How much do we give?

Question

We are being married in June at my church, we're just wondering how much $ to give the Deacon who is performing the service. We've paid $75 to the church, which everyone being married there is required to do. I know it's customary to give the priest or other clergyman a token after the service right? In case it matters, I've not been a member of this church for very long so I haven't formed a really close relationship with the Deacon, although he's very nice and has helped with the wedding very much.

Also, do we "tip" the pianist? How about the photographer?

I live in the Midwest U.S. if that helps with a dollar amount!

Answer 1

I would give the deacon at least $50, especially that he has helped with your wedding. Yes you tip the organist or pianist at least $25. Photographer is getting his paid fee, and you don't have to tip him.

Answer 2

The photographer I would tip 10% of your total bill. The Deacon I would give a minimum of $150.00 donation to . and the pianist about the same.

Answer 3

You would ask at the church office what the suggested donation is. Depends on the situation there. You do not tip the pianist or photographer; you are already paying for their services.

Answer 4

I agree with the person below, give the deacon abou what you would want to be paid, and the pianoist should get paid for the hours you are having him/her there. If anything I would ask. As for photographer, go with quality of pics and experience. If this person has about 10+ years of experience and produces great work then I would pay for the amount of pictures you want to recieve.

Answer 5

For my wedding in September, we are giving the pastor $200 for a gift. Also I know my mom was thinking about doing something also. As for the pianist/musicians for our wedding, they are charging us $250 to do the cermony. So I would say tip them less than what you would give the preist or deacon.

Answer 6

You've already made your donation to the church. You don't pay the clergyman on top of that.

It would be inappropriate to tip your clergyman/officiant. But you DO send them an invitation (along with their significant other, if any) to your wedding and reception, just as you would any other HONORED GUEST.

You might also give your clergyman a gift of appreciation. (But NOT a gift of money.)

For your vendors, an etiquette book can tell you how much to tip.

Answer 7

I gave the minister $200. I would tip the pianist significantly less and you need to ask the photographer how much he wants, since there's an actual product involved in that.

Answer 8

I am not tipping anyone.
I am giving the church $1,400 and that includes the organ fee
And the photographer is 2,270.00, I may tip her $50 if I am happy with her services.