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How to Decorate Portable Toilets for a Wedding

Last Updated: November 18, 2025
A graphic of a portable toilet with a bride and groom sticker on it to decorate it for a wedding

Planning a wedding involves a seemingly endless amount of preparation and coordination. And while they’re among the most essential must-haves, porta potties are one of the less glamorous things to consider.

Wedding porta potties are crucial especially if your venue is a backyard, barn, vineyard, or open field. Not to mention, if alcohol is being served, people are going to need easy access. A lot of people cringe at the thought of having their guests use porta potties, but there are also more luxurious options like restroom trailers that provide comfort and look good. 

Even if you go with a classic porta potty unit, there’s good news. With some creativity, you can decorate portable toilets so they feel intentional, clean, and dare we say cute. Here’s how to make those portable restrooms blend in with your décor and keep guests comfortable all night long.

Why Bother Decorating Your Wedding Porta Potties?

If you’re already juggling catering, flowers, a DJ, and a dozen other details, you might be wondering if decorating portable toilets is really necessary.

A little effort goes a long way because:

  • Comfort matters. Guests notice if restrooms feel dark, cramped, or dingy. A few upgrades signal that you’ve thought about their comfort.
  • Lines move faster. Well-lit, well-marked restrooms feel safer and more inviting, so guests won’t put off using them until there’s a long line.
  • It helps your photos. You don’t want a row of bright blue porta potties in the background of your shots. Strategic placement and décor help them blend into the setting.

Think of portable toilets as part of your overall guest experience, just like your bar or dessert table.

Start With the Right Type of Portable Restroom

Before you run to your local Target, talk with your rental company about the types of units available so you can get a sense for the layout and size of the porta potty. Here’s what ZTERS offers:

  • Standard porta potties. The classic single units. These can absolutely be made wedding-worthy with exterior décor and interior touches.
  • Flushable units with sinks. These units include a foot-pump operated sink, a hidden waste tank, and may include a mirror. (There are also non-flushables with sinks and flushables without sinks.)
  • ADA units. A popular wedding option given their ample size, which can easily accommodate gowns and adults accompanying small children.
  • Restroom trailers. These feel more like a traditional bathroom with multiple stalls, running water, counter space, and built-in lighting.

Ask what’s allowed in terms of decorations (e.g., adhesive hooks, exterior screening, signage, etc.) so you don’t accidentally void your rental agreement.

How to Hide or Frame Portable Toilets at a Wedding

You don’t necessarily want guests seeing the porta potties the minute they arrive. Instead of pretending they don’t exist, give them a thoughtful “home” on your site.

1. Use Privacy Screens or Fencing

One of the simplest ways to make portable toilets feel more elegant is to partially hide them with:

  • Folding privacy screens
  • Lattice panels
  • Temporary fencing or wooden pallets
  • Fabric-wrapped pipe-and-drape stands

Screens help disguise the units and make the restroom area feel more intentional—almost like a little lounge instead of a row of bright plastic boxes. Just be sure doors can open fully and that the units are still accessible for servicing.

2. Add Greenery and Floral Touches

Landscaping around the porta potties goes a long way in softening the look and not standing out like a sore thumb:

  • Place potted plants or small trees on either side of the entrance.
  • Add planters with seasonal flowers in your wedding colors.
  • Drape faux greenery or garlands along fencing or privacy screens.

3. Create a Pretty Path and Clear Signage

Make it easy for guests to find the restrooms, especially after dark:

  • Line the path with LED lanterns or solar stake lights.
  • Use a simple wooden or acrylic directional sign in your wedding font.
  • Add a small rug at the entrance to define the area and keep dirt down.

Good signage means fewer “where’s the bathroom?” questions for you and your coordinator.

Add Extra Lighting for Safety and Comfort

Portable toilets can feel dark, especially in the evening. To make them more inviting:

  • Add battery-operated tap lights or puck lights inside each unit (use removable adhesive).
  • Hang LED fairy lights around the exterior or along the path leading to the restrooms.
  • If there’s a tent nearby, run string lights from the tent to the restroom area so everything feels connected and well-lit.

It’s super important to avoid open flames. There should be no real candles inside or near the units. Stick to flameless candles or LEDs so you don’t create a fire or safety hazard.

