How to Start a Luxury Picnic Business in 2023 (Step-by-Step)

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So, you’re considering launching a luxury picnic business?

Awesome!

In this article, you’ll learn how to start, and how to host luxury picnics as a business or as a side hustle, from planning and preparation to execution and post-event follow-up.  

Let’s dive in!

The Rise of Luxury Picnics

Picnics have been a staple of outdoor leisure for centuries, but in recent years, they have undergone a transformation. What used to be a simple gathering of friends or family on a patch of grass has evolved into an elegant and luxurious experience.

Luxury picnics are essentially an outdoor version of high tea, complete with linens, fine china, and gourmet foods. They provide an opportunity to enjoy nature while indulging in luxurious comforts.

This trend has grown rapidly in popularity over the last few years as people seek unique and local luxury picnic experiences and ways to celebrate special occasions.

And of course, with this trend comes lucrative business opportunities. This is why trendsetters such as the cousins Austin and Mayari now earn $15k+ a month with their luxury picnic service in Orange County.

The Importance of Hosting A Successful Picnic Event

If you’re considering starting your own luxury picnic business, it’s important to understand the significance of hosting a successful event to become a pro. A poorly executed picnic can damage your reputation and ultimately hurt your business’s bottom line. 

On the other hand, hosting an exceptional picnic can lead to repeat customers and referrals from satisfied clients. These events are often tied to special occasions such as weddings or birthdays and people want their events to be memorable for all the right reasons.

By providing exceptional service and attention to detail for each event you host, you can establish yourself as a leader in this growing industry. It will take some work but with dedication and hard work, you can build a successful luxury picnic business that provides top-notch experiences for your clients.

How to get started with a luxury picnic business step-by-step

Step 1	Understand the market: Research the current trends and demand for luxury picnics in your area. Analyze your target audience and identify the niche you want to serve as an emerging small business.
Step 2	Plan your business: Create an effective business plan that outlines your goals, target market, pricing strategy, marketing plan, and financial projections. This will serve as a roadmap for your business and help you stay organized as a business owner. Think of a suitable business name for an entrepreneur in the luxury event space.
Step 3	Obtain necessary permits and licenses: Check with your local government to determine if you need any permits or licenses to operate a luxury picnic business. Ensure you comply with all legal requirements then register your business and set up a bank account for your business.
Step 4	Choose a suitable location: Select picturesque and accessible locations for your luxury picnics. Consider parks, gardens, beaches, or private properties. Ensure the location has the necessary amenities like restrooms and parking.
Step 5	Define your services and packages: Decide on the types of luxury picnic experiences you want to offer. Consider different themes, menu options, seating arrangements, and add-on services like live music or games. Create attractive and customizable packages for your clients.
Step 6	Source high-quality suppliers: Find reliable suppliers for gourmet food, beverages, tableware, linens, decor, and other necessary items. Focus on quality to deliver a luxurious experience to your clients.
Step 7	Create an online presence: set up a professional website that showcases your services, packages, and past events. Use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share stunning photos, engage with potential clients, and build a community around your brand.
Step 8	Market your business: Implement a marketing strategy to raise awareness about your luxury picnic business. Utilize targeted advertising on social media platforms, collaborate with local influencers, attend industry events, and build relationships with event planners and wedding coordinators. Create and distribute business cards with a tool like canva.
Step 9	Provide exceptional customer service: Train your staff to deliver outstanding service throughout the picnic experience. Ensure they are knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive to guests’ needs. Pay attention to every detail and go above and beyond to exceed your clients’ expectations.
Step 10	Gather feedback and adapt: Regularly collect feedback from your clients to continuously improve your services. Implement changes based on their suggestions and use positive testimonials to strengthen your brand identity and reputation.
Step 11	Expand and diversify: As your business grows, consider expanding your offerings to include corporate picnics, custom picnics, proposal setups, baby showers, or other special events. Explore partnerships with local businesses and event venues to widen your reach!

Note: In order not to make this article way too long, moving forward, I have chosen to focus on the most important steps and aspects of hosting luxury picnics.

You can still use the steps outlined above as you see fit according to your specific area and preferences when setting up your own luxury picnic company. You will also find very useful info in the frequently asked questions.

Planning and Preparation

Choosing the perfect location for the picnic

The location of your luxury picnic event sets the tone for the entire occasion. When selecting a location, you’ll need to consider a few important factors such as accessibility, ambiance, and amenities.

• Accessibility is key because you don’t want guests to have difficulty finding or reaching the location.
  
• The ambiance should match your event theme so that it creates visual appeal and photo-ready moments that will be remembered forever.
  
• Amenities such as restrooms and car parking are essential for your guests’ comfort.
  
• A great idea is to choose a spot within a park that has easy access to nature while being close enough to civilization.

