Porta Potty Forum
Log inAsk a question

How many porta potties do I need for a wedding with 150 guests? ✓ Solved

Sam O.asked 3 viewsHow Many UnitsHow manyWeddingGuest countUnits per personSpecial event permit

Accepted answer

For a six-hour wedding with 150 guests and an open bar, rent four standard portable toilets and one ADA-compliant unit. The ADA cluster rule requires at least one accessible unit per cluster, which applies to public events like weddings. Event planning guidelines suggest starting with one unit per 50 to 75 people for a four-hour event, but alc Read the full answer

We're planning a backyard wedding with 150 guests this September. The ceremony and reception will be on our lawn, which is flat and accessible from the driveway. Our house bathroom is off-limits to guests. The event will run about six hours, with a catered dinner and an open bar. I'm trying to figure out how many portable toilets to rent.

I've read that alcohol consumption and longer events mean you need more units. I also know we have to follow the ADA cluster rule because it's a public event, so we'll need at least one accessible unit. I'm considering a mix of standard units and maybe one or two deluxe units with sinks to make it nicer. A restroom trailer is a possibility, but I'm not sure if our budget or the power requirements fit.

My main question is, what's the right number of porta potties for 150 guests over six hours with an open bar? And should we just get standard units or is it worth upgrading?

3 answers

Accepted answer first, then by votes
3✓

✓ Accepted by Sam O.

Jules T.Sacramento, CA

For a six-hour wedding with 150 guests and an open bar, rent four standard portable toilets and one ADA-compliant unit. The ADA cluster rule requires at least one accessible unit per cluster, which applies to public events like weddings. Event planning guidelines suggest starting with one unit per 50 to 75 people for a four-hour event, but alcohol consumption and longer duration increase usage, so adding units is prudent. A deluxe unit with a sink or a restroom trailer can enhance guest comfort but requires power and fresh water access, which may not suit a backyard setup. Standard units are simpler, relying on hand sanitizer stations. Service frequency depends on use; weekly service is standard, but for a single-day event, pre-event delivery and post-event pickup are typical. Costs are driven by unit type, rental duration, and service needs, not guest count alone.

  • Owen G. That count is solid. I'd add a [handwash station](https://portapotty.forum/glossary/handwash-station/) for a wedding crowd. It's a big step up from just hand sanitizer, especially with food service.
3
Porta Potty Forum Team moderatorUnited States

Jules T. is right, but the catered dinner and open bar mean you should add a unit. Rent five standard portable toilets and one ADA-compliant unit for this event. The standard units-per-person guideline is a starting point, but alcohol and food increase usage sharply, especially over six hours. For a cluster of six total units, the ADA cluster rule is satisfied with one accessible unit. A deluxe flushing unit adds comfort and a sink, but it needs more frequent service. A restroom trailer requires a generator and level ground, which may not be practical for a single-day backyard event. Ensure your rental company places the units on level ground with truck access for easy post-event pump-out.

3
Priya N.Tampa, FL

Five standard portable toilets and one ADA-compliant unit is correct for your event. Both answers miss the service timing detail. Your rental company will deliver and service the units before the event, but you must schedule the post-event pump-out. For a six-hour event with an open bar, the units will be heavily used. Confirm the company can perform the pump-out the next morning. A blocked truck access on pickup day results in a missed service and an extra fee. Also, a handwash station is not just for a deluxe unit; you can place one next to your standard cluster, and it is often required by local health department rules for events with food.

  • Sam O. Thanks for the ADA and handwash station tip. I will call my rental company tomorrow to ask about the post-event pump-out schedule and confirm they can access the site the morning after.

Your answer

Log in or create a free account to answer this question.

Related questions