How to Find a Cigar Roller for Your Wedding Near You

As your wedding planning starts to shape up and you draw closer to becoming a newlywed, consider adding in a few fun vendors such as a cigar roller for your wedding. This skilled artisan who hand-rolls cigars on-site adds a unique and even luxurious level of sophistication to your wedding. If you have a partner or family members who enjoy smoking cigars, especially at major celebratory events, a cigar bar might be the right addition to your wedding entertainment.

In this article:

Definition | Cost | Timing | How to Hire | Who to Hire

What Is a Wedding Cigar Roller?

A wedding cigar roller, often called a torcedor, is a professional who handcrafts cigars on-site during your event. "They not only bring a unique, old-world charm to weddings, offering a blend of entertainment and luxury, but the experience allows guests to watch the process of cigar-making up close and learn from the roller about the craft, tobacco types and the art of smoking cigars," explains Jaclyn Watson, a Vermont-based wedding planner. "Cigar rolling can also be a wonderful way to honor cultural traditions or family heritage, creating a relaxed atmosphere for your family and friends to mingle and share stories."

How Much Does a Cigar Roller Cost for a Wedding?

The price of hiring a cigar roller for your wedding can differ significantly depending on factors like your location, the roller's expertise, the length of the service and the type and number of cigars offered. The average cost of a cigar roller at a wedding, according to Oniki Hardtman, wedding planner and owner of Oh Niki Occasions based in Boca Raton, Florida, is typically a few hundred dollars per hour. She usually advises her clients to budget anywhere from $400–$1,200, depending on their needs.

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You also want to accommodate for tips, which, while not mandatory, is a thoughtful gesture to acknowledge their expertise and service. "Generally, a tip of 10–20% of the total fee is appropriate, similar to tipping other service providers at your wedding," says Kia Marie, a Chicago-based wedding planner and founder of Kia Marie Events. "If the cigar roller's performance exceeded your expectations or if they went above and beyond in their service, consider tipping on the higher end of that scale."

When Is the Best Time to Have a Cigar Roller for a Wedding?

Like dessert or a late-night snack, Hardtman notes that cigars are best enjoyed after dinner, which is why she usually recommends having a cigar roller during the latter part of the reception or throughout the entire event, depending on how many cigars need to be rolled. "They are also a fun element to introduce to a welcome party to kick off your wedding weekend or, if they will roll for one hour only, then yes you can feature them at cocktail hour but then they are balancing food, drinks and cigars which won't be enjoyed until later in the night," she adds.

How to Hire a Wedding Cigar Roller

Follow these expert-approved steps to hire the perfect cigar roller for your wedding, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Check That Cigar Rollers Are Allowed

Before you start your search for a wedding cigar roller, it's a good idea to check with your venue to ensure that cigar rolling is allowed—if it is, find out if smoking is also allowed or simply just the rolling. "Some states have strict laws around smoking whether indoors or on a patio and because tobacco is age-restricted as well, you may need to understand the protocol for verifying age while on site," says Hardtman. Remember, too, that good ventilation is crucial for the comfort of your guests. "An outdoor space or a well-ventilated indoor area will help ensure that the smoke doesn't become overwhelming for the non-smoking guests," Watson says.

Research Reviews

Begin by searching for cigar rollers in your area and checking reviews from past clients. Prioritize those with experience at weddings, as they'll be more familiar with the unique dynamics of these events. A great place to find a cigar roller for your wedding is on The Knot Vendor Marketplace. Read testimonials from past clients and contact the vendor all in one place.

When to Hire a Cigar Roller

Timing is everything when it comes to hiring wedding vendors. Watson recommends booking a wedding cigar roller around 6–9 months before the big day, as this gives you plenty of time to ensure their availability, especially if your wedding is during a busy season or in a popular location. Securing a cigar roller early allows you to work out important details, such as the number of cigars needed, the type of cigars, and how the experience will fit into your event timeline (such as during cocktail hour or as reception entertainment). Additionally, booking early ensures that any permits or venue approvals required for cigar rolling or smoking can be obtained without rushing.

Request a Demonstration

Marie recommends requesting to see a portfolio of their work or asking for a live or recorded demonstration. "This will give you an idea of their skill level and presentation style, ensuring it matches the ambiance you want for your wedding," she says.

Understand Inclusions and Packages

When hiring a cigar roller, make sure you understand what's included in the package, notes Watson. "Some rollers may provide the cigars, while others might require you to supply them, so clarify the number of cigars included, the duration of the service, and whether they provide accessories like cutters and lighters," she says. "This will help you avoid any unexpected costs."

Customize the Experience

Many cigar rollers provide customization options, like personalized cigar bands featuring the couple's names and wedding date. Watson also suggests adding custom matchboxes with your wedding logo or a take-home case to make the experience even more memorable for your guests.

Wedding Cigar Rollers to Know

Looking for a cigar roller for your wedding? Here are a few professional wedding vendors to consider with excellent reviews on The Knot Vendor Marketplace.

Old Fashion Cigar in Kissimmee, Florida

Photo: Old Fashion Cigar

Florida has a rich history and strong cultural connection to cigars, particularly in cities like Tampa and Miami. In fact, Tampa is often referred to as the Cigar City and was once the cigar capital of the world. Old Fashion Cigar is a Florida-based company that specializes in providing premium cigar rolling and barista services for events—many of which are weddings. Their skilled cigar rollers create handmade cigars on-site and they couple this experience with their expert baristas who serve a variety of coffee and espresso drinks. They have plenty of packages to fit your needs and use only premium cigars and coffee beans.

Tony Santana Cigar Company in Bayonne, New Jersey

Photo: Tony Santana Cigar Company

New Jersey is another state with a significant cigar culture. It boasts a number of cigar shops and lounges and has a history of tobacco production and cigar manufacturing. Tony Santana Cigar Company has been around for 30 years and has a strong reputation for providing high-quality cigars and exceptional customer service. You can choose from a wide selection of cigars and even hire their staff for cigar-rolling demonstrations.

DFW Cigar Roller in Richardson, Texas

Photo: DFW Cigar Roller

Texas is known for its larger-than-life attitude, so it's no surprise there are some great cigar-rolling vendors in the giant state. Based in Richardson, Texas, DFW Cigar Roller specializes in providing on-site cigar rolling for weddings, corporate events and private parties. They have a full-fledged team of skilled master rollers with extensive experience in the cigar industry and offer packages that suit various budgets and event sizes.

Cigar Stud Events: Cigar Rolling & Hookah Services in Miami, Florida

Photo: Cigar Stud Events: Cigar Rolling & Hookah Services

This Miami-based company provides top-tier cigar rolling as well as hookah services for weddings, corporate events and private parties. Cigar Stud Events has skilled Cuban master rollers and offers a myriad of packages. If you opt to include hookah services, they can set everything up for your guests and include various flavors.