How to Manage Smoking Guests at Your Wedding: Smart Tips & Why Nicotine Pouches Could Help

You’ve spent months dreaming of your perfect day, from the flowers to the food to the first dance. But here’s one unexpected detail many couples overlook: managing guests who smoke. And considering how common tobacco use is, it’s not something you can afford to ignore. In 2022, an estimated 49.2 million U.S. adults (or nearly 1 in 5 (19.8%) people) reported current tobacco use, according to CDC data. Even more striking, the popularity of electronic cigarettes has climbed rapidly, with usage rising from 4.5% in 2019 to 6.5% in 2023. So, whether you’re planning a beach wedding, a ballroom bash, or a backyard ceremony, the odds are high that some of your guests will expect to light up or vape during your celebration.

Ignoring this detail can create uncomfortable situations: awkwardness for guests, friction with your venue, and potential interference with your ceremony or reception flow. That’s why it’s essential to think ahead and implement a considerate smoking plan that protects your venue rules, respects non-smokers, and still helps your smoking guests feel welcome. And increasingly, modern solutions like nicotine pouches are helping to bridge that gap.

Here’s how you can handle this gracefully while staying stress-free on your big day.

Notify Guests in Advance About Smoking Rules

Communication is everything, especially when it comes to setting expectations with your wedding guests. One of the most respectful things you can do is notify guests ahead of time about your venue’s smoking policy. This can be added to your wedding website, included on your RSVP cards, or even mentioned in a small note inside your invitations.

This is particularly important if your venue is strictly non-smoking, which is becoming increasingly common across the U.S. due to health and fire safety regulations. Many wedding venues, especially indoor or historic locations, completely prohibit smoking and vaping, both indoors and on the surrounding property. Others may allow it only in designated outdoor areas.

Give your guests the courtesy of knowing what to expect. If smoking is restricted, let them know whether they’ll need to leave the premises or walk to a designated area. If smoking is not allowed at all, offering alternatives like nicotine pouches (more on that below) can help guests plan ahead and avoid discomfort.

Suggest Smokeless Alternatives Like Nicotine Pouches

One of the most thoughtful (and increasingly popular) ways to support guests who smoke is to recommend discreet, smokeless nicotine alternatives. This is where nicotine pouches really shine.

Unlike cigarettes or vapes, nicotine pouches are smokeless, spit-free, and discreet, making them ideal for weddings where traditional smoking is restricted or discouraged. Prilla offers a wide variety of flavors, strengths, and tobacco-free nicotine pouches, allowing users to get their nicotine fix without lighting up or stepping outside, so your guests don't miss a moment of the celebration.

Nicotine pouches are small, white pouches that are placed between the gum and upper lip. They release nicotine without any combustion, odor, or vapor, meaning they won’t disrupt your décor, the flow of your event, or the comfort of your non-smoking guests. For venues with no-smoking rules, this option can be a game-changer.

You could even offer a small “comfort kit” at your reception or in welcome bags for hotel guests, including items like gum, mints, and a few nicotine pouches. This lets you take a proactive, inclusive approach that shows thoughtfulness without promoting smoking itself. And because nicotine pouches are legal and widely available online, guests can easily order them in advance. Consider pointing them to trusted suppliers like Prilla for high-quality, tobacco-free options that suit different preferences.

Create a Designated Smoking & Vaping Area

If your venue allows it, designating a specific smoking area is a practical and polite solution. It keeps smokers from wandering off into inappropriate areas and ensures non-smokers won’t be bothered by secondhand smoke during dinner or dancing.

Choose a space that’s out of the main flow of the event but still accessible, such as a back patio, garden alcove, or outdoor lounge. Be sure to provide ashtrays, clear signage, and possibly even some seating to make it comfortable. If vaping is allowed, this space can double as a combined smoking/vaping zone, minimizing confusion.

Just make sure this area isn’t too far from the party. You don’t want guests to feel like they’re being exiled. And check with your venue in advance: they may already have a preferred space or specific restrictions on where and when guests can smoke.

For added elegance, you might even consider dressing up the smoking area with string lights, plants, or lounge furniture. That way, smokers don’t feel like they’re being shuffled off to the sidelines, and your aesthetic remains intact.

Keep It Classy with Signage and Friendly Reminders

Whether you’re managing a guest list of 40 or 400, the key to handling smoking on your wedding day is creating clear, respectful reminders. A little bit of signage goes a long way.

Place small, tasteful signs near your venue entrance or in your reception program, noting the smoking policy and guiding guests to the proper area. Your DJ or wedding planner can also make a friendly announcement if needed, especially if someone lights up in the wrong spot.

Most guests want to be respectful; they just need to know what’s expected. By approaching the issue gracefully, you’ll avoid awkward confrontations and keep your event running smoothly. You can even add a lighthearted or romantic tone to your signage. Think: “Love is in the air — let’s keep it smoke-free. Please use the designated smoking area by the garden.”

Talk with Your Vendors About the Plan

Finally, remember to involve your vendors in your smoking policy. Your wedding planner, venue coordinator, DJ, and catering staff should all know where smoking is and isn’t allowed and what to do if a guest is unsure.

If you’re offering nicotine pouches as an option, make sure someone, perhaps your wedding coordinator or maid of honor, knows where they’re stored in case a guest asks. Coordinating ahead of time ensures that no one is scrambling to enforce rules during your first dance or reception toast. It also prevents misunderstandings that could slow down your timeline or detract from the guest experience.

With millions of American adults regularly using tobacco or vaping products, planning around smokers at your wedding is a smart move. Whether you’re offering modern alternatives like nicotine pouches, setting up a well-marked smoking area, or simply communicating your venue rules clearly, a little preparation can go a long way.

The goal is to create a welcoming, enjoyable environment for every guest, smokers and non-smokers alike, so you can focus on what really matters: celebrating your love and starting a new chapter in style.

And if you’re looking for an elegant, guest-friendly alternative, don’t forget to explore nicotine pouches from Prilla. They might just be the wedding-day win you didn’t know you needed.