Frequently Asked Questions

How does the picnic event work?

We will set up the entire picnic event for you and be there to hand it over to you at the appointed time! Once you arrive you are free to enjoy the set up and all of its experiences such as charcuterie, Bluetooth music speaker, Love Languages conversation cards game and spending time with loved ones. At the end time of the event, we will arrive to clean up and leave you to walk away to enjoy the rest of your evening!

What about permitting?

We take care of all permitting requirements for you and your team. Our flat service fee for this is $200, plus the actual cost of the permit, which can vary depending on the location and availability. While you have the option to arrange the permit yourself to avoid the service fee, please note that we mandate permits wherever necessary for our events.

How far in advance do I need to book?

Smaller events may be booked 3 days in advance. Larger events may need more notice but do not hesitate to email us to make arrangements. Any booking requests within that 3-day window, please email us at support@lifeshortpicnic.com as we may be able to accommodate you (ie: additional guests or food, etc.)!

Do you offer custom themes?

Life's Short. Picnic! offers a variety of themes, which may vary slightly as inventory is updated, but which always live in the spirit of the selected theme. You can reach out to us at support@lifesshortpicnic.com and let us know the exact theme or design you want. We are happy to accommodate!

What if I have a special request?

Simply include your special request(s) in the event Details form when booking and we will correspond with you and send you a separate invoice for those additional items. Or email us at support@lifesshortpicnic.com to inquire!

Do you do larger picnics and events?

Absolutely! We have the facilities to cater any size event. We would love to work with you!

Do you travel outside of Locations listed on your website?

Yes, we do! We serve all areas within Southern California. If you are inquiring about anything that is considered outside of this range, email us at support@lifesshortpicnic.com and we’ll see how we can make it work!

Can I update my event details?

Events may be altered by you up to 7 days in advance through the link in your confirmation email. Anything within that 7-day window, please Contact us for accommodations.

Can I cancel my event?

Cancellations are allowed up to 7 days in advance through the link in your confirmation email and within that 7-day window by Contacting us. Refunds are subject to the refund policy.

Can I reschedule my event?

Reschedules are always possible subject to the refund policy (ie: non-refundable third-party items will need to be re-purchased for the new date, professional flowers will need to be re-purchased if the event is rescheduled 3 weeks or less in advance).

Note that we can always move the event indoors if needed.

What is your refund policy?

The event (excluding food and non-refundable third-party items) is fully refundable up until 7 days in advance and 50% refundable up until 48 hours prior to the event to account for the planning time and procurement of event items.

Fresh floral items are fully refundable up to 3 weeks in advance - after which they are non-refundable.

Food and dessert items are usually non-refundable as these are passed on to our third-party vendors and are subject to their terms and conditions (certain exceptions may apply but the majority of their policies are nonrefundable as stated). Any food items that do end up being non-refundable will be available for you to pick up on the day of the event in case of cancellations.

Any payments made to third-party vendors are non-refundable, including but not limited to equipment rentals, staffing hires, dining chair rentals, truck rentals, deposits for these items, etc.

Refunds will be issued within 24 hours of cancellation and funds should appear within 5-7 business days depending on your bank.

What if it rains or is too hot on the event day?

We can move the event inside if you have a space if we are hosting in your home. Adjust the start time to avoid the weather, put up tents (extra fee for tent rental). Move the event to a different venue, or under a patio (with potential venue fee; we do our best to not incur extra fees). Lastly, choose an available date to reschedule (with a possible fee including any perishable goods and non-refundable third-party payments that have been made that would need to be re-booked for the new date).

What if I am late to the event?

We will remain at the site until you arrive and appreciate it if you arrive on time so that you may enjoy the full capacity of your event and we may attend to other bookings as well. Arrivals 20+ minutes after the start time will be subject to a $50 late fee. Arrivals after 40 minutes are subject to a $100 late fee. And at one hour of no-show, we reserve the right to pack up the event. The event’s end time does not extend due to late arrivals.

What if I need to leave early?

Please notify us in advance if this is already known and that will be absolutely fine (prices do not change based on leaving early). However, if something comes up during the event that causes a need to leave early, we must receive a 30-minute notice via text, email or Contact page so that we may arrive and relieve you. The event site may not be left unattended under any circumstances.

What if we break an item?

You are responsible for the event items for the duration of the event and are asked to notify a Life’s Short. Picnic! employee of any items that are lost or damaged during the event, as well as pay an itemized price for the replacement of any damaged or missing items (ie: 1 dinner plate is $6.70 and 1 umbrella (without the stand) is $300). Normal wear and tear of items such as shoe dirt or the occasional spill is to be expected and will not be penalized.

What if there is an accident during the event?

Life's Short. Picnic! and its employees are not responsible or liable directly or indirectly for any incidents, accidents or injuries that occur before, during, and after the event. You are responsible for the conduct of yourself as well as that of any other attendees. You are also responsible for the safe and proper usage of equipment by yourself and any other attendees. Please enjoy at your own risk, and do not climb on, hang on or misuse items in order to have the best outcome.

Do we have to pay for children?

Seats are paid by the place setting. Cushions/poufs/dining chairs as well as complete place settings are allotted by the number of guests booked. You are welcome to bring more people to the event, or to not include young children in the guest total when booking, as long as the guest number you have booked for represents the number of place settings and seating accommodations you would like us to provide.

Can we eat real food on the plates (I only see charcuterie on the website add-ons)?

Absolutely yes! We use real dishes and utensils so that you can enjoy an upscale and unique dining experience.

Do you also do catering?

Yes we do! We work exclusively with our catering partner and charge a 15% management fee for your food order.

Is charcuterie included?

Each event is unique, with unique dietary restrictions, at unique venues, and at unique times. Charcuterie is offered as add-on should you choose to select it, or you are welcome to create your own dining experience by bringing your own food as well.