Smoking guests and non-smoking venue!

[Mardybums]

Some help with this would be much appreciated!

We have found our perfect reception venue within our budget, we have agreed with them on a date and they have sent out the paperwork for us to sign. On the T&Cs it says that smoking is only allowed in the smoking hut and nowhere else on the premises, if someone does smoke anywhere else then we could be liable to pay a fine of £150. The hut is not far away from the party and since we are only inviting a handful of smokers it is not enough to put us off the venue and TBH as an ex-smoker myself it will be nice to enjoy the private terrace without the haze of smoke

I am wondering if it is best to inform the smokers in advance so that they don't assume that they can light up on the terrace (we are on a shoestring budget so really do not want to be fined). How can we do this tactfully? Don't worry, I'm not considering a twee poem in the invite

You really don't need to tell anyone in advance. Someone wil try to light up, the venue staff will tell them they can't - end of story. It's not a big deal, smokers are used to being treated like lepers these days (luckily, that's the only reason I don't smoke anymore)

You'll need to mention it to the smokers in conversation, I think. It'll be the most effective way of getting the point across, and most are so used to restrictions on where smoking is allowed, there's a good chance they'll a) remember and b) comply. Also, get best man/ushers/someone on side to sweep anyone who lights up straight to the shed.

But even though you don't have much money, I think it would be worth allowing for this in your budget (a nice little windfall post wedding if not needed).

I'd just stick a one liner on the admin sheet along with details of hotels etc.

Thank's for the replies! Such a mixed response! I am really tempted to put it in with the maps and hotel info etc to save a slightly awkward conversation! I can imagine if I don't let them know in some way before the day they will light up just as a staff member happens to be looking and we will be fined right away!

If it's a public place then hopefully there will be non-smoking signs up on the terrace.

I'd just drop a message to the smokers and say "just to let you know that there's no smoking on the terrace or grounds, but there's a smoking hut nearby where you can smoke if you want to".

It's not confrontational, and they'll probably be grateful for the heads up.

I'd definitely put it in with the general info with the invite.

what is the venue's position on e-cigarettes? This would be useful for the smokers

I would just let every guest know beforehand and they will respect the rules. Smokers now realise that nonsmokers do not want to be around people while smoking. Simple.