Wedding Blog
The accursed and unofficial “state bird” of New Jersey loves my O Negative something fierce. Come summer, I can’t venture outside without a container of insect repellent close at hand. If and when I do, the results aren’t pretty.
Weather permitting, I’ll be spending several hours outside on the wedding day. While I know that being in the city makes me less of a target for mosquitos, I’m still afraid the bugs will be a-nipping, particularly while we’re in the lush, green historic park areas.
Eau de DEET definitely isn’t my chosen wedding day scent. And I worry, as well, about exposing my beloved gown to any type of bug spray, and the increased potential for fabric stains.
Since “something red and itchy” isn’t part of my desired wedding day look, I’m wondering how to combat the skeeter swarms.
Are you also concerned about ravenous insects enjoying their own wedding day feast? How are you protecting yourself from bug bites?
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I don’t have any advice for insect repelling “beauty” products, but I can tell you what will definitely work against mosquitos -
http://www.rei.com/product/686229?preferredSku=6862290019&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-6862290019&mr:trackingCode=4A9FDB8E-0419-DE11-B4E3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA
I used it when I went to vietnam (for fear of malaria), and never once got a bite!
I’ve tested a bunch of bug sprays over the past few weeks, and recommend Cutter No-Scent bug spray. I put it on right after I get out of the shower (seriously, if there’s one single available area of skin, I’ll get a bite) and then wait a few seconds to get dressed, and have not had a single problem.
The Off! brand sprays that proclaim to smell good DON’T… and constant smells make me nauseous. So I bought little wipes for our guests as an option, but I won’t be doing that myself.
Note: that Cutter spray worked pretty well on a flower — didn’t wilt it. So I’ll likely spray our flowers down with that as well.
Skin so Soft by Avon works really well for me! And it smells like baby powder.
I use Alba Botanicals Lavenear sunscreen because lavender is a natural insect repellent - it’s a great two-for, and it’s organic!
hey miss bruchetta,
as a certified mosquito expert (well not really but a masters degree should count) lemon eucalyptus is a natural and organic option 
I don’t usually have a serious problem with the mosquitoes, even when those around me are bitten, but I like the bands as a repellent. Maybe you could wear one as an anklet if you don’t want to douse yourself in chemicals. I can’t vouch for how they’ll work for someone with a serious problem, though.
REI makes an insect repellant without an odor. It works REALLY well, and doesn’t smell like OFF (which my FI refuses to wear).
I just got this bug spray from hawaii but I haven’t used it yet. Heard great things about it though. all natural. http://www.secondskinnaturals.com
When I briefly lived in Charleston, SC I took vitamin B-12 religiously. Supposedly the mosquitoes don’t like it in your skin. I’ve also read it’s a myth. But it worked for me.
You might try Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect repellant
http://www.drugstore.com/qxp45539_333181_sespider/burts_bees/herbal_insect_repellent.htm
It’s a lemongrass base, so it’s pretty good smelling.
I’ve also tried Skin So Soft by Avon, but I can’t remember how well it works :/
lemon & eucalyptus is always a safe combination and if you drink a tablespoon or so of apple cider vinegar (mix it in with some water so it doesn’t taste so strongly) the mosquitos stay away! it’s never failed me : )
Try the Don’t Bite Me! patches. They are natural insect protection. http://www.dontbitemepatch.com
The ingredients: Vitamin B1 and Aloe
They worked really well for me last year, up until my hyper-sensitive skin decided to react to the adhesive. booo! I had to go back to living inside around dusk.
Good luck!
I’ve heard that if you take a Vitamin B complex, it will ward them off! Apparently if you are lacking your “b”s, you taste sweeter!
I’m all about the Avon Skin So Soft lotion, especially when we visit the groom’s family in Brigantine, NJ. The greenhead flies literally bite off a chunk of your skin. Ouch!
Skin So Soft makes your skin pretty oily, so the bugs just slide off.
We will probably have a bug problem now that I think about it….and our reception is outside!
Crap….
As some of the other commenters have suggested, Avon Skin So Soft has a nice scent, but it feels very oily on your skin and may affect your dress. Grizzly Bear suggested vitamin B1, which when taken, leaves a faint odor on your skin. We use in when camping, and it works pretty well. You may want to test that out before your wedding to see if helps against your “biters.”
It might also help if you don’t wear perfume or scented hairspray until you’re inside for good. Also, try to stick to the most neutral-smelling deodorant, since any perfume in it will attract more bugs.
I’ve been using a combination of citronella, rosemary, and tea tree oils. I just put a drop on each ankle and it prevents me from getting a single bite.
If you’re reception is outside you might consider investing in some Thermocells. They keep the bugs away within a 15 ft radius. You could strategically place them around the perimeter of the reception area. They work very well and a friend told me he used one while hunting in the swamps of Louisiana and didn’t get bit once.
It might also help if you don’t wear perfume or scented hairspray until you’re inside for good. Also, try to stick to the most neutral-smelling deodorant, since any perfume in it will attract more bugs
evani
@ all: Wow, thanks for all the tips! I’ll definitely be trying these out in the summer months leading up to the wedding! 
Put a dryer sheet in your pocket (or tuck one in your bra if you’re wearing a dress). It really works!
My old coworker was one of those moms who know everything. I was telling her about how sensitive I was to mosquito bites and she told me to try vanilla body spray (like from bath and body works). She gave me a bottle she had in the car. I could not believe how well it worked-they would buzz near my skin but not bite! My FI has started using it too!
Being highly allergic to mosquitoes (yes this is possible, after some travel in europe with the evil tiger mosquito, I’ve built up an allergic reaction to the bites), and living in a big city, I find that I often end up in parks during the summer for a few after work drinks, leading me to carry my favorite bug spray in my purse at all times, “OFF no-scent” (it’s a slender blue bottle with orange top). I just spray it on my feet and lower legs and it seems to keep the buggers away from me entierly. It hasn’t left any stains or anything on my clothing and isn’t quite as greasy as other sprays and really has no scent. A splash of perfume and you’ll never know the difference! Best of luck!
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Mrs. Bruschetta, Philadelphia
Age and Occupation: 25, Communication Professional
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Physical Therapy Graduate Student
Engagement Date: November 30, 2007
Wedding Date: August 2009
Venue: St. Thomas of Villanova Church & the F.U.E.L. House
About Me: I’m a self-proclaimed grammar geek who loves singing (like, really belting it) in the car. My mister and I are planning a vibrant summer soiree celebrating our passions – including food and Philly – and when we make it official, we’ll have been together for eight years! Being super competitive is in my nature, and talking excessively is in my genes. I’ve got a terrible sense of direction, but can always easily find my way into Mr. Bruschetta’s arms.
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