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By Gina Thompson
Nothing, and I mean nothing, is more annoying than pesky mosquitoes and flies, especially on big outdoor celebration days like weddings. Instead of paying attention to you on your big day, the moment you’ve been dreaming of since you were little, guests are scratching bites and swatting bugs.
Don’t fret, though! There are plenty of ways to incorporate pest control into your outdoor wedding without anyone knowing. No matter where your outdoor wedding is, there are things you can do to ensure your special day is bug-free.
Bugs of Arizona
Most people flock to the coast or the mountains to create a fairytale wedding, but Arizona is near the top of the list of best places for outdoor weddings. Mesa was ranked as having the most budget-friendly outdoor wedding venues alongside Aurora, Colorado, and San Bernardino, California.
A team of researchers at the University of Arizona compiled an informative list known as the Backyard Bugs of Arizona, which are the bugs you can expect to encounter when you step outside here. It includes these common critters:
● Grasshoppers and crickets
● House flies
● Horse flies
● Fruit flies
● Mosquitoes
● Bees and ants
This list also includes “pretty” or “nice” bugs like dragonflies, butterflies, and ladybugs that you wouldn’t mind at your wedding, but it is hard to target specific insects when it comes to bug control.
All About Timing
Your wedding date needs to be intentional if you want an outdoor ceremony. The season, climate, and time of day are all factors to consider when it comes to pest control. The warm weather during the summer brings out all sorts of bugs, while they go dormant in the winter. Bugs are also most active at dusk and dawn, so you especially need a plan in place if your wedding falls in the later part of the evening.
If you plan on going with a dedicated venue, staff should know standard bug prevention procedures. Are you going the private, backyard wedding route? Hire a pest control company a week or so before to treat the area. You don’t want treatment too close to the big day, as pesticides draw out bugs and you’ll see more of them. Give yourself time to clean up the area before setting up decorations.
Bug-Repelling Scents
There are so many ways to design your wedding for all senses, but incorporating bug-releasing scents into your big day is a top priority. Citronella candles or tiki torches placed around the area will disperse the scent, masking the human odor that attracts mosquitoes.
For a more natural approach, essential oil diffusers can do the same trick as citronella candles. Use organically extracted essential oils like peppermint, citronella, rosemary, thyme, and lavender. Most diffusers require water and can be battery-operated.
Opt for Plants Over Flowers
Incorporate bug-repelling plants like lavender, lemon balm, mint, and rosemary into your decorations. Strongly scented flowers will attract bees and other pollinators, but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo all flowers. Marigolds are beautiful and bright flowers that flies can’t stand the smell of.
Big Fans to Table Fans
Air movement can be stronger than a bug’s ability to fly, plus your wedding guests will appreciate fans on hot summer days. If the venue has fans, ask to use them, and tabletop fans, like what you’ll likely find at restaurants, are great for preventing flies from landing on food.
Tents & Nets
You likely love the location of your wedding, which is why you want to celebrate your love with those closest to you in one beautiful place. Many couples prefer to have uncovered ceremonies where they exchange vows in a picturesque space, but when it’s time for the reception, a tent is the way to go. Tents with screened sides will protect guests and decorations from the outdoor elements, while canopy nets will prevent critters from entering the party zone while allowing people to look out into the scenic views.
Personal food nets are also perfect because they are compact and can easily be deployed. Many look like umbrellas that you can just pop open and place over food trays and bowls. These food nets will not only keep bugs away, but they also keep other things like floating dust and hair off of food and drinks.
Hidden Traps
You can easily hide bug traps around the venue to protect your guests and food from critters. Sticky fly traps work best because you stick them underneath or on the back sides of tables where people won’t notice. You can also hide a few near trash areas to keep them from buzzing around.
Wedding Guest Skin Protection Station
Give your guests the freedom to interact with nature as they wish with a skin protection station upon arrival. Offer travel-size party favors like bug spray, sunscreen, and fans. Have each product in separate baskets along with fun wedding signage that says something along the lines of “Don’t let bug bites ruin the day, use this bug spray to keep them away,” or “Be smitten, not bitten.”
Roll Out the Cake
Rather than having your cake on display all afternoon, keep all desserts in a cool area until it is time to cut the cake. Not only will your cake likely melt outside, but it is susceptible to bugs and other mishaps. When you're ready, have the cake rolled out and other dessert treats and drinks placed in a designated area. Don’t forget the food nets!
Take Out the Trash
Trash piling up outside won’t just attract bugs, but also other creatures in the wilderness. Venue staff or a designated person should stay on top of taking out the trash once a bin is full throughout the night. That also goes for food and drinks –– don’t leave left-over food out. Either toss it or package it up to take after the wedding.
Applying any of these tips on your wedding day will help in making your special day as bug-free as can be. Contact an experienced event planner at Meant2Be Events to help you create the outdoor wedding of your dreams.
Gina Thompson is an experienced multimedia journalist, producer, and content writer born and raised in Texas. In her spare time, she loves catching a live band, dancing, and finding the next big taco spot. As a writer, she is passionate about making a positive impact on her community by elevating the voices and stories that need to be heard.
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