To ask re kids birthday parties

[Gracie300]

How much do you generally spend on your child’s party?

My 5yo has been to a few parties so far (kids tend to invite everyone in class year so I’d like to do the same, my child would love this) but in central London I can’t see how this won’t cost a fortune? Hall hire, food, decoration, entertainment for 25ish kids?!

Shared parties are the way to go! Yes it does end up costing a lot...

My top tips for cost savings other than sharing a party with friends are getting CostCo or similar food, use free online invites and Book People books instead of party bags.

DS1 is 13 so does things like paint balling and cinema trips for parties which don't cost huge amounts.

DS2 is 8 and his parties generally come in under £300. This year we took him and 9 friends for a skiing lesson at our local slope. As Two2Tango says shared parties are the future.

London 32 kids, church hall was £90 entertainer £150 party food £50 cake £20 decorations £10 approx £320.
Year before craft place £18 pp x20 £360 cake £20 approx £380
Basics you are looking at £300 ish.

Your 5yo has 25 friends?? I'm 37 and even I don't have all that, lol.
Things are way more relaxed in the UK. In my home country it was madness. Kids parties aren't just for kids, you have to feed and water mother and dad, too - and don't you dare not to serve alcohol. They happen in the evenings, often last till close to midnight (it's never a school night, though) and there's a HUGE sweets table, ginormous cake, small gifts for the kids, entertainment and some people even serve barbecued meat with rice and salsa. When I arrived here I was a bit underwhelmed at first, but good god, it's SO much easier and cheaper for the parents. And the kids enjoy the same.

We had a party (greater London) recently for DCs birthday. We invited the whole class and ended up with 20+ which included siblings.

Hall was £75 for 3 hours
Bouncy castle £90
Food/decorations were about £100.

Tips
Avoid having the party over the summer as many people will be away or may forget.

Poundland is your friend.

Don't overdo the food as children often don't eat much. We did nuggets, pizzas and sandwiches. Lots of crisps and cakes.

Generic plates and cups are cheaper than character ones.

Play music on your phone with a speaker

I find you can cut costs by plating food up in portions. I usually check with parents about food allergies then typically put half ham, half cheese sandwiches on a plate along with cherry tomatos, cucumber, peppers, a yoghurt and a packet of crisps and wrap the plate in cling film. Always do a jelly and ice cream pud. Party bags are sweetie cones (less than £1pp) and a piece of birthday cake. Food waste is minimised too. Ive never spent more than £60/70 but I get the hall hire for free from work and do the entertainment myself - usually pass the parcel, musical statues etc.