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As more and more states legalize cannabis, more and more couples are incorporating it into their weddings too. And no, it’s not just a fad. “Truth be told, cannabis has been part of weddings for hundreds of years,” said Philip Wolf, president of the Cannabis Wedding Expo and founder of CashoM, a resource for cannabis classes and education.
Couples are incorporating THC into nearly every aspect of their special day, from flowers to favors to desserts. “As THC products became more mainstream, you’ll find cannabis all throughout a couple’s wedding—it’s no longer limited to just the after-party,” said Anja Winikka, who worked at The Knot for over 13 years and is now CMO of Maroo, a website that’s like the Venmo for weddings, with all of your expenses on one convenient dashboard.
“Cannabis weddings are definitely becoming less stigmatized. I'm seeing more pros launching cannabis-related services, and more media covering weddings that had cannabis elements,” said Brittny Drye, founder of Love Inc., which creates inclusive content for hetero and LBGTQ+ couples equally. “And as it becomes normalized, more couples are realizing that it's even an option.”
So if it’s an option you’re curious about, where do you even begin? Here’s everything you need to know.
First Things First
Before committing to any plans involving cannabis, make sure you and your vendors are on the same page. Check in with your wedding planner, if you have one, as well as the venue.
“If you do have the privilege to live in a state where it's legalized, as you start reaching out to potential vendors, state up front that this is a cannabis wedding in your initial email,” said Drye.
Winikka echoed the importance of being upfront with vendors. “Venues will know the local and city laws regarding anything related to marijuana. Each venue has the right to make their own rules.”
To cover all your bases, be sure to ask as many questions as you can.
Welcome Bags
Cannabis can be part of the wedding without being part of the literal wedding. “If you're worried about it having out in the open, you can incorporate edibles and the like into your welcome bags,” said Winikka.
Wolf also thought that was one of the best ways if you feel like some guests may be uncomfortable with a full-out bud bar (more on that below). “Something we've seen, especially with destination weddings, is giving out little gift bags and leaving them in the hotel rooms,” he said. “That way, you can have cannabis or edibles when they arrive so they don't need to find a dispensary. They’ll keep it in their rooms and use it throughout the weekend.”
Think: monogrammed packages that contain rolled-up joints, a bag of edibles, or small jars filled with cannabis and labeled with your names and the wedding date. And there's lots more inspiration in our cannabis gift guide.
Bud Bars
Drinks that contain THC are becoming so popular, it’s an easy option for couples to serve their guests without having a full-fledged bar that’s dedicated solely to cannabis. But of course, that is happening as well.
“Couples nowadays are trending away from alcohol. This is a great alternative,” said Wolf.
Just like an open liquor bar, a bud bar is a station dedicated to THC consumption. If you go this route, you’ll need to have a budtender, who can serve guests, answer any questions, and advise and monitor intake.
“They know the appropriate amounts and types of marijuana to serve, just like it’s required for a bartender,” Winikka said. “Plus, people may be more willing to try if they’re in a safe environment around family and friends.”
Having appropriate signage at the bud bar is a must, especially for people trying THC for the first time. And there’s good news for folks who would rather have a bud bar than a liquor bar altogether: Cannabis is usually much cheaper. If you choose to have both, all vendors—including your planner, bartenders, budtenders, and caterers—need to be aware of the effects of mixing and to keep a super careful eye on the proceedings throughout the night.
Party Favors
Just as cannabis can be a warm welcome, it can also be a warm goodbye. One word of warning: Be mindful incorporating THC into your favors that guests will take home at the end of a long night. Transparency here is key.
As Winikka put it, “Keep in mind that your husband’s great aunt might not know those brownies or cookies or gummies that look so appealing at the end of the reception aren't just made of chocolate.”
But if you’re determined and you want to have a cannabis-friendly takeaway, consider having two options—one with cannabis, one without—so guests can pick and choose. You can have a specific point person handing out bags to each individual, and asking them which kind of favor they’d prefer.
The Menu
If you don’t want to go all out with a bud bar, you can infuse some of the food you serve with THC, most popularly at a dessert bar.
“The dessert bar will be separated from the rest of the meal, in a more controlled environment,” Wolf explained. “Consuming marijuana causes different effects than inhaling; it’s a different high. That’s why I think it's more important to have a more controlled setting for edibles than smokables.”
According to Vanessa Lavorato, in her recipe for cannabis-infused stuffed peppers, "our livers metabolize THC in a different way than when we smoke: THC converts to 11-Hydroxy-THC in our bodies, which lasts longer and feels more potent than inhaled cannabis.”
Beyond sweets, many weddings feature full-on infused meals. “I see it more with elopements, smaller weddings, and at-home weddings in so many creative dishes,” Wolf said. “But whether you have a big THC-infused dinner, small passed hors d'oeuvres, or dessert bar, make sure there’s a person interacting with the guests who is able to explain and monitor their intake.”
Sustainability
Couples nowadays are becoming more aware of the products they’re using, especially for an event that lasts for just a day or a weekend. This makes having cannabis at weddings even more appealing, as there are so many different uses beyond just consuming it.
“Invitations and escort cards and signage can be made of hemp fiber,” Wolf said. “Brides are wearing beautiful custom hemp wedding dresses because it’s environmentally-friendly and at the same time speaks to their support for this movement.”
Florists, too, have been using cannabis in centerpieces and bouquets. It's pretty, of course, and couples and guests can smoke the buds later if they want to.
“Some really cool ways I've seen it incorporated: My Bud Vase is a product line of floral vases that have the functionality of a bong—I love this for centerpieces, or even for a ceremonial toke,” said Drye. “Also, a floral designer, Jamie McCormick of The Flower Daddy, gives clients instructions on how to dry their cannabis arrangements so you can smoke it a few days later (perfect for the honeymoon).”
Wolf remembered a couple who wore cannabis jewelry for their wedding: “There was a joint holder around a necklace that was gold, sleek, and elegant, but also functional so that the bride and groom could use it throughout the event.”
Invitations
If cannabis will be part of the festivities, give your guests a heads up. While a save-the-date or invitation likely won’t have enough real estate, a website does. And for smaller events, there’s always word of mouth.
“I also recommend providing further education on cannabis on your website,” Drye added. “There is still so much misinformation and negative stereotypes around cannabis that this is a perfect opportunity to educate.”
Wolf agreed with this. “It’s true, there is still a stigma,” he said. “But admittedly, that conversation is getting easier to have with family, especially coming out of the pandemic, when cannabis just doesn’t seem like such a big deal.”
Indeed, if it’s a positive part of your life, it can be a wonderful part of your wedding.
“Now more than ever, couples are doing what they want for their wedding,” Drye said. “Not what their parents want, not what Pinterest shows them, not what they think they're supposed to do because of tradition.”
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