It's Summer. Despite the blistering heat and amazon rain forest levels of humidity that engulf you every time you step outside, Brides and Grooms are still opting for Summer Outdoor Weddings. Those high Alabama temperatures combined with a rainy month of May, means whether you want them or not, bugs are going to crash your outdoor summer wedding this season. Fear not, party planners have been battling bugs for years. These helpful tips will stop bugs from bugging you and help you feel good about them NOT eating YOU or your guests.

You will be pleasantly surprised to know that most venues have their outdoor area treated for bugs every month. Question to ask, is when was the last spraying? and When is the next spraying? and what kind of insects do they treat? Most treat for the standard removal of mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, flies and ants. If you are planning a backyard wedding at Mom and Dad's, you've got to start early. Plan to start your de-bugging at least one month before your I dos. Consult a professional exterminator for help planning your backyard wedding.

Express your bug-free concerns to your florist. A good florist can help you plan centerpieces that will help keep the bugs away. There are plenty of beautiful flowers that bugs completely hate. Florists love using lavender in summer weddings because not only is it beautiful in centerpieces and bouquets but it also keeps the bugs away. Other great flowers that bugs hate are: Marigolds, Mint, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Alliums, Chrysanthemums, Petunias, ect. These flowers are attractive enough to be worked into your current choices or to be sprayed all over your event to help keep your bug-free vibe alive during your big day.

It is true! (and a little crazy!) Fabric Dryer sheets like Bounce REALLY do repel bugs. New research says that the dryer sheets can help you avoid bugs like mosquitoes, gnats and flies. The research on how close you need to be to these sheets varies. Not to mention what you are really thinking -  how can you incorporate dryer sheets in a way that is not completely tacky and lame for your wedding day? Party planners suggest hiding them under all your chairs with little tape. No one will notice they are even there. And imagine the possibilities if you tried the new lavender ones. Great planners have them hidden under tablecloths too. Who knew?

Personalized hand held fans make a great party favor for summer weddings, but don't stop there. Rent fans for your outdoor wedding. LOTS OF FANS. It will help keep your guests cool and will blow away mosquitoes and flies before they even consider crashing your wedding. Most caterers recommend having fans present at your food tents for all outdoor weddings. You definitely want to keep the bugs away from here.

Don't think tiki torches and margaritas. Get that image right out of your head. They make a ton of very tasteful solid candles or oils that can be burned in just about anything along the perimeter of your event. Just one more way you can help keep those bugs away.

Have you jumped on the essential oil bandwagon yet? If you haven't, I am willing to bet you know someone who has. WE ALL DO. The most promising oils for helping keep you bug free are oregano, clove, thyme, vetiver, sandalwood, cinnamon, cedarwood, and peppermint oils. Consider creating tiny little misting bottles with water and the oils you like mixed together. You can even label these tiny bottles with something crafty like: "Stay smitten, not bitten" You can also have little stations set up with with things like bug sprays, bug wipes, your mister bottles and even sunscreen. Your guests will thank you for being so thoughtful.

With a little planning and enlisting the creativity of your vendors and your super handy BFF, you can relax and enjoy your hotter than ever South Alabama Wedding this Summer Season without the bugs or the bites. You really can have it all. Happy Summer Wedding Planning.

If you are looking for the most creative, and most skilled wedding photographer in South Alabama, look no further than Saraland Alabama Wedding Photographer, Ellenburg Photography is the studio for you. Daphne Ellenburg strives to create compelling images for the discerning South Alabama Brides and Grooms, and we understand the intricacies to working through the city on your big wedding day. Whether it’s battling all the weird South Alabama road construction or navigating around the throngs of tourists in Downtown Mobile Alabama, I promise to document your South Alabama wedding with grace and skill. Get to know Ellenburg Photography.

Daphne Ellenburg is award-winning Wedding, Newborn, and Baby Photographer. She is the owner of a bustling Portrait photography business called Ellenburg Photography located in Southern Alabama. Daphne has a supportive family and a fancy-pants 2000 sq ft studio in the heart of Saraland, Alabama. She loves college football, big handbags, lip gloss and all things Apple. She also enjoys writing about her Photo-Adventures and her entertaining family. Daphne is a proud member of PPA, WPPI, and the local chamber. Catch up with her at EllenburgPhotography.com or email her at daphne@ellenburgphotography.com. 
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