no smoking

batfacepattermonth

Just found out our reception venue does not allow alcohol OR smoking on the outside grounds. We weren't having alcohol anyway, and were suspecting as much, but the no smoking was a surprise. I imagine we have at least a few smokers on the guest list. 

Is this a common restriction? Should we mention something on our wedding website to give people a heads up? Word of mouth would be possible for many but probably not all of our guests, and I don't know who smokes anyway. 

I feel like telling people to smoke in their cars if they need to seems kind of weird but I'm the type who likes to give people all options, so it crossed my mind. I definitely feel the need to apologize for the inconvenience in some way since I chose the venue without considering this for others....I know getting some advice on the issue before I potentially embarrass myself is probably in order! Thanks!

NOLAbridealmost

There's no need to apologize. It's not your fault.  Smokers understand and expect that there are places where smoking is not allowed.  While it's annoying for them, the venue will look bad, not you.  And believe me, the people who need a cigarette badly enough will figure out how to go to their cars to do it without your suggesting it.

batfacepattermonth

Good point! Thank you. Looks like my over-worrying nature is shining through.

Edit: Oh but you know what-- I don't think there are any signs that say "no smoking." Which is why I didn't know about the rule until reading the "rule sheet." I don't know if the venue staff will stop people from smoking or what but that would be embarrassing.

Rose March

It is getting very common for more and more smoking restrictions especially in NYC and the surrounding areas. I agree with PP that smokers, especially in this area are used to restrictions and would know to go to their cars if the needed a smoke that bad. as for spreading the word, don't worry too much about this. If there is a strict no smoking policy at your venue there will be something to inform your guests.

Summer2011Bride

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_no-smoking?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e787eefd-b80a-4d1e-a1dd-4647f6111ab2Post:b20b29b8-cae2-4b2b-ba67-4ea7303da2b4">Re: no smoking</a>:
[QUOTE]Good point! Thank you. Looks like my over-worrying nature is shining through. Edit: Oh but you know what-<strong>- I don't think there are any signs that say "no smoking." Which is why I didn't know about the rule until reading the "rule sheet." I don't know if the venue staff will stop people from smoking</strong> or what but that would be embarrassing.
Posted by batfacepattermonth[/QUOTE]

What kind of venue is it? Just curious. Most places that don't allow smoking have signs posted, so this kind of surprises me. I would honestly leave it up to the staff at the venue to tell guests if that becomes an issue. I wouldn't want to go around managing that. If you have some good friends who are smokers, I might mention it ahead of time. For others, hopefully the staff at the venue will be polite and if they see someone light up, say, "I'm so sorry, but our grounds are smoke-free." I agree that if they really want to smoke, they will find a way (in their car or walk off the grounds, etc).

mari0225

In that case of no signs then yeah I would just leave it up the venue to say anything to them. That reminds me I had better check with my venue as well, they don't have signs posted but ya never know.

batfacepattermonth

Thanks all!

The venue is a recreational/banquet building owned by a nearby church. All vendors are outsourced and I'm not sure how vigilant or attentive the staff are going to be, so I'll just make sure we do a "butt check" (ha!) during cleanup.

I'll leave this little worry behind and move on to the next one. Hah! :-D

raes19

You might want to clarify and make sure guests would be allowed to smoke in their cars. I live in a "smoke-free" county, and if there is no smoking on a property, they mean AT ALL.

missy68

I agree with raes. The campus I worked at was a non-smoking place. There was no smoking in buildings, no smoking on the grounds, and no smoking even in one's car parked on school grounds.

Because it had "vowed/pledged" to be a non-smoking place (all public places here are) totally, the campus even faced fines for non-compliance, even visitors.

palrmt

As a smoker I wouldn't be surprised to be told that the grounds are smoke-free.  And it wouldn't bother me or really inconvenience me at all.  If I really wanted a cigarette I would probably take a walk across the street or something to make sure I was completely off the property.  I also wouldn't think that you were inconsiderate with your choice of venue.  Honestly it's a nasty little habit that I have been trying to kick for several years now so I completely understand a venue that wouldn't want anyone smoking on the property at all. 

toothpastechica

I would be tempted to ask if they can post a sign or if you can post a sign in the window or door a the venue, just so that it doesnt come back to you...make them look more official (non-smoking symbol) and unrelated to your wedding (you gave people notice). Your guests dont need to know you  (or your mom or whoever can go early) posted it, that the venue didn't. I don't smoke, but I think that if I was a smoker I would rather know before someone comes up to me and says "you cant smoke here, didnt they tell you your not allowed". Getting told by staff seems to me as a guest like it would be more embarressing then having to go smoke in the car or across the street discretely because I saw a sign.

entropicbeauty

My venue has a strict no smoking/no open flame policy because it is an old historic building. I'm pretty sure they likewise do not have any signage, but I plan to post a notice on my wedding web site and possibly making a sign myself for the venue.