What do you think?

[WV_mom_of2]

Would there be anything wrong with renting a portable toilet for dd's graduation party if we have it here at home? We have a septic tank and several people have warned us that having 70-80 people using our bathrooms in one afternoon will be really hard on the tank. I was thinking of renting a portable toilet and asking people to use it but letting them know that they can still wash their hands in the house. Is that rude?

[krbshappy71]

Its not as rude as not forewarning people, throwing the party, and having a HUGE HUGE MESS.

It is really gross, happened at a party I went to. I'd rather know than find out the "hard way". Put a sign on bathroom door, put a sign on the porta-potty, a sign on the hallway to the bathroom, and heck why not lock the bathroom door? They can wash their hands in the kitchen. Oh and you could offer those "wet ones" canisters on the tables if its going to be outdoors. Then anyone can grab a wet one before handling food, utensils etc as the day wears on.

[frugal is fun]

Not rude at all. I've rented them a few times. I even went to a wedding in a backyard that had one. They even have them with sinks, with a little foot pump for the water. Probably cost you more $$ for that feature.

And the ones you rent are 100% cleaner than the ones you experience at say a state park or something. My only suggestion is to put it in the shade, as far away as possbile from the food.

[Greebo]

Its YOUR house. YOU are hosting the party. YOU are inviting people to come partake of your hospitality. YOU have every right to limit how much hospitality you extend. YOU, for example, are not obligated to let your guests rummage through your refrigerator and eat the porterhouse steaks you bought specially for the private family dinner the next day. Likewise you're not obligated to let your guests destroy your septic system.

It'll be a courtesy, of course, to let them know ahead of time - but if they show up and don't know ahead of time, so what? As long as the porta's are clean and don't stink to high heaven, more power to you!

[Libby]

I like that idea! I mean maybe put it on the invites - elude to it being an outdoor event complete with portapotty! Have fun with your invite and be creative. Maybe indicate what kind of an affair it is so they know how to dress: casual, formal etc.

Perhaps buy bottles of the hand sanitizers and strategically place them around? One by the potty, one or two near but not next to the food serving area etc etc. Perhaps buy 'wet ones' in bulk? (ie ask a local restaurant where you can buy them OR clear off the shelf at Walmart in the travel toiletry section I think they were about $1 for a box of 60-100 ct?)

[ml2620]

I hope its not rude, we had a backyard wedding with porta potties! Septic was a huge deciding factor, but 80+ guests and just one bathroom was another!

[2ndGenGranola]

I LOVE the idea.

We had a septic system and guests would always flush unflushables down there. IMO that is what is rude esp since it costs $$$ to work on one of those things.

Personally, I wouldn't be insulted if someone stuck a garden hose out there with an on/off lever to wash off. The hardware store has a cute little stick in the ground thing that you hook a garden hose up to and it has one of the turn knobs on it like on the side of the house. You could get some bio compatible soap and a bucket to catch the water. You could then drain it into your yard later. Put some little potted plants around it and make it look cute.

[Sassyclass]

Nope, not rude. I work with a guy who got married about 4 years ago and he and his wife rented 2 for the backyard reception. It worked out great for the kids who were running around and playing on the Slip & Slide.

Cat

[WV_mom_of2]

Ok.......another question. I thought about getting bubbles, water balloons, and silly string for dd and her friends and the other kids to have fun with. I've never used silly string before. Does it just dissolve outside after a while or will we need to pick it up after the party is over?