4 minute read
“I Do”
Incorporating Cannabis into Your
Wedding Day
Nearly a decade ago, a wedding florist in Denver decided to break ground on a new line of business, switching from sprays of flowers and potted plants to one plant in particular — cannabis.
It’s been 8 years since Irie Weddings and Events was founded and began working with couples to feature cannabis during their special day. Much like a bar that serves alcohol, Irie sets up a cannabis bar complete with at least two bartenders serving and an array of joints, edibles, and cannabis infused drinks.
“We provide the service, the host provides the cannabis,” says Chelsi Katz, co-owner of Irie Weddings and Events. We provide the bartenders, service, insurance, tools, cups, ice, mixers, garnishes, rolling papers, matches — everything needed to make the bar work. This process keeps our services legal while allowing clients to shop wherever they desire.”
Irie’s staff does much more than bring tools and serve pot at the party. They’re cannabis aficionados who have meaningful, educational conversations with guests — anyone from veteran consumers to curious first-time users.
Conversations can begin with the basics — what’s the difference between the various strains of cannabis and whether THC or CBD will set the right mood.
“We speak with a range of guests and tailor our conversations based on their experience with cannabis and what they’re looking for. Some people are introverts and want to become a little chattier in these social settings. Others have been partying all day and their feet are killing them.” says Katz.
While Irie started off with a focus on weddings, they’ve expanded into all sorts of events, from bridal and baby showers to end-of-life celebrations and birthday parties. The company has even managed to convince once conservative companies to try cannabis at their
corporate events.
“While some of the national companies are a bit reluctant to include cannabis in their events because it’s not legal everywhere in the country, the state specific ones are more accepting of including cannabis for business launches and other events,” says Madlyne Kelly, co-owner of Irie Weddings and Events.
Throughout the event, bartenders check the clock and tone of the room before making cannabis recommendations.
“We help set the entire mood of the party from beginning to end. When guests arrive, they may want some energy and excitement. Then when you sit down and have your dinner, you want something that puts you in a giggly, fun mood. Then at the end of the night, we give you something that’s more relaxing or calming,” says Katz.
Irie’s bartenders are always on the lookout for someone who is overindulging or having a bad reaction.
“Signs of overconsumption include slurred speech, inability to focus or pay attention, and unsteadiness on their feet. We train all our employees on how to recognize the signs of over intoxication and then what to do when someone has overconsumed,” says Kelly.
Irie’s staff is ready and willing to cut off guests who are having a problem. And there is always the “adverse reaction” kit to deal with emergencies.
“These are all natural, non-prescription, homeopathic remedies that can help lessen the effects of the THC. It won’t remove the THC from their system, but it can lessen those effects should they start to feel nauseous, paranoid, or uncomfortable in any way,” says Katz.
According to Katz and Kelly, they’ve never had to use the adverse reaction kit, even as they have served 50,000 people, including more than 300 first time consumers.
Cannabis bars typically coexist with the more traditional alcohol bars at weddings, showers, and other events. While people are more accustomed to boozing it up, they’re less familiar with
lighting up, until they experience an Irie bar where they’re made comfortable enough to give joints, edibles or cannabis infused drinks a try.
“It is still a novel experience for people. They come up to the cannabis bars and they’re so excited, they’re taking pictures with their phones. There’s a real ‘wow’ factor,” says Katz. “These are people who have never consumed cannabis in their life and they’re choosing to do
it with us for the first time because we made them feel comfortable.”
Irie currently operates in Massachusetts, California, Colorado, and Michigan and has plans to expand into more states where the recreational use of cannabis is legal. Their cannabis bartending services start at $975 for a party of 100 people and include at least two bartenders for four hours of service (with the option to add more time).
