What questions should I ask before hiring a children's party supplier in the UK?
Planning a kids party in the UK can be a whirlwind of excitement, but it also involves a fair bit of coordination. Whether you’re hiring a high-energy entertainer, a themed bouncy castle or a professional face painter, the suppliers you choose can make or break the atmosphere. So, to ensure your event goes off without a hitch, it’s important to look beyond the price tag. From legal requirements to ‘what if’ scenarios, here are the essential questions you should ask before signing on the dotted line.
1. Legal & safety checks
In the UK, professional suppliers should have their paperwork in order. This isn't just about red tape; it’s about the safety of your little guests. First, you need to ask, “Do you have Public Liability Insurance?” Most UK community halls and venues require at least £5 million in cover. The next question is “Is your equipment PAT tested?” Any electrical equipment (e.g., DJs, popcorn machines) must be safety-tested annually. And lastly, “Do you have a DBS check?” While not always a legal requirement for one-off events, a professional entertainer working with kids should be happy to provide an enhanced DBS certificate for peace of mind (and you should ask for one).
2. Experience & age appropriateness
A magician who is amazing with teenagers might struggle with a group of toddlers. So, it’s always good to ask “What age group do you specialise in?” Make sure their engagement style matches your child's developmental stage. “Can I see recent reviews?” is also another good one. You want to look for feedback specifically regarding parties near you to ensure they understand local venue layouts and their expectations.
3. Logistics & ‘The British Weather’
“What is your cancellation policy?” should be next. Whether it’s a sudden illness or a classic British downpour for an outdoor event, you need to know if you can reschedule or get a refund. Next, “What are your power and space requirements?” This will ensure your venue has enough sockets and floor space before the supplier arrives.
4. The backup plan
Make sure to ask, “What happens if you are ill?” Professional suppliers usually have a network of colleagues they can call upon if they are unable to make it, and you’ll want to vet those too - just in case.
Download our party supplier checklist
Don't rely on memory during a busy planning session! We’ve created this handy, printable checklist to keep in your party planning folder that you can use to track your conversations and ensure every supplier meets your standards.
You can save and print it here.
Need more help and support for your party? You can put a request out to all our local suppliers at once with this tool! Handy!
