Oregon couple Whitney Alexander and John Elledge recently provided guests at their summer wedding reception with a truly unique and memorable experience. In addition to the traditional open bar at their reception, the newlyweds also had a weed tent complete with budtender at their wedding reception. This was totally legal in Oregon since it is one of four states where recreational marijuana is permitted. Washington D.C. also allows it.
The Matrimonial Weed Tent
The idea of incorporating marijuana into the celebration came from the groom. Elledge has been involved in Oregon’s medical marijuana industry for many years, and he and his bride decided it would be fun to offer it at their reception. A tent, complete with couches for lounging, was set-up a distance from the party. It was also positioned to face away from the festivities to help contain the smoke. Many guests didn’t even know about it until after the fact. A budtender was on hand to assist anyone who needed guidance. French fries and beignets were served late in the evening, so people with the munchies could have a snack. The couple also provided transportation to and from the event.
You Can Do It Too!
More and more states are legalizing marijuana use in some form. Here are the states that allow it for recreational and medical purposes:
- Legalized Recreational Marijuana:
Alaska, District of Columbia, Colorado, Oregon, Washington
- Legalized Medical Marijuana:
Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont
Other Unique Wedding Reception Ideas
While a weed tent is not for everyone, there are a number of fun ways to differentiate your wedding.
- Non-Standard Transportation
For convenience and safety, many couples provide some type of transportation for their guests to and from the wedding and reception. While luxury buses and limousines will always be in style, there are a whole host of other options. Depending on how casual the event is traditional school buses may be really cool. More exotic options include boats and hot air balloons. If the bride and groom want to make a grand entrance with their transportation, horse-drawn carriages, vintage automobiles, and exotic sports cars are some choices worth considering. In India, it is relatively common for grooms to ride highly adorned elephants to their wedding ceremonies.
- First Dance Surprise
The first dance is always one of the marquee moments of a wedding. Add some serious “wow” to the moment and give your guests a major photo opportunity by having confetti, flower petals or balloons fall from the ceiling as you and your partner twirl around the dance floor.
- Plan an After-Party
Some guests want to keep the party going after the reception is over, and the closest bar is typically the best option. You can enhance the celebration by arranging something special after the main event has concluded. If your nuptials are a more formal affair, choosing a causal spot for the post-wedding celebration can be a nice contrast. Karaoke, patio bars, and rooftop spaces are all nice options.
- Swanky Reception Lounge
Guests love a place to truly relax during the festivities and you can accommodate this desire by creating a separate lounge area within the reception space. Fill it with plush chairs and couches, elegant decorations and drapes, and keep the drinks flowing.
- Pre-Ceremony Beverages
Typically drinks aren’t served until the reception, but your guests will be delighted if you buck this tradition. It’s best to save the strong stuff for later, try fruit infused teas or mimosas. Be sure all glasses are picked up before the ceremony so things look tidy.
The legalization of marijuana is growing in popularity. In certain parts of the country, weed tents at certain events may eventually become commonplace rather than anomalies.