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nobulge.bride · 29-07-2012, 18:05

Hello everyone,

Having previously read a thread on here about church costs I am totally disgusted!
I am getting married this time next year and recently went to book the church for the specific date. I was asked to fill out a form with my details, my fiancee's and then choose whether the ceremony would be booked for 12 noon or 2pm. Having spoken to the parish priest on the phone prior to this he matter-of-factly informed me that this 'new tradition' of arriving at the church 20 minutes after the ceremony began would not be tolerated and the wedding would begin at either 12 noon or 2pm.
Anyway, I was informed also that there is a €50 booking fee and the remaining fee of €250 could be paid anytime before the wedding. I was told "Im sure this wont be your highest cost for your big day"

I am wondering does anybody know where this money goes or what its for?

The church is in a small village and I have looked at having my wedding in the next parish which is free if you are from that parish and €100 if you are from an outside parish. How can they all have different costs when under the same diocese?

any opinions and comments would be greatly appreciated!

MrTsSnickers · 29-07-2012, 18:28

I'd imagine it goes to year round expenses i.e. heating, electricity, insurance, grounds keeping etc. I personally don't see the problem with the cost and seeing as probably more than that will be spent on flowers or a cake I think that they're quite low in comparison. I don't see why it should be free at all to be honest, they're providing a service, if you want it pay, if not spend the €100 in the next parish over. I also think that if you're a regular church goer then there's usually some sort of discount.

lazygal · 29-07-2012, 18:40

Either choose a different church or have a non church wedding if the costs are too high, like any other supplier for a wedding.

Our local church is always in demand as its a beautiful building within a reasonable distance of many popular hotels. I've known it cost 500 euro to book it, then the donations to priest, sacristans, alter servers, organist etc have to be paid. Its a private building owned by a private company so can set whatever rate it likes. If you really want a church wedding in this church, I'd imagine you'll have to pay, like if you want a particular dress, hotel, or photographer. Churches, especially old buildings like the one in our area, have high year round overheads so they have to make money somehow.

nobulge.bride · 29-07-2012, 20:00

I do attend mass as often as I can but obviously with other commitments attending every day or every stations of the cross are not possible.

My point really is that why do some churches charge more than others?
I hope to have my wedding in a small intimate church that will probably cost close to €1000 by the time everyone is paid for their services but I could attend another much larger church in the center of a town for much less

lazygal · 29-07-2012, 20:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by nobulge.bride

I do attend mass as often as I can but obviously with other commitments attending every day or every stations of the cross are not possible.

My point really is that why do some churches charge more than others?
I hope to have my wedding in a small intimate church that will probably cost close to €1000 by the time everyone is paid for their services but I could attend another much larger church in the center of a town for much less

Because they can. It's a private business so it can charge what it likes. Go for the other cheaper option if you don't want to spend the money. It costs 150 quid to get married in Ireland so anything outside that spend is entirely the choice of the couple.

nobulge.bride · 29-07-2012, 20:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by lazygal

It costs 150 quid to get married in Ireland so anything outside that spend is entirely the choice of the couple.

I am having a small wedding with no frills attached. I'm not having these candy carts, ice-cream vans, crystal center pieces, wedding favours and 20 bridesmaids. My mother inlaw to be is making a cake. A family friend is doing flowers and I have a very reasonable all inclusive package from the hotel. The highest cost will undoubtedly be the church outside of paying for the hotel.

Cant understand how a "private business" worshiped by millions of people can charge a practicing catholic €300 to pay the bills when I have probably donated €500 every year since I began earning an income. €100 to me is beyond sufficient

lazygal · 29-07-2012, 20:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by nobulge.bride

Cant understand how a "private business" worshiped by millions of people can charge a practicing catholic €300 to pay the bills when I have probably donated €500 every year since I began earning an income. €100 to me is beyond sufficient

Well a church is a private operation, so it can charge what it likes. You've got some options. Try to negotiate, like you would with every other supplier. Go to a different church which is cheaper, in the same way you might chose a cheaper hotel or dress. Or not bother with a church wedding, thereby saving a lot. You don't have to marry in this church, its not like its the only place you can get married. If I was as unhappy with how a religion I practiced charged me for its services I'd either find another one or try to argue my position and reduce the costs. I don't know what you expect posters to say, that its a disgrace and shame on the church for charging this much? Priests need the cash to keep rolling in to make sure the church is maintained and they can earn a living. If you don't like it, maybe find another church?