Make It Smell Nice With Air Fresheners

No one wants to worry about smells during cocktail hour. And seeing guests come back to their seats with a look of disgust is a bit of a buzzkill. To keep things fresh:

  • Use discreet air fresheners inside each porta potty (e.g., gel pods, stick-on deodorizers, or passive air fresheners) that don’t require spraying.
  • Place a small, attractive air freshener (like a decorative reed diffuser-style option) on a shelf or in a corner if the unit has space.
  • Don’t overdo it! Overpowering scents can be just as unpleasant as no scent at all. Aim for mild, clean fragrances rather than heavy florals.

Stock Up With Extra Hygiene Products

This is where you can really go above and beyond. Create a small “comfort station” either inside the units (if there’s room) or just outside under a covered area. Fill baskets or trays with:

  • Hand sanitizer (even if there’s a sink)
  • Individually wrapped wipes
  • Tissues
  • Breath mints or gum
  • Travel-size hairspray
  • Bobby pins and hair ties
  • Oil-blotting sheets
  • Mini stain remover sticks or wipes
  • Bandages and a small first-aid kit (for those dance floor blisters)
  • Feminine hygiene products

For a more luxe feel, place everything in woven baskets or simple trays instead of leaving items in their store packaging. Many wedding porta potty renters also choose to supplement their rental with handwashing stations or standalone hand sanitizer stations.

Interior Decorating For a Fancier Feel

You don’t need to transform the inside into a spa, but a few details can make portable toilets feel much more wedding-appropriate.

1. Mirrors and Hooks

Guests will want to check their hair, makeup, or tie. Consider:

  • Adding a lightweight mirror with removable adhesive if there isn’t already one.
  • Installing adhesive hooks for purses/jackets so nothing has to touch the floor.

Make sure anything you add is secure and won’t fall or block ventilation.

2. Simple Décor in Your Wedding Colors

Keep décor minimal so the space doesn’t feel cluttered:

  • A small faux-floral arrangement or greenery stem in a bud vase
  • A framed sign with a sweet or funny message (e.g., “You look amazing”)
  • A small, washable rug or mat to make the floor feel less industrial

Create a Little “Powder Room” Lounge Outside

If you have the space, consider turning the restroom area into a mini getting-ready zone:

  • Set up a small table with a larger mirror, extra tissues, lint roller, and hairspray.
  • Add a couple of chairs or a bench so guests can adjust shoes or take a quick break.
  • Include a basket with paper fans or blankets, depending on the season.

This doesn’t have to be elaborate, but it helps the area feel like an extension of your hospitality instead of “the porta potty corner.”

Wedding Porta Potty Etiquette & Safety Tips

Before you go into decorating mode, keep these guidelines in mind no matter what wedding porta potty option you choose:

  • Check with your rental company first. Ask what’s allowed inside and outside the units—especially adhesives, wraps, and structures like fences or screens.
  • Don’t move units yourself. Placement should be handled by the rental company to avoid tipping or damage.
  • Keep doors and vents clear. Don’t block hinges, locks, vents, or service access panels with décor or fencing.
  • Skip open flames. No real candles or torches near the units. Use LED alternatives instead.

Need a Portable Toilet?

Speak with an account manager for a free quote.

How Many Portable Toilets Do You Need for a Wedding?

If you’re wondering how many porta potties you should rent, a good rule of thumb is around one porta potty per 50 guests for an event lasting up to four hours.

If your wedding:

  • Lasts longer than four hours
  • Includes a heavy bar/alcohol service
  • Has a higher proportion of women using the restrooms

…you’ll want to add more units (many providers recommend bumping up to one toilet per 35–40 guests in those cases). When in doubt, ask your rental company for a recommendation based on your guest count, event length, and layout.

Restrooms Are Part Of The Experience, Not An Afterthought

Decorating portable toilets for a wedding doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Focus on:

  • Curb appeal: privacy screens, greenery, and clear signage
  • Comfort: good lighting, air freshener, and plenty of hygiene products
  • Details: mirrors, hooks, and small décor touches that match your theme

Your guests may not rave about the bathrooms in the same way they gush over your flowers or cake, but they will notice if the restrooms feel clean and comfortable. 

If you need portable toilets for your wedding, reach out to ZTERS! We provide reliable, nationwide portable toilet rentals that arrive exactly where and when you need them.