The Prettiest Li'l Picnic
By Taryn King
During a time when various events, ranging from casual to formal, were faced with indoor restrictions, people quickly shifted their gatherings to the outdoors. While capacity limitations were still in place, it was easier to breathe (no pun intended) in the open air. In the wedding industry, that shift blossomed into creative and reimagined ways of celebrating a couple’s joining.
One such notion became the ever-trending “luxury picnic” concept. Most people have been familiar with the idea of laying a blanket on the ground and sharing a meal with friends or family since our formative years. Sometimes, it’s on the cool grass in a serene park, sometimes at home in the living room (when mom wasn’t up for cooking), and sometimes with our little friends in the backyard — just about all of us have memories of something representing the archetypal picnic.
More casual wedding-related events, such as bachelorette parties, formal rehearsal dinners — and even small intimate weddings — embraced the idea of gathering with loved ones in a nostalgic setting with the added boost of professional planning.
While we no longer live under conditions requiring people to keep their distance in outdoor settings, the luxury picnic appeal has not dissipated. In fact, there are now more planners offering this service than during the pandemic.
For all the details and information needed for hosting one of these deluxe gatherings, we spoke with three local professionals who regularly plan luxury picnic events.
Beachin Bash
Catering to the Eastern Shore coastline, from Lewes to Ocean City, Md., Beachin Bash offers picnic planning on the beach, in clients’ backyards, and even indoors. The company also recently partnered with Brittingham Farms and Salted Vines Winery for additional event locations.
In addition to their standard two-hour package offering the basics — chairs, tables, décor including faux flowers, lanterns, candles, place settings, and a charcuterie board — add-ons and upgrades are available for event-space customization. These à la carte options include more time, fresh flowers, desserts, additional décor, signage, and more.
Beachin Bash also offers full-service catering through their recently launched Beach Baes Catering. While Beachin Bash can handle large-capacity events with up to 200 or more attendees, but the sweet spot for luxury picnics is 12 to 24 guests.
For Beachin Bash to bring your picnic visions to life, it is recommended that potential clients book their events three to four weeks in advance. For more information, visit beachinbash.com.
Get On Board Events
Get on Board will travel anywhere within the state of Delaware, but depending on the location, there may be a travel fee. Picnic locations range from wedding venues and private event spaces to beaches and backyards.
Each picnic comes with a beautiful handcrafted table, throw pillows, rugs, quilts and/or blankets, table runners, assorted table décor, and fresh or dried flowers. Add-ons include charcuterie boards, fresh florals, extra time, and sweets and treats by The CakeSmiths. Individual decorative rentals, such as a balloon arch, large lace teepee, bubble tent, umbrella, game station, small and large wicker peacock chairs, and an arch backdrop are also available.
Get on Board can accommodate up to 50 guests with in-house tables and chairs. Typical bookings are for two hours, but additional time can be added on for a fee. Events should be booked at least one month in advance. For more information, visit getonboardevents.com.
Dewey Beach Picnic Co.
Dewey Beach Picnic Co. is currently servicing all the Delaware beaches.
The basic picnic package includes a two-hour luxury picnic table setup with decor customized to the client’s desired look, plus a consultation to plan the logistics of the event. In addition to the picnic table and decor, picnics include: appropriate tableware, cozy pillow/blanket and pouf seating, infused water of the client’s choice, an ice bucket (with ice), assorted picnic games, lighting, Bluetooth speaker, bottle-opener, bug spray, battery-powered fan, hand sanitizer and a customized sign for the event, as well as any event applications required by the town.
The most popular add-ons are a charcuterie board (contracted out to various local companies), a bonfire with slingback lounge seating, and a contracted photographer for a special event or just because. Other fun offers are a Polaroid camera and activity book to take home, floral arrangements, s’mores for a bonfire, etc.
Jessica recommends booking your event two weeks in advance. The company can currently accommodate picnics with up to 30 guests, with expansion plans in the near future. For more information, visit deweybeachpicnics.com.
