You don’t need an excuse or a special occasion to kick back with your favorite premium cigar, but there is something special about lighting up to celebrate one of life’s milestones. Whether you’re a bride, groom, or simply a guest, there’s nothing like sharing a cigar after tying the knot. Sure, non-smoking laws have made it more difficult to light up at a wedding, but there are plenty of options for both hosts and guests to appreciate a fine cigar on the big day.
Wedding Hosts & Cigars
Even if you don’t smoke cigars, if you’re the man or woman of the hour, you might want to provide some options for guests who like to celebrate with a cigar. You’ll first need to decide if you’re providing the cigars or simply allowing guests an area for them to smoke.
Cigar Bars
As the wedding industry continues to evolve, there is a growing need to provide unique experiences for guests. Cigar smokers are a select group, but that doesn’t mean the novice won’t give cigar smoking a try for one celebratory evening.
If you and some of the members of your wedding party are true aficionados, you might consider a cigar bar. Both experienced smokers and beginners will appreciate watching a master roller build a cigar from scratch. Having a cigar sommelier on hand to make suggestions and teach novices the ropes is also a nice touch.
If a cigar sommelier and roller isn’t in the budget, there are more economical ways to accommodate your cigar-smoking guests. It might not be possible to anticipate how many of your guests might want to indulge, but simply providing a variety of cigars and a space where guests can enjoy a fine cigar is more than a gracious gesture.
Smoking Tents and Mobile Lounges
Fortunately, the wedding season is typically during the warmer months. Smokers are used to having to step outside to indulge, and your smoking guests know the big day is all about you. They won’t have a problem lighting up in an area removed from the rest of the party.
Having a backyard wedding beneath a tent on a mid-October evening? Splurging on a small tent with plenty of ventilation solely for smoking is a great option. Equip it with a few lighters, ashtrays, and cutters, and your cigar-loving guests will love you forever.
If you know that you’ll be having a lot of smokers, renting a mobile cigar lounge might be the best option. These luxury trailers provide the private lounge experience for guests who want to grab a cocktail, light a stogie, and take a break from the wedding band music.
Hotels and banquet halls are subject to indoor smoking prohibitions, but most have designated areas where smoking is allowed. Typically, they are far enough away from the festivities that drifting odors won’t offend the nonsmoking guests. Cigar smokers know how to find their way to the ashtrays, but letting smokers know beforehand where they can go to light up is another way to make a smoker feel welcome.
What Kind of Cigars for a Wedding?
The true cigar smoker will bring their own cigars, but if you plan on handing out a few sticks as party favors, you should provide a variety of blends. It’s probably best to err on the side of mild. That way, novices can savor the experience. The seasoned smoker won’t mind: a premium cigar is a premium cigar. You might also opt for robustos. A shorter smoke will ensure that guests won’t linger too long in the smoking tent.
No matter what you choose, plan strategically. You don’t want smoking to overlap or interfere with other festivities. While cigars taste good at any time, you’ll probably want to reserve the cigar rolling and smoking until after the cake is cut. That way, guests won’t feel rushed.
Being A Gracious Cigar Smoking Wedding Guest
Don’t assume the bride and groom are ok with lighting up. Whether you’re a guest at a close friend’s or a distant relative’s wedding, be sure to check with the wedding planner, venue manager, or anyone closely connected to the bride and groom to ensure that smoking is okay during the reception.
Once you’ve received clearance, identify where and when to smoke. Be polite. Dipping out early and missing the bridal party introductions, first dance, or the first course is probably not the best choice. Stepping out after dinner, once the fanfare has ended, is probably a good time to light up. Besides, a post-dinner cigar is one of the best.
Don’t forget to bring a few extra sticks to share. Chances are you’ll meet another smoker or perhaps a newbie who wants to celebrate by puffing on a fine cigar. Handing out Davidoffs to first-time smokers is probably not a good investment, so bring a variety. Should the opportunity arise, have a few cigars in different price points. Again, erring on the milder side is best when handing out cigars. Save the double maduros and Sun Growns for yourself and seasoned smokers.
photo credit: Cigar Life Guy