Let's Talk Logistics: Restroom Trailers

My job is 100% Logistics. If everything just miraculously fell into place just as we plan without any work, I would not have a job. I take a bride's dreams and turn them into reality, which takes a lot of logistics work that most brides don't think about. So, I've decided to do a series on common logistical issues I encounter when planning a wedding. I do a lot of outdoor weddings, because they require the most planning and logistic considerations. Everything has to be brought in - tables, chairs, linens, dishes, food, bar, drinks - everything, and some of the time, even restrooms.

Restroom trailers can be such an asset to a wedding. Whether you're getting married in the middle of nowhere, or your venue simply doesn't have enough restrooms for your 300 guests, a proper restroom trailer can make your guests much more comfortable and happy to stay at your reception. Notice I used the word "proper." I've seen couples bring porta-potties and set next to their reception tent - could this be any tackier? I would be offended if I was a guest at a wedding reception and was forced to not only use a small, plastic porta-potty, but also to have to wait for it. This is what I mean by "proper restroom trailer:"

These "executive" restroom trailers are available all across the country, featuring toilet private rooms - with wall and doors just like a powder room, heating and air conditioning, hardwood floors and crown molding, pedestal sinks, a stereo sound system so you can choose the music that plays in the trailer, and it comes fully stocked with plenty of soap, hand towels, and toilet paper.

These trailers are super nice, and only require an electrical and water hookup. Now, one problem I have run into with some restroom trailer companies is the hookup. If you are renting one, make sure they will hook it up for you - this may cost extra. I had a bride rent one a few years ago and luckily I made sure I was there when it got delivered. The delivery guy told me he wasn't going to hook it up, but he did tell me what I needed! My initial thought when I'm thrown for a loop like this (which is almost every weekend) is "Okay, how can I fix this?" The water hook-up wasn't a problem from the building we were adjacent to, but power was. This trailer had 4 huge cords to plug in - think about the air conditioning, lighting, and stereo system - this is a small house we're talking about! Now I'm not an electrical person, but the operations guy of the building we were next to told me we could only plug in 1 of those to the building because if we plugged in the other 3, it would blow a fuse. I immediately called my husband, who is my go-to-guy for such situations, and we borrowed his dad's generator to pull the rest of the electricity for the trailer, and I just charged the bride for the gas we used after the fact. (And no, I did not tell her about the situation until she got back from her honeymoon!)

Now, once you have rented the trailer, it's hooked up, you're good to go, right? Not quite. Where is it located in relation to guests? Is this front of it facing the reception? Is it obvious to guests what it is? Is it hidden? It is unlikely that flat ground, water, and electricity is located right next to your dance floor, so the trailer will have to be placed a distance from the reception and guests will have to walk to it. You need to have clear directional signs to the restroom trailer and proper lighting on the path to it to ensure your guests' comfort and safety.

The bottom line is: just think logistically!