Want to accommodate smokers at your wedding without ruining the day for other guests?
Wedding planning is hard enough as it is. In fact, according to recent data, 71% of respondents noted that the home buying process was less stressful than planning their wedding.
And speaking of stress, have you considered this…
The CDC recently released data that nearly 1 in 5 adults in the US are currently using some form of tobacco product. That means you’re practically guaranteed to have smoking guests at your wedding reception.
The problem?
Most couples don’t think about smokers until the day of. Then, all of a sudden, they’re on the hunt for a way to deal with Uncle Bob hunting for a place to light up his Rolled Gold cigarettes during cocktail hour.
Let me save you some time…
It’s totally possible to accommodate smokers AND keep non-smokers happy. It just requires some forward thinking.
Let’s dive into it…
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why You Should Plan for Smoking Guests
- Setting Up Your Designated Smoking Zone
- Smart Alternatives to Keep Everyone Happy
- Communication Strategies That Actually Work
- Managing Your Venue’s Smoking Policies
Why You Should Plan for Smoking Guests
Look, I’m going to be honest with you here…
The problem with avoiding smokers at your wedding is that you end up creating much bigger problems down the road. If you have smoking guests but no clearly defined space for them to smoke in, you end up with ashtrays in champagne glasses and a big pile of cigarette butts at the bottom of your dance floor.
Unhappy smokers are unhappy guests.
And nobody wants an unhappy guest to bring down the mood of the whole reception.
Smokers are dressed up. They probably traveled to attend your wedding. Then they have to sit for several hours without being able to smoke. That stress level is going to spill over and infect the people around them.
Prevent this from happening by creating a clear, defined smoking-friendly area.
Setting Up Your Designated Smoking Zone
This is where the majority of couples get this all wrong…
Assuming that some random spot outside your reception will do. While you do need to offer a smoking area, the truth is the location and layout of that area will determine whether you’ve made your smokers happy OR pissed off your non-smokers.
Your smoking area should be…
- Far enough away from the reception so that smoke won’t drift into the air
- Close enough so that smokers don’t feel punished
- Well lit for evening ceremonies
- Fully equipped with proper ashtrays and seating
The average distance is 25-30 feet away from the main event space.
Want to up your game?
Hang some string lights and provide some outdoor chairs. All of a sudden, your smoking area feels like a cozy social area instead of the smoking hole in the ground.
Essential Smoking Area Supplies
You should never leave this to chance. Your designated smoking area should have:
- Large outdoor ashtrays (at least 2-3 for groups of 10+ smokers)
- Proper seating — folding chairs work fine
- Clear signage that indicates the smoking area
- A small trash bin for disposal needs
Pro tip: Your venue might already have smoking areas set up. Always ask.
Smart Alternatives to Keep Everyone Happy
Here’s a secret that most wedding planning articles won’t tell you…
You can often reduce the overall need for smoking by offering a few alternatives that scratch that nicotine itch without creating smoke.
The ones that work best are the ones you can offer to smokers who only light up occasionally or when they’re drinking. Also known as “social smokers”.
Try offering:
- Nicotine gum or lozenges at the bar
- Information about smoke-free alternatives in your welcome bags
These work great for the occasional smoker at your wedding.
Communication Strategies That Actually Work
If there’s one thing you want to avoid…
Awkward conflict over smoking on your wedding day.
The key to this is to communicate your smoking policy before the event, not during it.
Include smoking information in the following:
- Wedding website details
- Response cards or invitations
- Pre-ceremony announcements
Keep your message friendly and helpful. Instead of “No smoking allowed”, opt for “Designated smoking area located in the garden.”
Your DJ can also make a brief, friendly announcement about your smoking policy during cocktail hour.
Sample Smoking Policy Language
“For the comfort of all our guests, we’ve created a designated smoking area in the garden pavilion. Please enjoy this space while keeping our celebration smoke-free for everyone else.”
Managing Your Venue’s Smoking Policies
And now for the tricky part…
Every venue has a different smoking policy. Don’t assume you know what it is until you ask them directly.
The questions to ask your venue are:
- Is smoking allowed anywhere on the property?
- Are there existing designated smoking areas?
- What are the penalties for smoking rule violations?
- Can we set up our own smoking area?
Some venues have a strict no-smoking policy that could cost you your security deposit. Some venues are extremely flexible with the rules.
If you’re at an entirely smoke-free venue, you’ll need to point guests towards public off-property areas.
Indoor Venue Considerations
If your wedding venue is indoors, then smoking is likely a very tight no-no.
For indoor venues, you’ll need to identify the nearest outdoor location where smoking is allowed. Provide clear direction to this location.
The further guests have to go to smoke, the less likely they are to take a smoke break or leave early.
Dealing with Difficult Situations
Here’s the reality of the matter…
Not every guest is going to follow your smoking guidelines perfectly. You need a plan in place for those rare occasions when someone isn’t willing to move to the smoking area.
Your smoking area plan should include:
- A designated person to politely redirect violators
- Printed cards with smoking area directions
- Extra ashtrays on hand for quick setup
Deal with issues quickly and discretely without drawing any unwanted attention to the situation. Most times, people are violating smoking rules simply because they don’t know the location, not because they want to be difficult.
Making It Work for Everyone
The number one thing I’ve learned from hundreds of weddings…
It’s the couples who plan early and communicate often that seem to have the best results. Those that manage to keep smokers happy without making non-smokers feel like their reception is ruined.
Your smoking area doesn’t have to be elegant, but it should be well thought out. Good lighting and appropriate ashtrays make all the difference.
When you handle it right, smoking guests will appreciate the effort you went to on their behalf and stay for longer.
Let’s Keep It Simple
Planning for smokers at your wedding doesn’t need to be an overwhelming task. You just have to think about it ahead of time and communicate openly.
- Check your venue’s smoking policy FIRST.
- Set up a dedicated smoking area with appropriate supplies
- Clearly communicate the smoking policy to your guests
- Develop a plan for handling policy violators
Don’t get bent out of shape trying to make everything perfect. You just need a designated area where guests can comfortably enjoy your reception. Take the time to do that and you’ll be able to keep everyone happy while avoiding drama on your special day.