Top 5 tips for a bug bite free outdoor wedding in 2025

Outdoor weddings create a stunning and natural ambiance with fresh air and soft sunlight. However, no one wants to swat unwanted guests like mosquitoes and flies. Whether your outdoor wedding is at the beach, the backyard, in the mountains, or in the forest, the nusence of bugs should be considered. Here are top five tips to ensure your outdoor wedding in 2025 is memorable for all the right reasons.

1.) Choose your venue and ceremony times wisely
-Avoid venues with stagnant water and marshy sites that attract mosquitoes.
-Choose a venue that utilizes pest control servies a few days prior to the event.
-Avoid dusk or dawn ceremony times when bug activity peaks.

2.) Choose florals for bug defense
-Incorporate bug-repelling plants like lavender, marigolds, and eucalyptus into your floral arrangements.
-Use citronella candles as part of your outdoor lighting to keep bugs from buzzing around.

3.) Consider your guests
-Offer bug spray like Vow to Repel as wedding favors
-Encourage light colored attire to deter mosquitoes

4.) Protect culinary creations
-Food grade essential oils such as basil, peppermint, and lemon can defer bugs when used in an essential oil diffuser. Place portable diffusers around food to keep bugs away from food and the wedding cake.
-Keep trash bins covered and away from food to avoid attracting bugs.

5.) Have a back up plan
-Identify an indoor space in case bug activity becomes excessive.
-Use portable fans to discourage bugs from lingering.
-Have natural bug spray on hand to spray buggy areas. An effective formula includes: 1/2 cup distilled water, 1/4 cup vodka or witch hazel, 10 drops citronella, 10 drops eucalyptus, 10 drops lavender, 5 drops peppermint, 5 drops lemongrass, a glass 6-8 ounce spray bottle.

Planning for an outdoor wedding is all about being prepared and flexible. With a few strategic measures and natural solutions, you can ensure you outdoor celebration remains comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you use natural repellents, setting up backup plans, or simply staying ahead of potential issues, the key is to stay calm and adaptable. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be ready to handle any bugs that might try to crash your big day! Remember, a little planning goes a long way in keeping the bugs off the guest list and ensuring your wedding is everything you dreamed of. Enjoy your special day without worrying about the bugs!