Our policies, in plain English

Booking

These policies cover our all-inclusive (full-service) and self-service picnics. For the Bloom Bar or balloon backdrops, see those pages or ask us.

Weather

Full-service picnics

• Charlotte weather can be unpredictable. If severe or unsafe weather is expected, The Spread may reschedule your picnic at our sole discretion. We will tell you by text or email as soon as possible.
• You may also choose to move your picnic indoors or reschedule because of weather.
• A weather reschedule must take place within 2 months of the original event date. If the picnic is not rescheduled and completed in that time, all payments made are forfeited.
• One weather reschedule per booking.

Self-service picnics

• If it rains on your original reservation date, you can reschedule once.
• The rescheduled rental must take place within 72 hours of the original reservation date, subject to availability.
• No refunds are given because of weather.

Cancellations

Full-service picnics

• Cancel 15 or more days before your picnic date for a full refund, minus any charcuterie or custom food items already ordered.
• Within 14 days of your picnic date, no refunds are given.
• You may reschedule one time only, if you do it 10 days or more before your scheduled picnic. The new date must fall within 2 months of the original reservation date.
• Once a picnic has been rescheduled, the booking is fully non-refundable and non-transferable, even if bad weather arises or you are unable to make the new date.

Self-service picnics

• Cancel 15 or more days before your picnic date for a full refund, minus any custom food or decor items already ordered.
• Within 14 days of your picnic date, no refunds are given.

Arriving on time

• Your reservation begins at the scheduled time, not your arrival time. We will always be ready on time, and we ask the same of you so you can enjoy every minute.
• There is a 30-minute grace period after your scheduled start time.
• If you arrive more than 30 minutes late, your picnic may be treated as a no-show, and we may begin teardown or prepare for the next setup.

Self-service pickup and return

• When pickup is scheduled, a return time is scheduled too.
• Rentals must be returned within the agreed window.
• Late returns are charged by the hour ($25 per hour).
• Food and beverages are not included. Bring your own food and drinks.

See what comes in each setup on the self-service and full-service pages.

Damage, loss and spills

Everything we bring, including décor, tableware, furniture and games, belongs to The Spread and is yours to use during your event. Please treat it with care and return it in the condition you received it. If something is damaged, broken or missing, text us as soon as possible so we can handle it quickly and respectfully.

• We do not require a damage deposit.
• By booking, you take full financial responsibility for any loss, theft, excessive cleaning or damage to rental items while they are in your possession. That includes, but is not limited to, tables, decor and floral arrangements, tableware and glassware, pillows and blankets, games and furnishings, and cleaning beyond normal use.
• If an item is damaged, lost, stolen or needs replacing, The Spread will assess it and set the repair or replacement cost.
• You authorize The Spread to charge the payment method used for your booking for any repair, replacement, cleaning or damage fees.
• If that payment method cannot be charged, you agree to pay the invoice within 7 calendar days of receiving it.
• We may assess and report damage found during cleaning, inventory and inspection for up to 7 days after the items are returned.
• Tell us about any tears, spills or stains. Small spills of clear or non-staining liquids may not be charged at full replacement value, but could mean a dry cleaning fee if needed.
• If an item that is part of a set breaks or is damaged, the whole set needs to be replaced.

Where we set up and how we clean

We host picnics at local parks, beaches, private residences and even backyards. Not sure where to go? We are happy to help you choose the perfect location.

After every picnic, all equipment, including tableware, linens, décor and seating, is thoroughly cleaned, sanitized and inspected so it is fresh and ready for the next guest.