**Cathmandooo** · 29-07-2012, 20:28

Is this the church in the parish you're living in?

nobulge.bride · 29-07-2012, 20:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by lazygal

Well a church is a private operation, so it can charge what it likes. You've got some options. Try to negotiate, like you would with every other supplier. Go to a different church which is cheaper, in the same way you might chose a cheaper hotel or dress. Or not bother with a church wedding, thereby saving a lot. You don't have to marry in this church, its not like its the only place you can get married. If I was as unhappy with how a religion I practiced charged me for its services I'd either find another one or try to argue my position and reduce the costs. I don't know what you expect posters to say, that its a disgrace and shame on the church for charging this much? Priests need the cash to keep rolling in to make sure the church is maintained and they can earn a living. If you don't like it, maybe find another church?

Like my original post stated I was looking for comments and opinions. I see you have expressed yours and its much appreciated but it might be nice to get some views from others also before I make a decision.
It's disappointing when you have budgeted and arranged for a wedding to take place at a certain church only to find out it charges more than others...I just wondered why

nobulge.bride · 29-07-2012, 20:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cathmandooo

Is this the church in the parish you're living in?

Yes I was baptised, had my first holy communion and confirmation there in a small village as did the rest of my family

**Cathmandooo** · 29-07-2012, 20:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by nobulge.bride

Yes I was baptised, had my first holy communion and confirmation there in a small village as did the rest of my family

I'd go have another chat with the priest, maybe you caught him on a bad day. I do agree that's expensive given its your parish church and you're a regular goer and contributor. I can completely understand churches charging for non parishioners and irregular/non mass goers. If you can't get the price down then consider it your Easter and Christmas dues for next year!

nobulge.bride · 29-07-2012, 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cathmandooo

I'd go have another chat with the priest, maybe you caught him on a bad day. I do agree that's expensive given its your parish church and you're a regular goer and contributor. I can completely understand churches charging for non parishioners and irregular/non mass goers. If you can't get the price down then consider it your Easter and Christmas dues for next year!

thanks for your contribution. Going to see what I can do

Dinkie · 29-07-2012, 22:06

Personally, I don't see a problem with the charge either. I'm getting married late next year and will be paying about that for the church.

I won't be having a fancy wedding - my budget for a dress is approx E200 max, flowers will be a couple bouquest from lidl / aldi (what evers in season) and we are desperately trying to keep numbers down. Future MIL is making cake and sister is buying own dress as present to us.

In my mind, I want to marry my OH - preferably in a church. At the end of the day it is a sacrement (and i'm not that religous) - and really it should be about the actually marriage - not about any thing else. As such I don't mind paying what ever amount to the church. By the time the church is opened up, heated, light, priest giving up his time to marry me (+ additional time before), etc... I don't think its that expensive.

I am happy to scrimp on the party and spend it on the cermony to make it magical.

hoodwinked · 29-07-2012, 22:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by nobulge.bride

It's disappointing when you have budgeted and arranged for a wedding to take place at a certain church only to find out it charges more than others...I just wondered why

the reason some churches charge more than others would depend on a variety of reasons,

could be down to how much is made at mass everyweek if the nearby church takes in €2000 and yours takes in €500 the heating costs and running costs would be simular so they would up their wedding charge to compensate (as it is the primary income for most churches)

likewise smaller churches tend to be in demand more as weddings are getting smaller and brides dont want to be walking into a huge empty looking church with only 50 guests inside.

it could be trying to raise money for upcoming renovations.

either way we paid €500 for ours but it is a beautiful small church and imo was well worth the money if a church wedding is what you want. its a small price to pay to have your ceremony there.

Sleepy · 29-07-2012, 23:19

Like any other business (and don't delude yourself that religion is anything other than a business), it's supply and demand. The smaller, prettier old churches are more in demand than the bigger, ugly yokes they built in the 70's/80's (ridiculous that so many eye-sores got planning permission tbh). High demand means high prices, whether you're talking bands, hotels, DJ's or marriage venues.

