Would you change party plan if you were told this

[florida1986]

I've booked a type of entertainer for a children's birthday party next month. Its more of a craft type theme and the entertainer is booked to run a workshop style session making things at our home for around 10 children. I've paid a deposit already plus a deposit for a bouncy castle too.

The other day another mum called me to say that she had heard I was using this entertainer and wanted to warn me that she'd had her child's party recently and that she was very unimpressed with them. She ran through all the things that weren't right (in short, they basically turned up a little late, didn't engage the kids and were very happy to walk away when the children all lost interest after only half an hour). This entertainer has very good reviews online but to be honest this has really worried me. I am now wondering if I should change the plan for the party (maybe book a soft play/trampoline style party where everything is taken care of and I don't have to worry about an entertainer not turning up/not being great if they do turn up and it raining such that the bouncy castle back up plan cannot be used and therefore the party is a bit of a flop). Cancelling will cost around £170 in wasted deposits though but I am trying to weigh up if its worth it to be sure the party will go ok.

If I cancel the entertainer and do it at a soft play type venue I'd also be able to invite more children.

WWYD?

Keep the entertainer, you already have a bouncy castle too so they'll be entertained. Plus it's at your house where I'm guessing you have childrens toys and games if they want them. Maybe they had an off day or maybe the kids weren't interested which isn't really their fault
We ended up with a rubbish entertainer for my daughters party and it was actually quite funny (on the verge of animal man!!) The mums still talk about it now and if anyone on the WhatsApp group asks for party advice it's a really excellent in-joke that goes round again. Also, hilariously, the children didn't notice and a mum said her child wanted "the exact same entertainer as you", which goes to show that parents have way higher standards than kids!!

I very much doubt you’ll get your bouncy castle deposit back, even if they re-sell the castle on your date.

I wouldn’t cancel it if she has 5* reviews then she must usually be good. It’s also a lot of money to lose.

The kids will have a great time. Even if they do lose interest they will be happy playing on the bouncy castle.

I’m going against the grain but I’d cancel. I’d either do it myself, or do a soft play. But if this is a parent you get on with, then I would be concerned.

You can buy reviews, you can ask friends to do reviews

Don't cancel! Entertainer and a bouncy castle sounds like nobody will be bored.

If the entertainer's not up to scratch, withhold some of the balance you owe.

I know some mums who would say the same as your friend but actually they’re quite difficult people to please and they don’t always see things the way a person with more reasonable expectations would, so I’d take what she’s said with a pinch of salt and be prepared that if the entertainer is late or doesn’t fulfil the contract to say straight away that you won’t be paying the balance unless they get the children more involved etc.

Unless it's was someone who I knew well and trusted to be sensible I wouldn't pay attention to it. Some people are finickity. Maybe they just didn't click. Maybe she has a grudge .

You have a bouncy castle. The kids are going to have an amazing time and not notice of the craft part is underwhelming.

Give her a chance.

You might be over reacting a bit. Make sure that your concern is not on what the other parents will think of your party and who you impress. And more on your child and their friends having fun.

That's a lot of money for an entertainer for 10 kids! How old are they? I'd probably stick to the plan though, I'm sure the bouncy castle will be a hit.

I wouldn't cancel. If the entertainer mostly has good reviews, it will likely be fine. I rarely see anywhere with no bad reviews. For example the farm that is near us and I think is awesome, has a few bad reviews on Trip Advisor. Don't lose money. To be honest the kids will probably have a blast on the bouncy castle if the entertainer finishes early. Maybe have something else up your sleeve in case - a few games like pass the parcel or musical chairs, would only require you to spend £5 or less on prizes.

Over £300 for an hour's craft for 10 kids sounds pretty steep to me. Personally, I would rather lose the deposit than pay even more and have them not live up to expectations. Setting craft activities up yourself for 10 kids isn't hard - buy some cheap fabric bags or t-shirts and some fabric paints and that's one activitiy, do some foam painting (instructions on Tate Modern website) and that's another activity, decorate their own cupcakes could be another activity, make their own magicians cauldron (I think it's baking powder, lemon juice and water, but I'm sure there are instructions online) etc.

If you find that too stressful and would rather stick with the entertainer, perhaps you should contact them and say you've received some feedback and just want to clarify a couple of points - then ask exactly what time they will arrive, how long the session will be, how they will keep the children engaged etc.

Sorry, just seen you have contacted them already.

£300 for half an hour of set up and an hour-long kids craft workshop? I'm in the wrong fucking job!

So this mum that gave you the warning.. what is she like? What is your relationship with her like? Do you trust her, is she genuine? Could she be trying to sabotage your party? Is she just a very negative person? I used to be friends with a mum who moaned about EVERYTHING. It took me quite a long time to realise, but she was never happy with anything. If I took her advice I would have missed out on a lot of great stuff. We live in a really nice area with lots of wonderful kids activities and she has complained about them all. And she complains about all the local restaurants and pubs etc etc. I don't talk to her anymore (for my mental health!) but could it be this mum who warned you is just a Debbie downer too? Some people are hard to please.

No way would I lose those deposits on a children’s party. Call the entertainer and tell them what you have been told and get her to absolutely reassure you that she will pull out the stops for your party. Also what are the ages of the children? Most kids aren’t too precious and won’t judge you. Add a chocolate fountain if you’re still worried.

It's a children's party.

I've organised and paid for over 50 of them.

Just get your basics right. Your child will be among friends. There will be cake.

Even if it's a bad entertainer, there will be schedule, a plan, a sequence of events for the children.

If she's bad, you're forewarned.

It's not the children's responsibility to evaluate. We make them go to school 5 days a week and follow a routine.

The children will be happy regardless. A bouncy castle is always good.

You don't know what happened on that day the other mother spoke to you about. Clearly she was unhappy. Who knows whose hamster died?

Just get a grip on reality.

You know right there are more important things to worry about, like does your child know his 12x tables?

Don't forget that sometimes people lie to Professionals to get things cheaper and then are disappointed. You've been told she was late and only entertained for half an hour but it could be she was told a later time or a lower number of kids to save costs.

Musical Islands where kids have to share bits of paper that get fewer and smaller is always a good backup. As is musical statues and sleeping lions for younger kids.

Wow! Can't believe how many people responded to this - it was slow the first day so I forgot about it. Apologies for slow response and thanks for all the replies.

I know the mum well and she is genuinely lovely, not trying to compete with me, not even in the same year as us and I think just didn't want someone else to spend a lot of money and be disappointed.

Anyway, update - I have cancelled, received all deposits back and booked something else. So feeling very happy.😁

And for those that said to 'get a grip' and 'its just a kids party' - if I am perceived as ridiculous for wanting my kids party to go well then all I can say is that, for once, I am happy to be officially ridiculous! 😬

@florida1986 what normal person would stick their nose in and try to rain on your party over some very minor issues. I'd ignore her, the reviews are good. The kids will love it whatever the entertainment tbh, they just want to be together and bouncy castle is always a winner. Some people just love to know it all. X