Have to hire a police officer for wedding

Our venue required two security guards. I honestly didn't even notice their presence and I don't think my guests did either. But we weren't overly rowdy either.

Also, they will only hold our wedding date until march 16, otherwise we will lose that date and there isn't another available on a weekend that works for our families for another 2.5 months after that. Basically, I'm saying I only have until March 16 to convince my FH that having an off duty cop at the wedding won't hamper our fun. Lol. help!

We have to pay for a security guard for our reception as well. I don't think it'll be a big deal or dampen the fun/mood at all. Most people won't even notice, and it'll be good to have someone there just in case (no matter how unlikely) something happens.

View Quoted Comment I agree! I think he'd feel slightly less wary if it were a security guard as opposed to a police officer in full
uniform. But I really think the officer will stay outside and keep to himself, unless someone seriously gets out of line. He's imagining they will be policing everyone, especially be our venue has a policy about having drinks on the porch, and we (unfortunately) have smokers amongst our group that may take their drinks outside while they smoke. But I doubt the cop will be heavily enforcing the lodge's policies or will
come into the venue. . 🤷🏻‍♀️

The weddings I've been to with uniformed officers were fine. No one felt intimidated. The officer walked outside or stood/sat near the entrance. They usually look bored.

I don’t think you should worry. The cop is there to deal with serious issues and probably possible traffic. They know weddings are meant to be fun. I was planning a work event during the day on a Saturday at a community center and they required the same thing. Don’t give up the venue you love for one little thing.

My venue requires security and I didn't give it a second thought. I have had security at other events I have planned and it's never been intrusive. I'm sure whoever they provide has experience working these kinds of events.

You shouldn’t worry. Because the officer is off duty aka it’s overtime so he’s really not trying to do lots of work so most likely he’ll be outside, just looking at how everyone behaves. As long as nobody gets really out of line (passed out drunk, fighting etc) he won’t really care what happens at your wedding. No one wants to ruin a couple special day!!!

As a cop who occasionally works gigs like this, I assure you that you won't even notice them. We're very good at blending in and staying in the background, especially for an event like this where we know you probably don't want a bunch of photos with us lurking in the background.

You can also set ground rules / expectations. Like request that we stay in the parking lot and once an hour circle through the lodge on foot, etc.

An off duty Officer isn't going to be intrusive. They basically are getting paid, off duty to be security and ensure that guests do not ruin the facility. They are also there to ensure guests are safe, do not destroy items, and are not disorderly. Personally if that is the only issue you have with the venue I would book it.

I think you'll find that's a pretty standard requirement if alcohol is being served. I think your guests will be too busy having fun to even notice!