I've been told a wide range of ideas on paying the officiant, organist and soloist, but I'm not sure what is normal. I live in a mid-sized town in OH and would be having my pastor perform the ceremony, and an organist and soloist from my church, so I wouldn't be hiring professionals. Anyone willing to let me know what they paid would be great. Thanks!
2006-09-12 05:37:15 · 49 answers · asked by jennyss 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
If they don't have a set donation, give what you can afford.
Good Luck In Your Marriage
2006-09-12 05:40:27 · answer #1 · answered by jewingengleman 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I'm not going to win any fans here, but have you saw the price of gasoline? I am a singer/musician, and over the years have did many weddings. The problem is; if I charged too much, everybody complained, and if I didn't charge enough, I ended up loosing money from the deal. So lets say this; most people think it's only worth the price of a tank of gas! They don't have any problem paying for their gas, but they want someone to come do the wedding for free. Are these the same people that will come to your wedding shower, and bring an expensive gift too? Call up a local musicians union and check the price of what you need. Now weigh that against the so called non professionals. Seems to me you would come out better to just elope. Believe me, if you don't pay them what they are worth, that will get around too. I was getting $50 a wedding back 20 years ago! Do you realize what an important part in the wedding these people play? You need to weigh out what the wedding cost, and don't just throw a few of the crumbs that are left over to the pastor, singer, and musician! You never know, IF you make it worth their while, they might just hand it back to you as a wedding gift, I did that! If someone is treated like they are worth something, then they will surely have a good opinion of you, want they? Good Luck!!
2006-09-13 10:47:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Standard rate for the soloist and organist is $50 an hour (with a $50 minimum payment). As for the officiant, $250 for the ceremony is the average rate in most places that resemble what you described. It may be a LOT more if your soloist/organist are well known, better qualified, etc.
2006-09-12 15:49:38 · answer #3 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the situation you describe I would simply ask the church sectretary what is customary. If there is no such person, then I would ask the pastor what the normal "donation" is for such services. Some churches have paid organists and don't expect any extra, in which case a small, but special gift might be appropriate. I wouldn't fear asking. After all, it is better to ask and be sure that to not ask and offend. You might also check with other brides that you know have been married in that church recently about their experience there. Past bulletins or newspaper articles might give you a heads up on names. If you are spending a large amount of money on your wedding, that should guide you in some way. Music is often as beautiful as any other addition to the ceremony! Best wishes!
2006-09-12 22:27:49 · answer #4 · answered by one_4pax 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh my goodness!! From just reading all the various answers my answer is what I would actually end up doing.....pay nothing to anyone and either elope or call the Justice and a couple of very dear friends....one of his and one of yours and both sets (if they're actually still sets) of parents and be done with it! You're still married then celebrate someplace else for a nice reception in a garage or something!
I know you won't do that but oh my gosh, do you really have to do all those things for a WEDDING??? I'm sorry but if 'twere me, I'd forget all about it!!! Not getting married if that's what you're heart's set on, of course!!! But WOW! All the stuff you worry about? What does the guy do during all the woman's worrying and organizing? (Without her telling or reminding him, that is!!)
Hey, I'm just so happy that I received my official divorce papers a couple of days ago from Scotland informing me that I have no been divorced for officially 13 DAYS!!!!
This country has things backwards....it's way too easy to get married and far to difficult to get divorced. It was a 21 day waiting period in Scotland!! (Since that's where he's from it does make that bit easier...!!!)
Congrats and I truly wish you the best....on the marriage because I had NO IDEA about that other stuff!!!! Sorry!!
2006-09-13 04:16:06 · answer #5 · answered by raquelha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wedding Soloist
2016-12-15 15:28:13 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your officiant is not a professional, your wedding is not legal in Ohio. You better check up on that- call the county right away.
The average officiant fee in Ohio is $175-499. The average soloist is $100 per hour (pro or tipped) as is the organist.
They are spending their time to create your ceremony, they are not to be considered simply wedding guests. Remember it also costs volunteers money to be there that day so be generous.
2006-09-13 03:52:19 · answer #7 · answered by logical_centrist 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is what I paid for my wedding last year:
Organist: $150 this was a set price
Soloist: $150 this was a set price
Officiant: $300 donation
I live in California, it might be more here but I felt they all did an excellent job and made my wedding more cohesive instead of bringing some from outside. I also had a trio which I paid $300 as well. But they played before during and after. If they don't have a set price do make an effort to compensate them for their time and love of what they do. Remember also that you will be seeing these individuals on a weekly basis as well and they will perform services to you for free. For example baptism for your baby (ies) or meeting with your pastor for counseling or advice. Congratulations on your wedding, and I'm sure it will be beautiful.
2006-09-12 16:12:09 · answer #8 · answered by empowered2008 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can give the officiant money directly or you can donate money to their church. The average amount is from $50-$200 depending on how much you are asking of them.
The organist and soloists are similar depending on how much you are asking from them and how many times/songs they will be playing/performing. If it's just one song or just the wedding march, it can range from $25-$50 and if you ask for more you pay more. I wouldn't plan on paying any of them more than $200 though unless it's an elaborate affair.
2006-09-12 13:11:34 · answer #9 · answered by Chloe 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is considered a Thank you gift so it's really up to you how much you give them. I play for many weddings and it is usually about 50 - 75 dollars. (and just for the record the organist and the officient are professionals they do this for a living)
2006-09-13 01:29:09 · answer #10 · answered by curiosity 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not an easy one to answer precisely.
Even if the people involved are from the church concerned, you must rememeber that they will be giving up a large amount of time in the middle of the day.
You say that they are not professionals - how do you define professionals?
Perhaps you could check locally to find out what they have charged in the past, or you could even just ask them directly!
The music is a vital part of your wedding - don't expect to get it for a pittance!
People seem happy to spend vast sums of money on anything to do with a wedding - but they expect the music to be free or very cheap!
2006-09-12 06:22:40 · answer #11 · answered by aarcue 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