Some people have a natural flair for gift-giving. When they plan how to express appreciation to everyone who helps with the wedding, they are in their element. They know just what to choose for the officiant gift as well as the more extravagant presents for the wedding party.
Most people, however, rely on time-tested tradition and advice. Once you've found a minister to officiate your wedding, you and your partner need to discuss how to best thank him or her. As you will likely already be paying for the minister's services, the gift doesn't need to be extravagant, especially if you have a tight budget. The best choices show that they come from the heart.
Gift Bag Extras
If you already have gift bags for each guest lined up, you are off to a good start. Saving one of the bags for your minister can help him or her feel included as an honored guest. A quick online search for "gift for wedding officiant" reveals several small tokens of appreciation you can add to make it even more special. A commemorative key chain with the officiant's name or initials engraved on it, or a book you know he or she would love to read, is an excellent choice.
Favorite Beverage Set
Is your minister always sipping on a cup of coffee or tea? Is there a decanter set in the office? Some of the most popular gifts for wedding officiants are personalized beverage sets, complete with a selection of their favorite whiskey, wine, coffee or tea. You can give tumblers or mugs that have your minister's name on them to make the gift extra special.
Leather Journal and Pen
Most ministers have frequent meetings in which they take a lot of notes or need to jot down reminders. They also tend to journal their thoughts as they are preparing sermons or speeches. Either way, a nice leather journal and pen set is a solid choice. It is easy to find a set that you can customize if you want to put your officiant's name on the front, and even if you personalize the journal, it's still pretty affordable. This particular gift is a safe and practical option that is sure to please.
Personalized Gift
It can be difficult to pick a meaningful present for a person you’ve just met. When you are married by someone you know well, however, the officiant wedding gift can be almost anything you think your friend will enjoy. For example, those who love home décor may find a picture frame with a photo of all of you taken during one of your engagement sessions. It doesn't have to be related to your wedding, though. A small token that reminds him or her of another experience you've shared or adds to an existing collection will suffice.
Heartfelt Note
Gifts for your wedding party are the traditional expectation, but officiant gifts are considered optional by even the strictest etiquette experts. In fact, anyone whose service you are paying for probably doesn't expect an additional gift for being in your wedding. Additionally, it can get very expensive to pay for services and also buy a gift for each person who helps you pull off your ceremony and reception. A kind thank-you note with a few personal comments from both you and your partner is a perfectly acceptable way to show your gratitude.
Whether you have a traditional service or a two officiants wedding, choosing a way to express your thanks doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. Even a small token of your appreciation lets them know that you value their contribution to your special day.
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