What Is the Appropriate Amount to Give the Church for a Memorial Service?

Planning a memorial service is often a difficult task, and expenses are usually a big consideration. One of the biggest expenses incurred may involve the location of the service. These days, churches are popular locations for memorial services, both for religious reasons and because churches typically have plenty of seating and other resources available. If you are considering holding a memorial service in a church, you will need to consider a number of factors when thinking about cost.

Depending upon the church, there may be an upfront fee for a memorial service. Typically, it ranges from $200 to $500, depending on a number of factors including the size of the service and all that the service entails. Church members are often not charged, and in such cases, the family of the deceased should offer the church a monetary gift, which typically ranges from $50 to $200 depending upon the kind of service held and upon the family's financial circumstances.

The cost of utilizing a church for a memorial service varies according to the resources required. If the sound system is required, for example, a church member who is familiar with running it will need to be present at the service. The same holds true if the church's kitchen or reception hall is needed and if specific church members are required to assist in those areas. The cost of such services, which require the help of additional individuals, may be included in the church's service fees or individuals may expect to be paid separately. Be sure to inquire about such details when discussing fees with the church representative.

Honorariums are monetary gifts given to the minister who performs the service as well as any other church members who may need to help including musicians and sound booth operators. Although these payments are not paid directly to the church, they are made to individuals who are likely church members. It's important to add these fees to your budget. An appropriate amount for the minister is typically between $150 and $300, depending on services rendered. Musicians are typically gifted an amount between $50 and $100.

Acknowledgements are thank-you notes sent within two weeks or so after the funeral. These are usually sent to all who helped out at the funeral, who contributed to flower arrangements or gave a gift. An acknowledgement is usually also sent to the minister. You may also wish to send one to the church, especially if you are not a member but were made to feel welcome.