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Picnic FAQs

Everything you need to know about booking, styling, catering and more.

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Booking & Payments

How do I book?+

Complete our enquiry form and we'll be in touch within 24–48 hours with availability and pricing.

Is GST included?+

All prices advertised are exclusive of GST. A 10% GST charge is applied to the final invoice total in accordance with Australian tax requirements.

How much notice do you need?+

We can often accommodate same day bookings, subject to availability and location. In Spring & Summer we advise booking up to 4 weeks in advance to secure a spot.

How quickly will I receive a response?+

We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24–48 hours.

How much does a couples picnic cost?+

Our couples picnic set up only package starts from $320 plus GST. If you would like catering included, our couples picnic package starts from $385 plus GST.

How much does a Proposal picnic cost?+

Our proposal picnic set up only package starts from $500 plus GST. If you would like catering included, our proposal picnic package starts from $550 plus GST.

How much does a Group Picnic cost?+

For groups of 10 guests or more, our group picnic package is $60 per person plus GST.

For groups of fewer than 10 guests, our set up only package starts from a minimum call out fee of $350 plus GST. Pricing for smaller groups is provided upon enquiry.

Please note that catering is optional and priced separately to the above prices.

How do I secure my booking?+

A 50% deposit is required to secure your date and time. The remaining balance is due 14 days prior to your event.

Can I reschedule if it's forecast to rain?+

Yes. We offer one complimentary weather related reschedule for all bookings, subject to availability.

For bookings that include catering, we kindly ask that you provide at least 3 days' notice where possible. Reschedule requests made with less than 3 days' notice may incur a charge equal to 20% of the catering costs. If you choose to reschedule on the day, you may receive your catering upon pick up and reschedule solely the set up package free of charge.

For set up only packages, you may reschedule on the day without penalty on one occasion only. Any additional reschedule requests may incur a $200 rescheduling fee.

What is your cancellation policy?+

14 days or more notice: You will receive a 100% refund of the amount paid.

Between 5 and 14 days notice: You will receive a 50% refund of the total booking value for cancellations due to personal reasons, including COVID-19.

5 days notice or less: No refund will be provided. All payments made are non-refundable within this period.

What is your Wet Weather Policy?+

Your safety and enjoyment are our priority. If wet weather is forecast, we will work with you to find the most suitable solution. One complimentary weather related reschedule is available, subject to availability.

Weather related reschedules apply only where rain, hail, thunderstorms or other severe weather make it impractical or unsafe to proceed. Reschedules will not be granted solely due to cloudy skies, cool temperatures or light wind.

Where catering has already been ordered or prepared, the catering component must still be collected and used on the original event date unless adequate notice is provided.

We are happy to relocate your picnic to a suitable undercover venue, private residence or marquee location, subject to approval and any applicable travel fees.

Alternatively, you may choose to receive a gift voucher for the full booking value, valid for 24 months.

Poppin Picnics reserves the right to postpone, pack down or cease an event where severe weather, including thunderstorms, lightning or high winds, makes it unsafe to proceed.

Do I have to pay a bond?+

For bookings of 7 guests or more, a refundable security bond of $150 is required. Provided all items are returned in good condition at pack down, the bond will be refunded on the same day as your event.

Can you hold a date without payment?+

Unfortunately, dates and inventory cannot be held without a deposit.

What payment methods do you accept?+

We accept bank transfer, PayPal and credit card. Credit card payments incur a 2.2% surcharge fee as detailed on your invoice.

Are there any additional fees?+

Additional fees may apply for travel, location permits, extended booking durations, difficult site accessibility (such as stairs or long distances between the unloading area and the picnic location), requested add ons or custom styling requirements.

Food & Catering

Is food included?+

Food can be included or omitted depending on the package selected.

Can I bring my own food?+

Yes, absolutely.

Do you provide alcohol?+

No. Due to licensing regulations, we do not supply alcohol but you can BYO.

Do you cater for dietary requirements?+

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and many other dietary requirements can be accommodated. Halal or Kosher are also options to be served.

