A young woman who launched her ‘dream’ luxury pop-up picnic business in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic is now booked out months in advance.
Paige Montgomery started Poppin Picnics in October 2020 with the intention to ‘transform the conventional dine-out experience’ and create stunning outdoor events customers can enjoy.
The brand offers perfect luxurious picnic experiences in pristine locations across Sydney.
The 28-year-old told Daily Mail Australia she had no previous business experience or knowledge, and never thought she would start her own company.
The incredible Instagram-worthy picnics are the ideal setting for engagements, birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor or bachelorette parties, baby showers, proposals and special occasions.
Paige Montgomery, 28, started Poppin Picnics in October 2020 with the intention to ‘transform the conventional dine-out experience’
The incredible Instagram-worthy picnics are the ideal setting for engagements, birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor or bachelorette parties, baby showers, proposals and special occasions
Prior to launching the business, Paige deliberated whether customers would desire gathering outdoors all year round or not.
Paige (right) launched the brand in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic
‘Traditionally speaking people have always loved outdoor recreation because it’s an undeniable element of Australian culture, but hosting a picnic event can be hard work,’ she said.
‘Events are much more enjoyable when you don’t lose a wink of sleep because you know everything is taken care of – this was one main motive for the business.’
The picnics look stunning with elegantly arranged cutlery, vases filled with flowers, candles, and soft cushions placed on top of large rugs.
At the time Paige needed to act carefully to abide by Covid-19 restrictions regarding outdoor event spaces and activities.
Customers can purchase packages with food and non-alcoholic drinks start at $320 for groups of 12 and under
The brand has also recently introduced creative workshops, including how to make flower crowns, dreamcatchers and porcelain art, to cater to those with artistic flair
Customers can purchase packages with food and non-alcoholic drinks start at $320 for groups of 12 and under.
Groups larger than 12 will be charged a flat rate of $70 per head that’s inclusive of set-up and food.
‘We also offer add on packages of live music with the talented Aimes music, a mystery location home to five-acres of wildlife, breath-taking views and waterlilies ponds,’ Paige said.
The brand has also recently introduced creative workshops, including how to make flower crowns, dreamcatchers and porcelain art, to cater to those with artistic flair.
The intimate picnics would be perfect for birthdays, engagements, proposals, anniversaries and other special occasions
It is the signature flair and style that allows the brand to differentiate to other event businesses.
‘Whether it’s our French crystal goblets, paramount natural wooden picnic tables or assorted unique décor, I consider the aesthetic pleasure inescapable,’ she said.
Paige said she deters from purchasing cheap materials to set-up the picnics, as she desires creating a ‘cultural experience’ as if you were ‘taking a step back in time’.
It is the signature flair and style that allows the brand to differentiate to other event businesses
Paige said she deters from purchasing cheap materials to form the picnics, as she desires to create a ‘cultural experience’ as if you were ‘taking a step back in time’
Paige now dedicates herself to the business full-time and says her weekends are always packed running around arranging the picnic décor, setup and catering.
‘Weekends obviously are the busiest time but weekday picnics are becoming more popular too,’ she said.
‘The social aspect of collaborating with local artisans and creating a network employing and supporting other small business owners has been a real perk within this newfound industry.’
‘Weekends obviously are the busiest time but weekday picnics are becoming more popular too,’ she said
When asked what she has planned next for the business, Paige said she hopes to develop the brand into a franchise
When launching soon before the Australian summer, Paige said a huge challenge was working with the weather and environmental factors.
‘The set-up is quite a physical challenge, and the summer humidity was unbearable at times,’ she said, adding: ‘The flies were also problematic and thinking of ways to solve this predicament took a lot of trial and error.’
When asked what she has planned next for the business, Paige said she hopes to develop the brand into a franchise.
‘For now, I am happy with the current servicing areas, but to expand in the future is a possibility,’ she said.