Junior Rasmussen
Cigar bars have become an increasingly popular feature at wedding receptions, adding a touch of elegance, sophistication, and uniqueness to the festivities. Couples are constantly looking for innovative ways to entertain their guests, and a cigar bar is a great way to offer an experience that some guests might not have tried before. However, it's important to know your audience, as some guests may not appreciate the presence of cigars due to personal preferences or health reasons. When setting up a cigar bar, it's essential to consider the cost, which can vary depending on whether you opt for a professional service or a DIY approach, as well as the number of guests and the selection of cigars offered. In terms of timing, it is recommended to open the cigar bar after dinner, allowing guests to socialize and mingle while enjoying their cigars.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to open | After dinner, during the cake cutting and toasts, and once the dance floor opens up |
| Location | Indoors in a central location, or outdoors away from direct sunlight and wind |
| Popularity | One of the most popular "reception goodies" |
| Cost | $1,200 to $2,500 for a professional, or $500 to $800 for DIY |
| Number of cigars | 50-75 cigars for 100 guests or fewer; 100 cigars for 100-150 guests |
| Vendors | May bring extra bundles of pre-rolled cigars |
| Other considerations | Check with your venue to ensure cigar bars are allowed; some prohibit smoking |
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What You'll Learn
Cigar bar vendors and costs
The cost of a cigar bar at your wedding will depend on a few factors, including the number of guests, the selection of cigars, and whether you hire a professional or go the DIY route.
If you decide to set up your own cigar bar, the cost will depend on the number and type of cigars you choose to stock. Premium handmade cigars can cost anywhere from $2 to $30 apiece. Most cigars are boxed in quantities of 20 or 25, but you don't have to buy a full box. It's recommended to have a slightly larger ratio of cigars to guests. For example, for a wedding of 100 guests or fewer, consider providing 50-75 cigars. For weddings of 100 to 150 guests, you may want to offer 100 cigars.
Bringing in a professional cigar roller can add a unique level of sophistication and entertainment to your wedding. A cigar roller, also known as a torcedor, is a skilled artisan who handcrafts cigars on-site, allowing guests to witness the art of cigar-making and learn about tobacco types and the craft. The cost of hiring a professional cigar roller typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,500, while the DIY approach would cost closer to $500 to $800.
When considering cigar bar vendors, it's important to check with your wedding venue to ensure cigar bars are allowed and to determine the designated smoking area. Some venues prohibit smoking anywhere on their premises. If cigar bars are permitted, it is recommended to set up the station indoors in a strategic central location that is part of the main event. This allows both smokers and non-smokers to enjoy the exhibition of cigar rolling.
To ensure a smooth experience, it is suggested to book a wedding cigar roller 6-9 months in advance to secure their availability and work out important details. Some vendors to consider for cigar-rolling services include Tony Santana Cigar Company in New Jersey and DFW Cigar Roller in Texas.
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Timing and location
Before setting up a cigar bar at your wedding, it's important to check if your venue allows it, as some venues prohibit smoking on their premises.
If your venue is happy with a cigar bar, it's time to decide on the location. Ideally, the cigar bar should be set up indoors in a strategic central location that's part of the main event. That way, the exhibition of rolling cigars can appeal to smokers and non-smokers alike. If your wedding takes place outside, set up the cigar bar away from direct sunlight and sheltered from the wind.
If you want to make sure all your guests enjoy the reception, choose a semi-secluded area for the cigar bar, away from venue doors and any child-friendly areas. If your venue has a covered patio, this can be a great spot for people to relax, smoke, and chat away from the music and dancing.
When it comes to timing, it's best to open the cigar bar after dinner. That way, guests can smoke at a leisurely pace and won't be distracted by greeting friends and family or taking pictures. Waiting until after the cake-cutting and toasts and once the dance floor opens up can also help ensure guests don't miss out on key moments.
However, some sources suggest offering cigars during the reception cocktail hour, providing an opportunity for guests to mingle and socialise in a celebratory atmosphere. As the evening progresses, guests can transition to a designated cigar lounge area to unwind and share stories.
If you're concerned about the cigar bar taking people away from the dance floor, consider providing shorter cigars that won't take an hour to smoke. You could also offer individually wrapped cigars or personalised cigar samplers as departure gifts, allowing guests to take the wedding joy home with them.
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Popularity with guests
Cigar bars at weddings are a unique and elegant experience that can add flair, pizzazz, and a touch of old-school class to your special day. They can be a great way to treat your guests to an experience they might not have tried before, and they can be enjoyed by both smokers and non-smokers alike.
That being said, it's important to know your audience when deciding whether to include a cigar bar at your wedding. While some guests may find it to be a nice way to sit, relax, and catch up outside of the dance floor, others may be sensitive to smoke or simply not interested in cigars. If you decide to include a cigar bar, be sure to set it up in a semi-secluded area away from venue doors and any kid-friendly areas. This way, guests who want to smoke can do so without irritating those who aren't interested.
