Tiny Details for Your Big Day: Preparing Restrooms for the Venue

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, you still need to help your guests heed the call of nature in a civilized fashion. For many, that means renting facilities so people can relieve themselves. With that in mind, here are four tips for preparing restrooms for your venue.

Fortunately, it doesn’t cost much to rent a standard port-a-potty for your celebration. Anticipate an average of $135 to $250 per day per unit — a fraction of what many gowns go for these days.

However, you do have options beyond the smelly units you might have used at concerts or fairs. Some portable rest facilities include everything from running water and full-sized sinks to temperature control and LED lighting. It’s worth it to upgrade, especially if you’re hosting a formal affair with everyone decked out in their best.

How many facilities do you need to rent? It depends on your number of guests and whether you plan to serve alcohol. A good rule of thumb is one portable restroom per every 50 attendees, or more if you plan on pouring more than one token champagne toast.

Whatever restrooms you choose, you’ll need a place for guests to clean their hands afterward. Doing so is critical to preventing infectious disease spread, even if you’re not a germ-o-phobe.

In today’s age of COVID-19, it’s more vital than ever to sanitize after using the restroom. Ensure you have running water available and plenty of soap. It’s also wise to include hand sanitizer stations for guests who appreciate a two-step process.

Do some of your guests use mobility aids? If so, you should provide at least one or two restroom facilities that comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA requires doorways wide enough to allow wheelchair entry. Many standard portable restrooms don’t fit the bill — discuss your options with your supplier.

Finally, there’s the question of where to locate your restrooms. You don’t want them too close to the action to minimize odor. However, wet weather can dampen your plans — and leave guests making a mad dash if you place them too far away.

It’s best to keep the facilities at least 50 feet away from the primary gathering. If possible, arrange your portable restrooms near covered areas so guests have a shorter walk if inclement weather strikes. You could also supply a few umbrellas on a table near the pathway leading to the rest area.

Hosting an outdoor wedding means providing facilities for your guests’ physical needs. Follow these tips when preparing restrooms for your venue.