Ew.

Let’s talk about waste…human waste. The disgustingly vile sights and smells are 100 percent natural, produced by every person, yet are still seen as taboo to discuss.

It’s not pretty. It’s not fun to talk about. But in event planning, you don’t want s%*t out of control.

It continually amazes me how many event planners, amateur and professional, fail to think about restroom facilities and capacity at their selected venue. Thankfully for them, they get away with it without a hitch most times because they select professional event venues, such as hotels or conference centers, that have already taken that into account and have the appropriate number of facilities built in to suit capacity.

Poor restroom planning frequently comes up when an outdoor space, personal home, or small bed and breakfast is selected for the venue. Essentially, anytime a venue is picked that either doesn’t already have facilities built-in or the facility’s restrooms are not built to accommodate an excess of people. Think about it: a 5,000-square-foot home, sitting on two acres with four baths can easily accommodate well over 200 people. The four bathrooms cannot. And for facilities that only have one restroom, hold your breath. Seriously, hold your breath.

So, what are your options?

If you are selecting an outdoor facility, some parks have onsite buildings with facilities that will work well if your event is set up in close enough proximity. However, take into consideration the quality of the facility. If you are having a formal event and based on the looks of the restroom you would rather risk the woods and whatever random leaf you can find, then your guests will feel the same and they will not stay long.

Of course, there is always the portable toilet option. Unless you are hosting a sporting event or large outdoor community event in excess of 500 people, I would advise against them. In general, they aren’t attractive, the waste is not removed so you will inevitably have a smell and most don’t have functioning sinks. Thankfully, several companies now offer portable sinks as well, which is a much appreciated service, but here’s the thing. Most people still don’t use them, and I personally do not want to see the door knobs/locks under a microscope. I do not consider myself a germ-a-phobe, but when it comes to people not washing their hands after using the bathroom, I freak out. And some events don’t have the sink, so you are left hoping people have hand sanitizer with them, especially your caterers.

Thankfully, others have similar concerns and several companies are now producing portable, luxury restroom facilities that, although cost more, are much more visually appealing and sanitary. Let’s face it, the big blue box just takes away a bit from an elegant outdoor wedding. There isn’t enough tulle to beautify that.

Venues that are commercially built to be outdoor venues are also doing a better job of offering clean, attractive, indoor facilities.

When coordinating your event budget, be sure to analyze and set aside money if needed for restroom facilities. Believe me, it won’t be a waste.