Tip: You can find local parks with lake views or scenic overlooks with breathtaking sights of mountain ranges that would make an unforgettable background for any picnic party and viral Instagram content! 

Creating a theme and ambiance for the event

Image from Pixabay

Now, to create an unforgettable experience, you need to think about creating an immersive environment with a theme matching your guest’s personality or interests. You can choose themes like boho chic, classic elegant, rustic charm, or modern minimalist based on what appeals most to your guests.

Also, think beyond just colors and decorations when creating your ambiance: consider music choices, lighting options (e.g., string lights), and even renting unique decor pieces like antique furniture.

A fun addition could be setting up games that fit into the theme – lawn games like croquet, bocce ball or giant Jenga are always crowd-pleasers!

Selecting high-quality and comfortable seating options

Guest comfort should be at the forefront of planning, so choosing ample seating is crucial for any successful luxury picnic experience. Your seating options must complement both theme and budget while keeping it practical yet stylish.

Choose from various seating options, including blankets on grassy areas with pillows or low chairs suited for outdoor use. It’s important to include tables too if the menu calls for more substantial food.

For a boho chic theme, consider comfortable floor seating options like bean bags or poufs. However, if you’re looking to create a more elegant atmosphere, opt for high-end outdoor furniture that will keep your guests comfortable while giving off an exclusive vibe!

Creating a menu with gourmet food and drinks

Image from Pixabay

The menu is the highlight of the event and must match the luxury theme of your picnic. Think beyond simple sandwiches and salads; include gourmet bites such as charcuterie boards or bite-sized desserts like macarons.

Crafting summer cocktails or “mocktails” is also an essential part of the experience. You can prepare refreshing drinks, such as spritzers with fresh fruit and herbs, making sure to complement the flavors in each dish.

Ensure that dietary requirements are met so that all guests are catered to. If you’re unsure what your guests may prefer or have allergies to, always remember to ask for their preferences ahead of time!

Providing elegant tableware, linens, and decor

The final touch is all about presentation – going above and beyond with elegant tableware choices makes a lasting impression on guests. Here are a few crucial tips for success:

• Consider investing in gold standard cutlery sets as well as modern plates to add an extra layer of sophistication.
• Linens should also be high-quality; using cotton napkins instead of disposable napkins will bring elegance while minimizing waste at the same time.
  
• Amp up your decor with fun accents like patterned throw pillows that match your chosen theme or floral arrangements that add life to any picnic set-up.
  
• Make sure you double-check everything before heading out – missing even one item can make all the difference when providing luxury services!

Marketing and Promotion

Developing a website or social media presence to showcase services

In this day and age, having an online presence is essential for any business.

Creating a website/blog can help potential clients learn about your luxury picnic services, view photos of past events, and easily contact you for inquiries. A professional-looking website that is easy to navigate and showcases your unique brand can make all the difference when it comes to attracting clients.

Social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook are also valuable tools for promoting your business. These tips will get you far on social media:

• Share high-quality photos of your picnics, 
• provide information about upcoming events,
• engage with followers by responding to comments or direct messages promptly, 
• by using relevant hashtags and tagging other local businesses or event planners in your posts, you can expand your reach even further.

Utilizing targeted advertising to reach potential clients

While having an online presence is important, it’s also crucial to target the right audience with advertising efforts. Utilize paid advertising options on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram to reach potential clients who fit specific demographics or interests.

Consider targeting individuals who have recently gotten engaged or who have attended similar luxury events in the area.

Additionally, you can also consider running ads on local wedding websites or in bridal magazines if weddings are a key market for your luxury picnic business.

By reaching out to those who are already interested in event planning and related services, you increase the likelihood of finding new clients!

Building relationships with event planners, wedding coordinators, and other industry professionals

Networking with others in the event planning industry can be incredibly beneficial for growing your luxury picnic business. Attend local networking events or join professional organizations where you can connect with event planners and wedding coordinators in person.

When working with other industry professionals on shared events such as weddings or corporate gatherings, provide exceptional service that goes above and beyond expectations.

Word-of-mouth referrals can be extremely powerful, and by building strong relationships with other professionals, you increase the likelihood of receiving recommendations for future events.

Remember to maintain communication with industry contacts regularly and show appreciation for their support.

Execution of Event

Arriving early to set up the picnic area

It is crucial to arrive at the picnic location as early as possible to ensure that everything is in place before guests start arriving. This includes setting up the seating, tableware, decor, and food stations.

You should also check for any hazards on the ground, such as sharp rocks or uneven terrain.

Additionally, arriving early will give you time to make any necessary adjustments or changes before guests arrive. It’s always better to be prepared rather than scrambling at the last minute!

