I’m going to put it bluntly: the last feeling you want your guests to take from your wedding is the awful experience of being in a crowded porta potty. The problem will be worse if you make the wrong decision. There is a much bigger gap between luxury and standard porta potty options, more like something swanky at the Oscars and something utilitarian by the road.
Either your guests get a pleasant, fresh space or they are greeted by a temporary mess of plastic, with nothing but hand sanitizer on standby. This one event in wine country really stuck with me because everything about it was distinguished. Linen napkins at the tables, string lights throughout the vineyard and a harpist to top it off.
However, at some point it was time for the big test. Nature called. What did I discover was hiding behind the hedge? A dirty, blue plastic box that smells of both bleach and giving up. I kept the dress away from my body, didn’t breathe and prayed I wouldn’t drop it. How in contrast the beautiful wedding was with the messy and gross-looking porta potty?
The speech left a bigger impression than the couple’s wedding vows. Time and effort go into creating the right atmosphere and luxury porta potties are important for sustaining that atmosphere. You get to use the climate control, toilet flushing system, running water, full length mirrors, granite surfaces and of course, real soap. You go inside and it’s like you’ve entered a fancy hotel’s powder room rather than a dated place reminding you of your past regrets.
Believing guests are unconcerned is incorrect. The arranging of bathrooms in the venue is never forgotten. Talk of the music spreads as guests ride the shuttle, it continues over the next morning’s breakfast and everyone begins to compare later on to other events they’ve attended.
One downside is that regular porta potties tend to spoil the atmosphere of any event. They always include an eerie smelling air, no doors to let in fresh air and a plastic door that loudly slams and echoes. Obviously, they do what they’re supposed to and if you’re not looking to spend much or are having a chill BBQ wedding in your backyard, they’re not a bad choice. But if you’re spending lots of money on decorations and linens, treat your restrooms just the same.
We have to be honest: people judge others regularly. They decide whether the food was good, are likely to enjoy the music, notice if the ceremony is awkward and can talk about the quality of the bathrooms. The main purpose of luxury porta potties is to give everyone dignity, not only to make things look nice. The one you have and the one they have. Grandma in heels shouldn’t climb a step stool to get to a dirty booth.
The person with the baby won’t be comfortable in a place so cramped that they have to carry their diaper bag everywhere. Please avoid the next move (for the sake of everyone): the wedding party adjusting their makeup under the sorry sight of flickering fluorescent lights and a cracked mirror. What is the difference in the cost? Sure, buying luxury will usually be more expensive.
Please consider this, for such services you are basically paying for comfort, cleanliness and class. You could say it is a guarantee that you won’t need to deal with failed toilets on your day. Offering guests a stale snack for their reception would be rude; the same should go for outdated equipment.
One wedding I know made sure the bridal setup was lavish from top to bottom. There was a white mobile restroom for her with attentive staff, scents from aromatherapy and beautiful decorations. Listen to what the guests had to say. That was the most well-kept bathroom I have ever found at an event.
It’s not only about weddings; events of any type need this. That’s impact. That’s memorability. That’s the secret to a positive guest experience. If you’re choosing between upscale and standard porta potty rentals for your wedding, ask yourself if you want all your guests to be respected, pampered and feel at ease.
Do you want them to discuss “that one event” that made the day disappointing, instead? Make sure a plastic box doesn’t take away from you special moment. Pick a restroom design that works with your theme for the party. Having ergonomic seating ensures your friends and your reputation remain comfortable and pleasant.