29-07-2012, 18:05	#1
nobulge.bride Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 8 Adverts \| Friends	Astonishing Church Costs Hello everyone, Having previously read a thread on here about church costs I am totally disgusted! I am getting married this time next year and recently went to book the church for the specific date. I was asked to fill out a form with my details, my fiancee's and then choose whether the ceremony would be booked for 12 noon or 2pm. Having spoken to the parish priest on the phone prior to this he matter-of-factly informed me that this 'new tradition' of arriving at the church 20 minutes after the ceremony began would not be tolerated and the wedding would begin at either 12 noon or 2pm. Anyway, I was informed also that there is a €50 booking fee and the remaining fee of €250 could be paid anytime before the wedding. I was told "Im sure this wont be your highest cost for your big day" I am wondering does anybody know where this money goes or what its for? The church is in a small village and I have looked at having my wedding in the next parish which is free if you are from that parish and €100 if you are from an outside parish. How can they all have different costs when under the same diocese? any opinions and comments would be greatly appreciated!

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29-07-2012, 18:28	#2
MrTsSnickers Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 174 Adverts \| Friends	I'd imagine it goes to year round expenses i.e. heating, electricity, insurance, grounds keeping etc. I personally don't see the problem with the cost and seeing as probably more than that will be spent on flowers or a cake I think that they're quite low in comparison. I don't see why it should be free at all to be honest, they're providing a service, if you want it pay, if not spend the €100 in the next parish over. I also think that if you're a regular church goer then there's usually some sort of discount.

29-07-2012, 18:40	#3
lazygal Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2,808 Adverts \| Friends	Either choose a different church or have a non church wedding if the costs are too high, like any other supplier for a wedding. Our local church is always in demand as its a beautiful building within a reasonable distance of many popular hotels. I've known it cost 500 euro to book it, then the donations to priest, sacristans, alter servers, organist etc have to be paid. Its a private building owned by a private company so can set whatever rate it likes. If you really want a church wedding in this church, I'd imagine you'll have to pay, like if you want a particular dress, hotel, or photographer. Churches, especially old buildings like the one in our area, have high year round overheads so they have to make money somehow.

29-07-2012, 20:00	#4
nobulge.bride Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 8 Adverts \| Friends	I do attend mass as often as I can but obviously with other commitments attending every day or every stations of the cross are not possible. My point really is that why do some churches charge more than others? I hope to have my wedding in a small intimate church that will probably cost close to €1000 by the time everyone is paid for their services but I could attend another much larger church in the center of a town for much less

29-07-2012, 20:28	#8
Cathmandooo Gifterator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Funkytown Posts: 20,411 Adverts \| Friends Mod: Gift & Festivity & Party Ideas, Harry Potter	Is this the church in the parish you're living in?

29-07-2012, 22:06	#13
Dinkie Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Near the edge Posts: 1,075 Adverts \| Friends	Personally, I don't see a problem with the charge either. I'm getting married late next year and will be paying about that for the church. I won't be having a fancy wedding - my budget for a dress is approx E200 max, flowers will be a couple bouquest from lidl / aldi (what evers in season) and we are desperately trying to keep numbers down. Future MIL is making cake and sister is buying own dress as present to us. In my mind, I want to marry my OH - preferably in a church. At the end of the day it is a sacrement (and i'm not that religous) - and really it should be about the actually marriage - not about any thing else. As such I don't mind paying what ever amount to the church. By the time the church is opened up, heated, light, priest giving up his time to marry me (+ additional time before), etc... I don't think its that expensive. I am happy to scrimp on the party and spend it on the cermony to make it magical.

29-07-2012, 23:19	#15
Sleepy Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Clontarf, Dublin 3 Posts: 15,881 Adverts \| Friends	Like any other business (and don't delude yourself that religion is anything other than a business), it's supply and demand. The smaller, prettier old churches are more in demand than the bigger, ugly yokes they built in the 70's/80's (ridiculous that so many eye-sores got planning permission tbh). High demand means high prices, whether you're talking bands, hotels, DJ's or marriage venues.