Ensuring all details are in place before guests arrive

When hosting luxury picnics, everything must be perfect and ready for when your clients and their guests arrive. This means:

• checking that all table settings are correct and in place,
  
• glasses are clean and sparkling,
  
• food stations are fully stocked with fresh gourmet selections, 
  
• all other details have been taken care of.

One tip is to make a checklist of everything that needs to be completed before guests’ arrival. This way, you can go through each item one by one to ensure nothing has been overlooked!

Providing exceptional service throughout the event

Providing excellent service is key when hosting luxury picnics as a business. You should ensure that your staff members are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the event details. They should also be dressed appropriately in uniform or formal attire.

During the event itself, staff members should regularly check on guests’ needs and offer assistance where necessary (e.g., refilling drinks or replacing dirty plates).

By providing exceptional service throughout the event, you can create a memorable experience for your clients and their guests, and in return, they will surely spread the word about your luxury picnic business.

Here’s a great video with lots of useful tips that I’m sure you’ll find helpful:

Handling any unexpected issues that may arise

Even with careful planning and preparation, unexpected issues can still arise during luxury picnic events (yes it does happen!). It’s important to have a contingency plan in place to handle any potential problems quickly and efficiently.

For example, if the weather suddenly turns bad, you should have a backup location indoors or a tent on standby.

You should also have staff members trained in conflict resolution and handling difficult situations. This will enable them to handle any issues that may arise with clients or guests calmly and professionally.

By being well-prepared for any unexpected issues, you can ensure that your luxury picnic business runs smoothly and successfully!

Post-event Follow-up

Following up with clients to ensure satisfaction

After the event has taken place, it’s important to touch base with clients to ensure they were satisfied with their luxury picnic experience. This is not only a great way to show them that you care about their opinions, but it can also lead to repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.

Sending a personalized email or making a phone call within 24-48 hours after the event is recommended. This allows you to address any concerns or issues they may have had while the experience is still fresh in their minds.

During this follow-up conversation, be sure to ask specific questions about the event, such as:

• if they enjoyed the food and drinks,
• how comfortable they were during the picnic, 
• if they felt like their needs were met throughout the day.

Use this feedback to make improvements for future events.

Gathering feedback

In addition to ensuring client satisfaction, gathering feedback from guests can help you make improvements for future events.

Consider sending out a survey through email or social media that asks questions related to their experience, such as rating the quality of food and drinks provided, ease of booking your services, and overall ambiance of the event.

This feedback can then be used as testimonials on your website or social media pages.

Encouraging clients to leave reviews or share their experiences on social media

Positive reviews and word-of-mouth referrals are crucial in growing your luxury picnic business. After following up with clients and gathering feedback, consider asking them if they would be willing to leave a review on Yelp or Google My Business.

You could also encourage them to share photos and experiences on social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook using specific hashtags related to your business.

Providing incentives for leaving reviews such as discounts on future events can also encourage clients to take action. Utilizing these platforms and engaging with your audience can help you create a strong online presence and attract new clients.

Final Note on Starting a Luxury Picnic Business

Hosting luxury picnics is an exciting and profitable business opportunity, especially with the growing demand for unique outdoor experiences. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can build a successful luxury picnic business that caters to clients who are looking for a bespoke outdoor experience in your area!

To recap, these are some of the most important steps when learning how to host luxury picnics as a business:

• when planning and preparing for your luxury picnic, it’s important to choose a location that fits your client’s needs and desires. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, create an ambiance and theme that matches your client’s vision.

• Select high-quality seating options like comfortable chairs or blankets for guests to relax on, then prepare a gourmet menu of food and drinks that will wow them.

• Marketing and promotion are key components of any successful business. Start a website/blog or build social media presence to showcase your services and reach potential clients.

• Building relationships with event planners, wedding coordinators, and other industry professionals will also help broaden your reach.

• On the day of the event, arrive early to set up the picnic area with elegant tableware designs suited for fine dining. Ensure all details are in place before guests arrive so they can enjoy their time without any interruptions.

• Providing exceptional service throughout the event will help create an unforgettable experience for them.

• Follow up with clients after picnics end by getting feedback on their experience; this is an excellent way to improve your services moving forward. Encourage them to leave reviews or share their experience on social media as well.

Finally, hosting luxurious picnics is not only profitable but also fulfilling as it provides opportunities for people to make beautiful memories outdoors while enjoying delicious meals in unique locations with loved ones or colleagues alike.

I definitely recommend you hire a professional for the steps in the process where you feel you’ll need assistance. When your business is up and running, you may want to consider hiring a full-time assistant or partner who can take care of everything from business needs to transportation etc. 

I wish you all the luck in starting and growing your own successful picnic business! 

PS. If you want more interesting business ideas – check out my complete list of creative side hustles.

Frequently Asked Questions

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