Backyard wedding: 120 guests, 6 hours, open bar. Units needed?

Question

I'm planning a backyard wedding for 120 guests this spring at my parents' house. The reception will be under a tent on the lawn and run about six hours with dinner and an open bar. I know we need portable toilets since the house bathrooms can't handle that many people. I'm trying to figure out how many units to rent to avoid long lines, especially since there will be alcohol. The ground is level grass, and a truck can drive right up to the spot. Should I go with standard units or consider a restroom trailer? How many total units do I need, and how many should be ADA-compliant?

Jules T. · Answer

For a six-hour wedding with 120 guests and an open bar, rent four standard portable toilets and one ADA-compliant unit to meet the ADA 5 percent cluster rule. The alcohol and duration mean you need more units than the baseline guideline of one per 50 to 75 people for a four-hour event. A restroom trailer is an upgrade option that provides flushing toilets and sinks but requires level ground, a generator or power hookup, and typically costs more due to its features and setup needs. Standard units are simpler, placed on grass with truck access, and serviced weekly under normal use. Your event may not need extra service visits since it is one day, but confirm with the rental company. Always include a handwash station with soap and water for guest hygiene.

Backyard wedding: 120 guests, 6 hours, open bar. Units needed?

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