Party entertainer timing help for 6yr old

[Thisoneorthatone]

We're planning a party for our 6 year old and it's only her second party so we need some help! It's 2-4pm and we're going to hire an entertainer. There'll hopefully be about 8 6year olds attending.

The question is how long should we hire the entertainer for? We could have her the whole 2 hours, but is that necessary or could we save some money by going for 230-4pm to allow for late arrivals? Or 230-330pm to allow for cake and wind down so everyone can leave on time? We're happy to do a few games ourselves but I don't want to end up over our heads!

Does anyone have any suggestions or trouble shooting ideas around the timing that I've missed? I don't know what's usual for a party entertainer! Thank you

[cheercaptain]

I don't think there is any standard with these things. You sort of do what works for you. If you do go with 1hr, I suggest entertainer is 2.15 to 3.15 and you have say a colouring/simple craft activity to keep them busy for the first 15mins until everyone (or most of the group) arrives. Then by the time you do food, cake, pics its time for your little guests to go home and if its not 4pm yet , you could have a mini disco at the end. What is the difference in cost between the 1hr and 2hr package? I was in a similar position but booked 2hrs; it was a £50 difference (the kids will get a 30mins break for food halfway) and I am having 10 kids age 4/5.

[Thisoneorthatone]

Thank you for answering! We've gone for 1hr30 and were thinking 2:30-4:00 entertainer and just wind up by the end but maybe 2:15-3:45 would be better to allow for lateness at the start and winding down at the end. Hmm. It's tricky isn't it!

[cheercaptain]

Indeed. Glad you got booking sorted. I just like to have a welcome activity, especially when it is a home party as I find, in my experience, our little guests arrive in the first 5-10 mins. Enjoy your party