To make your cigar bar appealing to a wide range of guests, it's a good idea to offer a variety of cigars in different blends, flavors, and sizes. This way, guests can find a cigar that suits their taste and experience level. You can also provide cutters, ashtrays, matches, and cigar cuts to enhance the experience.
Opening up the cigar bar at the right time is crucial to ensuring a nice flow to your wedding reception. It's best to wait until after dinner, as guests will be busy greeting friends and family, taking pictures, and eating during the cocktail hour and dinner. Opening the cigar bar after the cake-cutting and toasts, once the dance floor opens up, allows guests to relax and enjoy a cigar at their leisure without missing out on the top moments of the reception.
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DIY vs professional cigar rollers
Cigar bars at weddings are a great way to add a touch of class and a unique experience for your guests. However, there are a few things to consider when deciding whether to set up a DIY cigar bar or hire a professional cigar roller.
Firstly, let's talk about cost. Hiring a professional cigar roller can be more expensive than setting up a DIY cigar bar. According to Meagan Culkin, a professional roller can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500, while a DIY cigar bar would cost closer to $500 to $800. Of course, the cost of hiring a professional roller can vary depending on factors such as location, expertise, length of service, and the type and number of cigars offered.
Another thing to consider is the experience you want to create for your guests. A professional cigar roller can provide a unique, interactive, and educational experience for your guests. They can showcase the art of cigar-making up close, allowing guests to learn about the craft, tobacco types, and cigar-smoking etiquette. This can be especially interesting for guests who are not regular cigar smokers. On the other hand, a DIY cigar bar may be better suited for guests who are already familiar with cigars and just want to enjoy a smoke during the reception.
When it comes to timing, both options can work well. A professional roller can be hired for the entire event or just for a specific portion, such as during the cocktail hour or after dinner. Similarly, a DIY cigar bar can be set up at any time during the reception, depending on your preference. However, it is worth noting that if you choose to have a cigar roller during the cocktail hour, they may have to balance rolling cigars with enjoying food and drinks.
It is also important to consider the overall atmosphere you want to create at your wedding. Cigar rollers can add a touch of sophistication and luxury to your event, with their setup and presentation enhancing the overall experience. A DIY cigar bar may be more low-key and relaxed, allowing guests to help themselves to cigars at their leisure.
Finally, when deciding between a DIY cigar bar and hiring a professional roller, it is essential to check with your venue. Some venues may have restrictions on smoking or may have specific requirements for cigar bars. It is always best to confirm with your venue before making a decision.
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Cigar types and quantities
When it comes to choosing cigars for your wedding, it's important to consider the preferences and smoking habits of your guests. Gauging interest ahead of time through a small survey or by speaking with guests can help you estimate how many cigars to provide. As a general rule of thumb, plan to have enough cigars to accommodate around 60% to 80% of your guests who are likely to smoke. For example, for a wedding of 100 guests, consider providing 50 to 75 cigars, and for weddings with 100 to 150 guests, 100 cigars should suffice.
It's always a good idea to have extra cigars on hand to accommodate unexpected guests or to replace any that may become damaged. Cigar bar vendors often bring extra bundles of pre-rolled cigars to ensure there is no shortage. You may also want to consider the duration of your cigar bar. If you plan to have it open for two hours, providing each guest with two to three cigars is recommended.
When selecting cigar types, it's essential to offer a variety of mild, medium, and full-bodied cigars to accommodate different tastes and experiences. La Aurora's 1903 Emerald is a premium option delivered in a beautiful metal tubo case, leaving guests with a memorable keepsake. Davidoff's Winston Churchill, a blend of Dominican tobacco bound by a Mexican San Andrés leaf and an Ecuadorian wrapper, is another celebrated choice. For a more convenient size, particularly for non-smokers or limited outdoor smoking areas, the Petit Corona is a delightful and affordable option.
Personalized cigars can add a unique touch to your wedding. Customizing the cigar bands with the couple's names, wedding date, or a special message creates cherished keepsakes for your guests. If you're looking for a historical cigar with a connection to the early 20th century, Davidoff's Signature line, specifically the N°2, is an elegant and slim choice, well-suited for any bride or female guest who wishes to partake.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to open the cigar bar after dinner. This allows guests to smoke during a time when they are more likely to be interested in cigars, as opposed to during the cocktail hour when they are taking photos and greeting friends and family.
You can either hire a professional cigar roller or set up your own DIY cigar bar. A professional roller can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500, whereas a DIY cigar bar will cost closer to $500 to $800. You will also need to ensure that your venue allows smoking and that you have a variety of cigars, blends, flavors, and sizes to suit all your guests' preferences.
Cigar bars can add a touch of elegance, sophistication, and uniqueness to your wedding reception. They can be a great way to treat your guests to an experience they may not have tried before and create a relaxing atmosphere away from the dance floor. However, it is important to consider that some guests may not enjoy the idea of a cigar bar due to smoke sensitivity or personal preference.
