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The Texas coastline is plagued by blood sucking demons: mosquitos. Millions of mosquitos. As of this moment, I have over 100 bites, and that’s no exaggeration. It probably didn’t help that I was outside after dark sanding down furniture for six hours, but that’s another story. While some brides stay insect-worry-free at their indoor weddings, we outdoorsy ladies have to keep in mind specific issues. For me, it’s how to keep our guests bite-free. Here’s the game plan:
1) start by spraying down the surrounding area with skeeter spray.
2) Create a little mood lighting via citronella tiki torches.
Other than that, I’m at a loss. I’m pretty sure we’ll keep the vast majority away. I’m contemplating having spray on hand for people who just can’t handle the bites, but is that gross? Or considerate?
Are any other outdoor brides facing bug problems for your big day? What will/did you do?
We have the same problem. We will be using citronella filled lanterns.
I think it would be very considerate to supply bug spray for your guests! It would only be inconsiderate if you forcibly hosed them down upon entry 
Please don’t spray your yard with pesticides. It is bad for the environment and unhealthy for your guests (especially if there are any little ones coming).
The New York Times recently had a column about a greener solution to bug problems, fans. They disperse your body heat and CO2 that attract the mosquitos and blow them away.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/13/health/13real.html?_r=1&ref=health
Definitely considerate… I’m one of those people who always seem to forget the “little things,” like bug spray, and then end up irritated because of all the mosquitoes. I would think so highly of you to foresee that I would be forgetful!
Also, especially helpful if you’re having many out of town guests, who may not realize they should think of such things (I wouldn’t, since we don’t have many mosquitoes where I live).
I think it’s considerate. Maybe you could get some of those little off fans. You can get coupons for them online, to get them next to nothing, since they get you on the refills. Good luck!
So I heard that citronella does effectively nothing. It’s actually the smoke that keeps the bugs away. The most effective (and incidentally most environmentally friendly) way is to use fans.
I live on Off Wipes in the summer. They don’t smell and don’t make you feel sticky. Maybe having a basket for your guests to use?
Ooooo, I love the idea of the wipes. Those would be less gross for your guests and less accident-prone than the sprays!
Maybe also scatter citronella votives? I used to live in Galveston - holy mosquito nightmares, Batman.
I think it’s much better to have bug spray on hand, or those Off Wipes, rather than spraying your yard with that bug spray.
Whatever goes onto your yard goes into our water.
I think it sounds very considerate. I would be happy to have some bug spray if I felt like I was being bitten by those skeeters.
Get the spray! I went to a cousin’s wedding in NC last year at the beginning of September. It was right on the beach so I figured the breeze would be enough to keep the bugs away. No dice. The first 15 minutes of the reception were MISERABLE. Then someone showed up with bags full of OFF that got passed around and all was well. We had a blast, but I think people would’ve left a LOT faster if that spray hadn’t shown up.
Totally considerate, especially for out of towners. (ie - if I were invited to your wedding I would have no idea that TX is mosquito central, and would very much appreciate you having the spray on hand! smart!)
If you’re doing bathroom baskets you could put some spray in there? Or instead of handing out cry packets of tissues, you could hand out the packets of Off Wipes, haha!
We had this exact problem during our wedding (and currently, in our backyard).
We put off wipes in the bathroom baskets, as well as spray.
Currently, we have a mosquito trap set up in our backyard that works very well. In order for it to work well, you need lactic acid. They are expensive, but if you know someone who might want one for their house, and you can borrow it for a while.
I would DEFINITELY hire someone to come spray the whole property. It’s worth every penny. We always did this for buggy outdoor events when I interned for a wedding planner. It works for sure!
I live in Louisiana. Near a bayou (read: lots of stagnant water which mosquitos love to breed in). A friend of the family is actually going to be using a crop duster (small plane used for spraying chemicals on large farmlands) to spray my parents entire property to kill any unwanted guest. Muahahahaha!!!!
But if that option is not available to you - definitely hire professionals to spray. It is the most miserable thing in the world to be eaten alive by mosquitos at a party.
YES have spray! If the bugs really become a problem people will be happy!
Oh I feel for you. Mosquitos LOVE me. And I never remember to bring spray. I think wipes/spray for the guests is totally considerate, and everyone will be very happy to have the option.
We had spray at ours (which ironically, no one had to use bc it rained the whole damn day) but I think it’s a thoughtful gesture that people will appreciate, esp since your wedding isn’t formal!
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Mrs. Sand Dollar, Houston Age and Occupation: 24, Graphic Designer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Electrical Technician Engagement Date: January 8, 2010 Wedding Date: September 2010 Venue: MacLean Park About Me: I'm a domestic diva down to the core. I heart cooking, sewing, baking, decorating and making sure we have a hand-crafted home. The best part about the wedding is I get to incorporate it all! I make sure I put my art degree to good use by screen printing, craft knife cutting, and a whole lotta graphic design. We're having a big-time party on a small-time budget, and I promise to show you a boot-scootin', barbecue-eatin', finger-lickin' good time! Mr. Sand Dollar and I spend most of our time on DIY projects or traipsing around the outdoors with our two pooches Rory and Juno. I'm looking forward to sharing our journey with all of you!
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