Thinking about adding a cigar lounge to your wedding? It’s a sophisticated and memorable way to offer your guests a unique experience they’ll cherish long after the event.
For couples aiming to create an unforgettable celebration, it’s the little touches that make a big impact. A cigar lounge adds luxury and charm, offering guests a cozy, upscale space to relax, enjoy a fine cigar, and unwind.
Whether you’re a cigar enthusiast or simply looking for something special, a cigar lounge offers the perfect setting for the groom and his friends, as well as your guests, to enjoy great company and meaningful conversations. It’s an elegant way to add both luxury and intimacy to your big day.
If you’re considering this sophisticated addition, here’s how to create the perfect cigar lounge for your wedding. With a little planning, it can become one of the most memorable parts of your celebration.
Choose the Perfect Location
First and foremost, you’ll want to select the ideal location for your cigar lounge. Ideally, it should be an area that’s somewhat separate from the main reception space. This ensures the smoky atmosphere doesn’t interfere with other activities, like eating and dancing. If your wedding is at an outdoor venue, consider setting up the lounge in a shaded or covered area to protect guests from the elements. For indoor weddings, a designated corner or a separate room is ideal.
Create a Cozy, Inviting Atmosphere
The key to a great cigar lounge is a comfortable and relaxed environment where guests can kick back, chat, and enjoy their cigars in comfort. Think of a luxurious yet laid-back space featuring plush seating, warm lighting, and rich decor.
Seating
Opt for lounge chairs, leather armchairs, or even velvet couches that invite guests to relax. If space allows, consider creating intimate groupings around small tables for a cozy vibe.
Lighting
Soft, ambient lighting is essential. Avoid harsh fluorescent lights and go for warm, dim lighting that creates a relaxed, club-like feel. You could use string lights, candles, or even chandeliers to add a touch of elegance.
Decor
Dark wood accents, vintage furniture, and plush rugs can help create the perfect ambiance. Think of your cigar lounge as a mini private club, so feel free to add sophisticated touches, like framed artwork or a bar cart.
Work with a Wedding Design and Decor Company
Consider hiring a wedding design and decor company to bring your cigar lounge vision to life and transform it into a sophisticated, luxurious space. These experts will curate an atmosphere that reflects your style, selecting the perfect furniture, lighting, and decor to elevate the space. They’ll ensure your lounge seamlessly integrates with the rest of your wedding aesthetic, creating a cohesive look throughout your celebration.
When choosing a design company, consider hiring one with experience in crafting custom or themed lounge areas. They can help you select the ideal furnishings, lighting, and decor while maintaining a consistent and elegant atmosphere. With their expertise, your cigar lounge will feel like a natural extension of your wedding’s overall design, blending seamlessly into the celebration.
Select Premium Cigars
Once your lounge area is ready, it’s time to think about the cigars. Work with a local tobacconist or cigar vendor to offer a selection of high-quality cigars. You can provide a variety of options to suit different tastes, from mild to full-bodied cigars.
If you’re not familiar with cigars, the tobacconist you work with can help guide you on what might suit your guests best.
Consider offering a cigar-tasting experience where guests can sample various cigars and learn more about their flavors and pairings. You could even include an expert, like a cigar sommelier, to guide the tasting and share interesting facts about cigars.
Provide Proper Cigar Accessories
To elevate the cigar lounge experience, make sure you’ve got all the accessories your guests will need to enjoy their cigars. Here’s a list of essentials:
Cigar Cutters: Offer high-quality cutters, both traditional and guillotine-style, for easy and clean cuts.
Lighters: Invest in quality cigar lighters (preferably torch lighters) to ensure your guests can light their cigars properly.
Ashtrays: Provide plenty of stylish, sturdy ashtrays for guests to use. Opt for decorative ashtrays that complement the lounge’s theme.
Humidors: Keep your cigars fresh and at the optimal smoking condition by placing a small humidor in the lounge. This is especially important if you’re setting up the lounge in advance of the wedding, as it will maintain the cigars at the perfect humidity level.
Cigar Boxes: Elegant wooden cigar boxes are a classy way to display your cigars, adding to the vintage appeal.
Create a Signature Drink Menu
To complement the cigars, create a signature drink menu that pairs well with the cigars. Whiskey, rum, and cognac are all excellent choices to serve alongside cigars. Consider offering a few custom cocktails that reflect your wedding theme or your personal taste.
You could even hire a professional mixologist to craft cocktails that pair perfectly with each type of cigar, adding an extra layer of sophistication to the experience.
Don’t forget to offer non-alcoholic options, such as sparkling water, iced tea, or mocktails, for those who don’t drink alcohol.
Consider a Cigar Rolling Station
If you’re looking to elevate the experience, consider hiring a cigar roller to roll cigars on-site for your guests. This adds an interactive element to the cigar lounge, providing guests with a unique experience. The cigar roller can create personalized cigars, and it’s an excellent conversation starter. Many cigar vendors offer this service, and it’s a fun way to incorporate a bit of craftsmanship and tradition into your wedding.
Include a Cigar Lounge Host or Attendant
To ensure everything runs smoothly, consider having a cigar lounge host or attendant. This person can offer guests assistance with lighting their cigars, offer recommendations, and maintain the lounge’s ambiance. They can also help maintain the area, ensuring that ashtrays are emptied, cigars are refreshed, and the overall environment stays inviting and clean.
Be Mindful of Your Venue’s Rules and Regulations
Before you start planning your cigar lounge, be sure to check with your venue about their smoking policies. Some venues may have restrictions on smoking indoors, so you may need to create an outdoor lounge or even set up a designated smoking area. Additionally, ensure that you’re in compliance with local regulations, including any rules regarding outdoor smoking.
Consider Your Guests’ Preferences
Not everyone may be a cigar enthusiast, so it’s important to offer alternatives for those who prefer not to smoke. Ensure there’s a comfortable, smoke-free area nearby where guests can relax and enjoy the celebration without any discomfort. This way, everyone can be included in the festivities, regardless of their preferences.
Provide Cozy Extras
Add extra touches to make your guests feel truly pampered. Consider a cozy station with blankets or shawls for chilly evenings, elegant cigar-themed decor, or custom cigar labels featuring your wedding monogram. These thoughtful details will help transform the lounge into a seamless extension of your celebration, creating a space that feels uniquely yours and elevating the overall experience for your guests.
A cigar lounge at your wedding is a fantastic way to elevate your celebration and offer your guests an unforgettable experience. With thoughtful planning, premium cigars, and the perfect ambiance, your cigar lounge can become one of the evening’s most talked-about features. Whether it serves as a retreat to relax, a spot for conversation, or a place to indulge in a moment of luxury, your cigar lounge will leave a lasting impression that your guests will remember long after the big day.