Etiquette has continually been sort of a touchy subject, in particular when it comes to weddings.
Weddings are commonly filled with traditions and customs and the ceremony is no exception. So it's no wonder that individuals are nervous about what do to with the wedding minister. Since ministers deal with a world filled with religious customs and traditions, a number of couples are afraid to directly ask sticky concerns and however they do not want to commit some etiquette faux pas. This is where I come in. As an insider, I'm here to assist couples navigate the globe of wedding minister etiquette.
Etiquette Question #1: Do we invite the minister to our rehearsal dinner? Frequently, an invitation to the rehearsal dinner is not needed even although it is a thoughtful gesture. The exception to this would be if you have identified the minister for a lengthy time or if the rehearsal dinner is getting held on church property, but even then it's more of a friendly gesture and not a challenging etiquette rule.
Etiquette Question #two: Do I invite the minister to our reception? This one is a little tricky. How do you tell the most vital individual at your ceremony that they are not welcome to stay for dinner?
Traditionally, it is suitable to invite the minister to the reception, particularly if that person has a unique connection in your life. Commonly speaking, most ministers don't expect to be invited to the reception unless they have known the couple for a lengthy time and several will only stay for cocktails and/or h'or deourves.
Etiquette Question #three: Where do we seat the minister? It is frequently not needed that the minister sit at the head table. Getting them seated with your family members, either parents, such as parents or grandparents, is a wonderful thought particularly if they are affiliated with their church.
Etiquette Question #4: Do we tip the minister? It's very easy to see why this is a concerns couples hate to ask. You sign a contract and pay deposits and fees just like any other vendor, but somehow it normally appears strange tipping a minister like you would any other vendor. Tipping is never mandatory, it is to reward exceptional service. The minister's fee is all you are required to pay and that is all they anticipate from you. If you really feel they have done a wonderful service, feel free to add capital to an envelope to deliver to them following the ceremony is finished. Once more, tipping is not needed or expected for the minister.
I hope that this clears up some confusion and assists each couple navigate the wedding minister etiquette world a little greater. When in doubt, however, don't be afraid to ask your minister what they are comfy with. Do not forget that they deal with weddings all the time and even though you could possibly feel strange asking, they are comfy answering.