much etiquette, but a question of reasonableness. Our budget allows $250 for the minister. He's a friend of my parents, and we met with him once pre-wedding. We also have asked him and his wife to join us for dinner. Does $250 sound okay? Too much/too little?

NYCMercedes

Perfect!

misssunshine17

I think it's fine. Mine charges $400 but if they didn't specify, then I think that is a solid number. 

mlg78

Mine charges $450 so his gift will be very small since he seems to be the most expensive minister I've heard of yet.

doeydo

Does he not have a set fee?

melbelleup

see what his set fee is... my church charges a fee of $500 if you belong to it, $750 if you don't... but this does include priest, place, organist and planner.

SP29

Sounds reasonable. 

Our officiant is cheaper, he is a Reverend, but often does non-religious ceremonies. 

SomethingBeautiful08

It sound reasonable to me.  For non-members our pastor told us that he asks for $200, since we are members, it was up to us but we gave him about that as our budget allowed.  If he is doing this as a favor to you or your parent's you might ask him or his church secretary what most couples give him and that should give you a better gage, otherwise your number sounds good.

MDbride1012

This sounds fine. Many in my area charge as much as $500 but I honestly think that seems high for a 20 min, non-religious ceremony.

SingleMom31

He's a ordained minister, but doesn't have a church. He is a counselor instead, and only does weddings for friends. We're getting married outside at a restaurant, so he'd not providing a venue of any sort. Has not mentioned it in any way. He married my dad/stepmom a couple years ago, and they gave him $200. I figured with inflation??

allispain

I think $250 sounds just fine given the situation you describe here.

Itsthevix

What your budget allows for and what his fees are may be two very different numbers. $250 is fine for some markets and ceremony needs, while $500 might be more realistic for others. If he is going to be your Officiant, you should be signing a contract with him for your day. And fees need to be discussed and agreed to before you sign anything. Its great that he's a friend of the family, but this is a very important gig you're booking him for, and it needs to be handled professionally.

Contact him and have this discussion, and get a contract for his services. If he can't do that for you, I'd urge you to hire a professional.