What's your budget for a 4-year-old's b'day party? How much does an entertainer cost? (North London)

[choucroutegarnie]

Our son is a late December baby, so we've escaped birthday party stress so far (a couple of his friends plus a cake was all that was required) but he's now turning four and longing for a party.

We have a tiny house and a budget to boot so before sending out the invites I thought I'd better do some research...

How much do you typically spend on a party for a dozen or so kids + their attendant grown-ups? How much does an entertainer cost for an hour?

Entertainers are about £150 for the hour here, not london.
At 4 they are really happy with a few crisps, cake, squash and sausages on sticks so you should be able to do everything else on £50 max.

Dd will be 4 next week. She's having a few friends for sandwiches and cake and we will maybe play musical bumps or something. Budget of about £20 maybe?

Entertainers @ £150 an hour? I must have chosen the wrong career.

Sarnies and cakes it will be!

Budget for a 4-y-o party?!

DD's party cost:

seven plastic party bags with pencils/rubbers/plastic tiaras in them (all from Sainsbo's)

One plastic Disney tablecloth from favourite cheapo chav shop

Ten paper plates and cups (ditto)

Two prizes for games (Asda copies of My Little Pony)

A M&S b'day cake

Tesco multi-pack crisps, bread and ham/cheese

A handful of tomatoes and carrots

Two large cartons of Tesco value apple juice

The whole thing cost around £20 (max), which is plenty for a 4-y-o!

We charge £225 for two hours but that includes invitations, prizes, stickers and balloons for up to £15 children.