Today, in the current econonomic recession, pastors and ministers must look for additional streams of income. Performing weddings is a perfect way to increase your income and broaden your ministry. Becoming a pastor or associate pastor requires years of education at the undergraduate and graduate level. This education can be very expensive. Expensive education does not always result in a high paying job. So, it is often necessary for these pastors and ministers to look for part time jobs. These insights will help you begin.
Online wedding sites in your vicinity offer a start. Just go to Google and type in your city and “wedding guides.” Larger cities, will usually have multiple sites. Most wedding guide sites offer two choices, you can advertise, which will cost you anywhere from $100 to $250 to show your ad on their home page. You do not need a website to do this.
Consider getting a free listing. If you follow this option you will have to have website of your own where you list your degrees, experience and services. You will be required to give a reciprocal listing on your site for the wedding guide. This is a worthwhile exchange.
Contact local wedding coordinators. They are online or in your local phone directory. They need qualified officiants who are available. As a trained minister, you are a very important person at the wedding since you are actually performing the wedding ceremony and providing the wedding vows. Set up a meeting and let them know you are available.
How much should you charge? Don’t shortchange yourself. You have the experience and pretty much know how to intertwine your wedding services to individualize each wedding. Set your fees and don’t forget to include mileage charges for traveling and additional fees for rehearsals. Make sure the wedding party will feed you free at their wedding. Last, don’t be afraid to ask or accept tips. Other vendors are tipped and you should be too.
Join a website officiant site online. Many areas have websites that offer ministers or pastors the opportunity to join their organization, free or at a low cost to list you as a wedding ceremony provider. You will need a good resume that lists your experience in and outside of a church, set prices for the ceremony, rehearsal and, traveling fees. Check a few of these sites out before you apply and see what other ministers are charging.
Many pastors and ministers have chosen to take a proven short-cut and purchase a wedding ministry course. This type of course teaches not only how to perform weddings, but also how to work with couples and wedding professionals. It teaches how to start your own part-time wedding ministry business. The courses we found ranged from $100.00 to $1,500.00. If you are already ordained then the least expensive course is the way to go.
Following these tips can help you earn the additional income you seek and deserve. Finally, create an exit-wedding suggestion form. Give this to the bride and groom with a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) so they can return it free. Ask them to be honest and offer suggestions. This will only improve your skills, give you ideas and, more income.
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