I don't claim to be an authority here, new to the group, but practiced spiritual studies for a while. Though I can assure you that smudging isn't something you have to worry about as to whether or not it affects the type of relationship a person can develop with spiritual entities. I'm fairly certain that smudging is more about aligning your mind and entering into a magical/spiritual state of consciousness, which is something that is generally good to do before and after a ritual. Though whether or not it's required I'd just say try both ways and see what you prefer.