Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 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. 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! Keep in touch with us if you wrap up sooner than the scheduled end time or if you are looking to add extra hours. Reach us at 951-585-3710

Can you coordinate Vendors as well? (i.e rent extra heaters, tents, bartenders, servings staff, catering..)

Absolutely! We’re a one-stop shop for all your event needs. From start to finish, we handle every detail to ensure a smooth and seamless experience, remaining your main point of contact throughout the entire process. For any vendor add-ons, we charge 25% of the total cost. For example, if adding tents costs $100, the total charge will be $125. This fee covers everything from reaching out and booking the vendor to coordinating the day-of logistics, including directing vendors, overseeing setup, aligning delivery and cleanup times, and more. You won’t need to worry about a thing—we’ve got it all covered for you!

What about permitting?

We take care of all permitting requirements for you and your team. Our flat service fee for this is $250, 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. This is also dependent on the city allowing you to do it yourself or not, ocasionally they require us to handle it for you.

Permits do not reserve public spaces. They simply grant us permission to provide our services in those areas. A permit is typically required when a hired service, such as ours, is present. Each city has its own permitting rules and regulations, which can change frequently. We are subject to the city's authority, and when a permit is required, it is a mandatory and nonnegotiable condition. These decisions are made solely by the city or state governing the area, and we have no control over them

How do public locations work?

If your event is taking place in a public space, please be aware that there are many factors beyond our control. These include the time of year (holidays, summer being the busiest season, etc..), city sponsored events, large crowds, other gatherings, and general public use of the area.

Hiring us to provide setup and teardown services does not give us any authority over the space. Obtaining a permit does not reserve the location, it only allows us to operate our service there. Permits do not guarantee privacy or exclusive access to any public area.

If guaranteed privacy is important for your event, we strongly recommend reserving a private venue such as an Airbnb or a rented event space, where you can be certain the location will be exclusively yours. Please note that you would be responsible for any required additional rental costs.

Please understand that public spaces are shared environments, and we are at the mercy of the general public. Because of this, we cannot guarantee privacy, control over specific spots you request, or the overall environment.

The exact location for your event within the chosen public space is finalized on the day of the event, just hours before setup begins, based on availability and conditions at that time; not the conditions at your start time. The climate of the area can change between when we showed up 3 to 4 hours before your start time and your actual start time.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We suggest you to reach out as soon as possible and check our availability. It is $300 to save your date. If your date seems to be booked on our calendar, there could still be a chance we can accommodate your event. Please email us at support@lifeshortpicnic.com as we may be able to assist you!

Do you offer custom themes?

Yes! If you love what we offer on our website but want something more, reach out to us. If you want our services but have a completely different vision, we can cater to your exact preferences. There are no limitations when working with us. 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. Whatever you may have in mind, we can execute. 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! We can host groups up to 120 guests.

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 21 days in advance through the link in your confirmation email. Anything within that 21-day window, please Contact us for accommodations.

Can I cancel my event?

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).

If you need to reschedule your event for the future, it needs to be within 1 month of the original date you had in mind. If you are considering a date that is slightly outside of 1 month, reach out to us so we can do our best to accommodate.

Last minute reschedules; within 10 days, are subject to a last minute reschedule fee of $300.

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) in all cases, the deposit is non-refundable. If your event is between 3 and 4 weeks away, you’ll receive a 50% refund. For events within 3 weeks, we’re unable to offer any refund. If your event is more than a month out, you’ll receive a full refund, minus the deposit. In general if you need to cancel, we suggest trying to reschedule for a future date. Deposits are never refundable at any point in time.

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 after requested and funds should appear within 5-7 business days depending on your bank.

No refunds after your event has been held. Deposits are never refundable.

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). Refunds are not available due to weather conditions, but we are happy to offer a free rescheduling option.

What if I book last minute?

Bookings made within 7 days of the event will incur a last-minute fee of $150. This fee reflects the additional effort required to prioritize your date on our calendar and ensure every detail is handled with care despite the limited planning time.

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?

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 with local restaurants and catering companies to find the ideal menu for your group. We charge a 25% 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.