Setting Up a Cigar Bar at a Wedding Reception

There are several staples that guests can count on at every wedding -- bite-sized appetizers at cocktail hour, an open bar and the couples first dance. However, modern couples are aiming to wow their wedding guests instead of just sticking with the traditional affair. Cigar bars are gaining in popularity and are appreciated by the groom, his friends and other male guests at the wedding. Whether the groom simply wants a section where he can puff away on cigars, or the couple decides to theme their entire wedding after a nightclub, cigar bars are a great addition to the affair.

Instructions

1

Contact the manager of the venue where the wedding reception will be held to ask if the venue has a no smoking policy. If so, it may not be possible to set up the cigar bar. Its best to find out before going through the trouble of making arrangements.

2

Contact several cigar shops to ask for recommendations on what kind of cigars to use. Everyday, run-of-the-mill cigars wont due when stocking a bar at an upscale wedding.

3

Check with cigar suppliers and shops to find out if they offer cigar bar setup as a service. Some shops will go to the reception venue, set up a cigar bar and have an employee work it for the entire night.

4

Set up the cigar bar outdoors. This will eliminate non-smoking guests from getting annoyed by the smoke and smell of the cigars.

5

Set up a small bar next to the cigar bar where alcohol will be served. This doesnt need to be a fully stocked bar. Instead, this small bar can serve classic cocktails that go well with cigars, like dirty martinis and Manhattans, as well as aged Scotch.

6

Stock the cigar bar with all the necessities, including ash trays, cigar cutters and lighters. If theres room, include lounge chairs and small tables where guests can perch their drinks.

7

Add small wedding details to both bars, like monogrammed cocktail napkins or matchbooks with the wedding date printed on them.

8

Decide when guests will be directed to the cigar bar. Some couples will want to have the cigar bar up and running throughout the whole evening, while others will limit it to after dinner is served. The DJ can announce when the cigar bar is ready for guests.