As Non Stop Kids reaches 2020, more parents book an entertainer for their child’s party than ever before. Every year for the past decade, the amount of parties hosted by a professional entertainer has gone up. It's insane!
There are a few reasons for this happening. It could be because parents just want an easy life! Understandable. If their child has been to a party with an entertainer, then that child will probably want an entertainer as well. It could be that the thought of entertaining a room full of children scares your average parent to death! But the main reason is because it’s become the norm. In other words, when your child is invited to a party you expect to see an entertainer.
Regardless of the reason, the bottom line is more parents are hiring entertainment than ever before. The cost of hiring a party entertainer varies depending on a number of factors. This may include the Geographical location, how experienced the entertainer is, whether they are full or part time and the amount of time you wish to book them for. On average, you're looking around £150 and £250 for a professionl entertainer.
What Are The Hidden Costs?
There are a number of hidden costs that you probably aren’t aware of. These costs can really add up and skyrocket the amount you spend overall. You might spend five times more on the hidden costs than the actual entertainer. In this blog, we will highlight the hidden costs of hiring a kids entertainer. This way, you will have a better idea of what you will end up spending for your child’s party. While you're at it, the have an additional Blog that details how to save money on an entertainer.
The Party Bags!
These days it is expected that when you take your kid to another child’s party, you will be given a party bag. Imagine how you would feel if you child went to a party and didn’t receive a party bag afterwards. Party bags can range in price from £1.50 to £5 a bag. You can get companies to supply the bags for you or you can make them yourself. If you do make the bags yourself, it can still be quite expensive once you have brought the bags and the contents.
The Invitations!
Buying a pack of invitations can cost about £5 a pack. This not seem like a lot, but when there are so many costs, little things like this can add up quickly. Even if the entertainer supplies the invitations for you, you still need to print them out and therefore you will need to pay for ink and paper.
The Food!
It is expected that if you host a party you will supply party food for the children attending. There are many different ways of doing this. The most common option is to supply a buffet. However, from our experience, we have seen parents order in Pizza and McDonalds! Our kids party entertainer have even seen many parents hire a professional catering company! Whatever you do, it will end up costing you anything from £50 to £250. If you want to reduce your costs, try and prepare all the food yourself instead of outsourcing. We highly recommend doing snack boxes for each kid as opposed to a buffet to avoid food going to waste!
Food For The Parents!
Most parties these days will cater for the adults that will be at the party. They need to eat, too! The cost depends on what you prepare specifically for the adults. Some parents will offer just tea and coffee. However, there are cases where some parents prepare a separate buffet specifically for the adults. Other parents will have a few nibbles prepared on a separate table. Whatever you decide, it is important to remember that this is a cost that you probably haven’t considered.
Hidden Costs With The Entertainer!
A lot of entertainers have hidden costs that you would not have been made aware of when enquiring. Over the years we have heard of so many examples. A large company based down in London charges an extra £10 if there is no parking near the venue. Some entertainers will charge extra for prizes or balloon modelling. It is quite common for entertainers to charge an extra fee per child if there are over a certain amount of kids at the party.
This can really cause problems as sometimes parents of children you have invited will bring a sibling along with them which can increase the cost for you on the day. The key thing here is to make sure that the prices you are quoted covers everything and there are no hidden costs. Fortunately, here at Non Stop Kids, we do not charge extra for the number of kids and the distance of the venue.
The Venue!
Unless you are hosting the party at home, it makes sense that booking a venue will cost you money. Most venues charge between £30 to £100. However, there can be hidden costs associated with the venue as well. Some venues will charge extra if you want the bar open. Some venues will retain your deposit over very small things (for example, the party running over time a few minutes). We have even heard of venues charging extra if you want to use their car parking facilities. The important thing is to make sure there are no hidden charges when you book the venue. Don't be fooled!
Room Decorations!
Of course, you want to decorate your venue so that there is a party atmosphere when people walk in. This can be very inexpensive or very costly. Some parents hire room decorators that can cost hundreds of pounds. The best way to do this is to buy some party decorations from places like Tesco or Clintons Cards. From here, simply get to the venue early and put them up yourself. You can even get themed decorations, depending on what your children may be into. For example, if your child is having a Star Wars themed party you can get the decorations to match Star Wars. This doesn’t cost much money and looks great.
Optional Extras!
There are a lot of optional extras you can organise for a child’s birthday party. This includes bouncy castles, face painting, soft play area, candy floss machine, chocolate fountains and many more. It can be tempting to organise all of these things (and more) because you want your child’s party to be amazing. The thing to remember is that all of these options cost money and it can add up. If you have hired an entertainer then normally that is enough, everything else is just icing on the cake. Put yourself in the shoes of a child. Could you do all of these extras in a single setting? Remember that less is more.
Your Child’s Party Outfit!
Most parents will buy a brand new outfit for their child when they have a party. This is especially true if it’s a fancy dress party and there is a particular theme. These outfits can cost £20 or £30 depending on where you get them from.
Be Aware of Hidden Costs!
There you have it! The hidden costs of hiring a kids entertainer. We've work with parents who pay £200 for an entertainer but spend over £1000 on the overall party. Insane! You don’t realise how much you are paying until it is too late. Our advice to you would be to set a budget and make sure you don’t go over that limit. Start with the entertainer, the venue and then sort out the food. Everything after that is a bonus. And remember, your child can still have an amazing party without you personally spending a fortune. If you would like further information on the matter, check out our other Blog that helps you make your child's birthday special!
If you would like the Non Stop Kids team to provide entertainment for your child’s party, we would love to send you a quote. For a no obligation quote, just click the banner below and fill in the form. We will get back to you within the hour. Alternatively just give us a call on 0333 301 3002. We look forward to hearing from you!
