How much is reasonable?

[Fcukthisshit]

I’ve arranged to have my 2 children christened next month. The christening service at the church is free but there’s a big emphasis on making a donation to the church (which is fine - no problem at all with that) how much of a donation do you think is appropriate for a christening?

For background finances info - We both work but we aren’t awash with cash (ie, we have a little left over for fun stuff after the bills are paid each month but we haven’t been able to afford a holiday this year)

Would £100 be reasonable or should it be more as 2 children are being christened?

I'd think whatever you can comfortably afford. Genuinely nice people wouldn't want you to go without, and we all know that £10 from one person (when that's all they have) is more generous than £100 from a millionaire.

I paid (donated) £100 when my dd was christened, I think it's fine, it doesn't make any difference really that two children are being christened the service is very much the same x

I put £30 in an envelope when mine were christened.

I believe the donation is to cover the costs of someone coming early in opening church, putting on lights, heating in winter, maybe some extra flowers, lighting candles, running vacuum around alter , depending on when last cleaned, every little bit helps towards on-going running costs, its not a donation for the service so 1 or 10 kids no difference, I think 100 is generous and fair

Christenings are tagged onto standard services.

£50-£100.

Many christenings aren’t tagged onto standard services. Depends on church. About 9/10 i go to are private ceremonies

Oh sorry I based my answer on 1 child. Can’t decide whether 2 children needs a bigger donation

I'm getting my son Christened soon too. They stressed that the service was free, but the suggested donation should we wish to make one is £40.

£20 per child, its not about the money, its about christening your child and welcoming them into the church. Not to mention they pass a dish round every week at our church anyway so had hundreds of us in change Up to now 😂

We had nothing at the time but got fifty quid together. Both kids were done together and it wasn't the only christening that day

When dd was christened it was a separate ceremony but with 3 other families.

When ds was christened it was at a normal Sunday service. I think our donation was £30-50 ish

Ah brilliant. Thanks for all your replies!

Just asked my vicar husband and he says, "It depends on your means. If you're struggling to get by then whatever you can scrape together - £20 would be fine." For professionals with a good income he'd suggest £50.

There's no "ought" or "should", basically - it's whatever you feel comfortable with.

I am the person who looks after the bookings for the halls at my church. If a profit making organisation hires a hall we ask them for £18 for the first hour to cover cleaning, heating etc.
For a Christening I'd consider it to be a church service so no charge, same as a wedding or funeral, no charge. A donation on £20 or so would be appreciated. (The organist might want to be paid and can be as much as £40 so recon that into your calculations)
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