Can I add catering later?+

In most cases, yes.

Do you clean up food and drinks after the picnic?+

Please note that we do not dispose of alcohol bottles, cans or alcoholic beverages brought by guests. Any BYO alcohol must be removed from the site by the client.

If you choose to bring your own catering, we do not remove or dispose of leftover food, catering trays, takeaway containers or food packaging. We will clear any food remnants from our plates and serving ware only, with all remaining catering items to be removed by the client.

Locations

What areas do you service?+

We service the Lower North Shore, Sydney CBD, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and Northern Beaches.

Do you travel outside your servicing areas?+

Sometimes, for large groups. Additional travel fees will apply.

Can I choose the location?+

Absolutely. You're welcome to choose a location within our servicing areas, provided it offers practical access for set up and pack down. There should be suitable parking or a legal unloading area nearby, with only a short distance to transport our equipment to the picnic location.

How do you secure a good spot in a public park?+

We always arrive with ample time to set up and do our best to secure the best available location for your picnic. As most public parks operate on a first come, first served basis, we cannot guarantee a specific area, an unobstructed view or exclusive use of the space.

If securing a particular spot is important to you, we recommend arriving early to reserve the area before our team begins set up. Locations that require transporting equipment over long distances, up stairs or through difficult terrain may not be suitable and may be declined at our discretion.

Can I request sun or shade for the set up spot?+

We'll always do our best to accommodate your preference for sun or shade. However, due to the movement of the sun throughout the day and changing weather conditions, we cannot guarantee continuous sun or shade for the duration of your booking.

If consistent shade is important to you, we recommend adding one of our umbrellas to your booking, as this provides the most reliable protection from the sun throughout your event.

Can I move the picnic after it has been set up?+

We kindly ask that any preferences regarding the exact placement of your picnic are communicated and confirmed before set up begins. Once the picnic has been fully installed, requests to relocate it may not be possible. If relocation is feasible, additional labour charges will apply.

What if another group has booked or reserved the location?+

While we are happy to recommend picnic locations, it is ultimately the client's responsibility to ensure that their chosen area has not been reserved or booked by another party. Poppin Picnics cannot guarantee exclusive use of public spaces and accepts no responsibility for interruptions or relocations caused by another authorised booking. We encourage clients to make their own enquiries with the relevant council or venue prior to the event.

Do I need a permit?+

Some locations require permits. We can advise during the booking process.

Can the picnic be held in my backyard or indoors?+

Yes absolutely. We regularly style picnics at private homes and Airbnb properties.

Can the picnic be held at the beach on the sand?+

Yes, subject to council regulations and site suitability.

Do you offer sunset picnics?+

Yes. Sunset picnics are one of our most popular experiences.

Guest Numbers

How many guests can you cater for?+

We can cater for events of up to 150 guests. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering, corporate event, birthday celebration or large scale picnic, our team can tailor a package to suit your requirements.

What happens if I lose guest numbers before my event?+

Guest numbers can be adjusted up until 14 days prior to your event without penalty. However, if guest numbers decrease by 50% or more from the original booking, a fee may apply. This is due to the inventory, staffing and event date being reserved specifically for your booking.

Can I increase guest numbers after booking?+

In most cases, yes. Additional guests can usually be accommodated, subject to availability of inventory, catering and staffing requirements.

Styling & Add Ons

What styles do you offer?+

All of our picnic styles for adult picnics can be viewed on our Styles page. For kids parties they can be viewed on our Kids picnic page.

What add ons do you offer?+

We offer a range of optional add ons to elevate your picnic experience, including:

  • Photography
  • Fresh florals
  • Catering packages and extras
  • Non alcoholic drinks packages
  • Fringed umbrellas
  • Cane chairs
  • Trestle tables
  • Lawn games
  • Kids entertainers
  • Proposal signage and styling enhancements
Do you provide chairs and high top tables?+

Cane chairs for those less mobile or seeking more comfort are available as an add on.

