How to Manage Pests at Your Wedding Reception

Of course, you'll want to soak up every single moment by removing any unnecessary worries or distractions. In the spring and summer, these distractions often manifest as bothersome insects.  

From beetles to flies, these pesky bugs can steal the show and ruin your day if you don't prepare accordingly. Here are a few ways you might manage pests during your upcoming ceremony and reception.

Most venues spray for bugs once a month. However, if yours doesn't hire an exterminator or you're getting married in your parents' backyard, you'll have to take matters into your own hands. 

One option is to rent some fans and place them around the area where you and your guests will gather. Leaving them on throughout the day will cool off guests and blow bugs away. You might also purchase and use small-scale foggers a day prior. However, this method is a bit harsher. Plus, if your dog is the ring bearer, the plants you sprayed can be hazardous to their health.

You might also equip your guests with protective lotions and bug-repellents by using mini bottles as wedding favors. Place a few near the bathroom sink and high-traffic areas to further lend a helping hand. 

When choosing a repellant, be sure to purchase a few for the kids, as well. Although the Environmental Protection Agency has approved DEET for use in children, some parents don't feel high concentrations are safe for their little ones. To accommodate these guests, choose kid-friendly repellents containing no more than 10% to 30% DEET. In most cases, this repellant will prove effective for a few hours. 

Consider using all-natural bug-repelling flowers and plants if you're looking for a more natural approach to pest management. Incorporate lavender and marigolds into your bouquet to ward off flies and moths. If you're battling beetles or whiteflies, choose nasturtiums. You can also use alliums to shoo away mosquitoes and carrot flies.

Of course, bright marigolds and six-foot-tall alliums might not be the easiest flowers to weave into your bouquet or floral crown. However, you can still incorporate them into your day by placing them in pots around your venue. Doing so can ward off unwanted pests and keep guests comfortable. 

There are certain times of day that are a bit more buggy than others. While mosquitos are around from dawn to dusk, they bite more in the mornings and evenings. Thus, these times might not be the best for a bug-free ceremony or reception. 

Instead, choose a mid-afternoon wedding and reception. You could also brave the bugs for an outdoor evening wedding, then transition indoors for the reception. This tactic is especially useful if you can't use chemical repellents and don't want to worry about mosquitos and beetles on your big day. 

Even with tedious planning, sprays, lotions and repelling plants, bugs may still present an issue. Therefore, it's best to advise guests to bring clothing to cover bare skin. By wearing jackets and shawls, your guests can avoid bug bites and focus on enjoying your wedding and reception. 

In the process of preparing your attendees, don't forget to pack your own protective gear, too. Odds are you won't be spraying your white dress with insect repellant, so plan to bring a shawl or light cover-up to keep the bug bites to a minimum. After all, no one wants to deal with itching, bumpy skin on their honeymoon.

If your dream has always been to have an outdoor summer ceremony, you may be dismayed at the sheer amount of bugs you have to worry about. However, if you plan accordingly and prepare the venue in advance, you won’t have to stress. Of course, it's always best to have a backup plan just in case something goes wrong.

Make sure your venue has some indoor contingency plan before your wedding day arrives. Doing so will give you peace of mind and relieve some stress during this chaotic, exciting time.