4th birthday party - how long??

[MrsHarry]

Having DD's 4th b. party on a Saturday afternoon with 8 kids but not sure how long to make it - 3 hours seems too long but worried that 2 won't be long enough! Any experts got any advice?!

I've done 2 hour parties at that age. For that, you get 15 minutes or so welcoming everyone, an hour of riot/games/entertainment (and trust me, that'll be plenty) 15 minutes calling them down and shepherding them to food. 15 minutes or so eating then cake and any last bits and pieces before they (hopefully) all leave on time. Then you reach for the gin!

yes 2 hours is the norm round here. It's plenty long enough, believe me.

my dd has lots of cousins so theyll arrive from 3pm, then the 'guests' will arrive at 330pm, all to roll off home @ 6/630 ish hopefully (aided by the slick bouncy castle team who deflate at 6pm sharp

90 mins is the way to go IMO

2 hours tops - less if you can!

Thanks. Yep, think I'm gonna go for two hours. It's the first proper birthday party we'll have done - all the others have just been bbq with various rels making a big fuss of DD! - so think I'll ease myself in gradually.

I agree 2 hours max - much better too short than too long!!! Enjoy!

Ours was 2.5 which was fine. Ours involved running around screaming for that whole time though as it wasn't structured so it was a bit like a massive playdate!

I found a great party plan here for a 2 hour princess party. Princess party plan The key is to keep them busy and you will definitely deserve a large glass of wine after.

Have Fun!

We did 2 hours on Saturday, I was sorry as it seemed a bit short but that's because it was fabulous (the kids were brilliant) and it wasn't raining. I think much better to be sorry to see them leave than to be going up the walls wishing the parents would arrive. (it was a 4 year old's party).

2 hours max. 1.5 hours preferable - once the parents arrive to collect you can either shoo them away or invite them to stay for a drink depending on how it's going.