We also offer high top table set ups with chairs — additional fees apply for this option.

Do you provide shade?+

Umbrellas can be added to your booking for additional shade and comfort. Each umbrella is priced at $75.00 exc GST and comes with a base, sand bags and the umbrella itself.

On The Day

Can I leave before my scheduled finish time?+

If you wish to leave before your scheduled pack down time, we kindly ask that you notify us with as much notice as possible. Please do not leave the picnic unattended without prior approval from Poppin Picnics.

Leaving the set up unattended without our consent may result in the client being held responsible for any loss, theft or damage to Poppin Picnics property.

What time will you arrive?+

We typically arrive 45–120 minutes before your booking time, depending on group size.

Do I need to set anything up?+

No. We take care of the complete set up so you can simply arrive and enjoy your picnic. The only exception is if you've chosen to bring your own catering, in which case you'll be responsible for arranging and serving your food.

What should I bring?+

Just yourselves and anything you'd personally like to enjoy during the picnic. We advise hats in the summer, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water.

What if I arrive late?+

We understand that delays can happen. We allow a 15 minute grace period at no additional charge. After this time, a late fee of $50 applies for arrivals between 20 and 40 minutes late, and $80 applies for arrivals between 40 and 60 minutes late. Please let us know as soon as possible if you're running behind.

Can I extend the picnic on the day?+

If availability permits, yes. Fees do apply — a flat fee of $150.00 exc GST for groups and $50.00 flat fee for couples or proposals per extra hour.

What if it starts raining during my picnic?+

We closely monitor the weather leading up to your event and will discuss options with you beforehand. If unexpected rain occurs during your picnic after the event has commenced, unfortunately refunds cannot be provided, as the set up, labour and associated services have already been carried out.

General

Can I bring my dog?+

Absolutely. Well behaved dogs are welcome at many of our picnics. However, any damage caused to our equipment, décor or styling items by pets remains the responsibility of the client and may incur repair or replacement costs.

Do you have public liability insurance?+

Yes. We hold public liability insurance for our events. Many councils, venues and locations that require a permit also require providers to have appropriate public liability insurance in place before a booking can proceed.

Can I purchase a gift voucher?+

Yes, of course. We offer gift vouchers and can usually issue them on the same day payment is received, making them a perfect last minute gift for birthdays, anniversaries, engagements or special occasions.

What happens if a thunderstorm occurs during the picnic?+

The safety of our guests and staff is our highest priority. In the event of severe weather, including thunderstorms, lightning or high winds, Poppin Picnics reserves the right to postpone, pack down, relocate or cease the event if conditions are deemed unsafe. We may also remove or decline the use of umbrellas or other equipment during periods of strong wind.

Do you stay during the picnic?+

Once your picnic is fully set up, our team will leave you to enjoy the experience. We return at your scheduled finish time to pack everything down — so you have the space entirely to yourselves.

Do you operate on public holidays?+

Yes, we operate on public holidays. Please note that a 15% public holiday surcharge applies to all bookings on these dates.

Do you offer picnics 7 days a week?+

Yes. We operate 7 days a week, Monday to Sunday, all year round.

What's the best time of year to have a picnic?+

Honestly? Any time — each season has its own magic.

Spring — flowers are in bloom, the air carries the scent of blossoming flora and the parks are alive with colour. Jacaranda season is a personal favourite, with those stunning purple backdrops making every setup look extraordinary.

Summer — guaranteed sunshine and warm weather make for the ultimate outdoor experience. Pack sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water — we'll take care of the rest.

Autumn — sunny days with a cool, crisp edge to the air. The changing leaves turn Sydney's parks into a golden backdrop that's hard to beat.

Winter — cosier than you'd think. Perfect for snuggle dates, catching Vivid while it's on, getting out of hibernation and reconnecting with friends. The best part? No flies, and usually dry weather.

Still Have Questions?

We're happy to help — get in touch and we'll come back to you within 24–48 hours.

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