How much would you spend on a four year old's party?

[dorawannabe]

One of the mums at nursery has asked if my dd and hers would like a joint party next year. I'll be eight months pregnant and she's offering to organise it all which is great, but she seems to be working to a budget of about £300 between us. That seems a little ridiculous to me, I mean dd is only four. Am I being ungrateful? Is this a resonable amount? £150 for a four year olds party seems an awful lot. What do you guys do?

I guess it depends what kind of party?
If it's an entertainer plus food I would say that's about £100 all in maybe.
If it's the local village hall to hire that's usually about £50-£100 plus doing the fod yourself or paying caterers
If she's booking an entire swimming pool for a pool party or a soft play place then that would be about right I guess

does sound far too much.
i usually end up spending 100.in spite of myself,
combining a party should be cheaper?

Well, I use the local community centre which is free. I do our own food, and am a big enough prat to arse about with a gang of four year olds myself. They don't eat much, so, ummmm about £30.

I am notoriously tight though.

£300 seems a lot, how many children would there be??
Ds had his 4th bday party in a nursery that did soft play, the bday cake, party bags, face painting etc and it was £140 for 24 children. That was by far the cheapest as most other places wanted over £200.

That's the thing. Other mum will probably want to invite about 40 kids at least. I'm beginning to think it's not such a good idea. I don't really want to spend £150 the month before I give birth, I mean it's not like I'll be loaded once the baby arrives. It think I'll stick to my original idea of a princess tea party for a few of her friends at home. Cheaper and a lot less hassle.

dd had a party at local soft play centre. Party tea was included, plus gift for the birthday girl. It cost me £70 for 10 children.

DS2's party was a pirate do in a hall. Hall cost £30 or so; food prob about another £30 (? guessing).

Games were cheap, prizes for them about £15, party bags about £1.50 each for about 20 children.

That's more than £100 but that's cheap for a relatively big party. Soft play for that many would be at least £160 round here, maybe with party bags on top.

I think £300 for one party is a lot. But what does it involve (entertainer etc?) adn where are you (london entertainers seem very £££)

jeez read yr 2nd post 40 kids? I hope with that many someone else is enteratining them....