Inside the world of the luxury children's party

Parents spend a total of £19,000 on their children's parties - but there are some places where it isn't difficult to spend that all in one go

Bespoke tea and cake at a swanky hotel is one of the new breed of luxury children's parties Credit: Photo: Niemierko Kids/Eddie Judd Photography

News that parents spend a total of £19,000 on their children's birthday parties won't come as a surpise to anyone who is even vaguely aware of the spiralling costs of keeping up with the Joneses. But some parents splurge that - and more - in one go. And if you've got the cash, there are people who will bring your child's favourite book to life, organise afternoon tea at the Dorchester, or entertain them at a sleepover in a toy store.

But be careful - once you've given them a taste of the high life, they'll never be happy with ice cream and church halls again..

High society

Children's afternoon tea - complete with butlers - is a centrepoint of the classic Niemierko party (Photo: Niemierko Kids/Eddie Judd Photography)

High society wedding planner Niemierko Ltd throws bespoke themed children’s parties. With clever marketing help from his ten-year-old niece Ruby-Grace, the event planner Mark Niemierko shows what’s expected at this new breed of children’s parties. A glimpse at his Instagram feed shows that clowns and cake just don’t cut it any more.

Instead, butlers, chips in monogrammed bags and miniature castles are set up in a room at a swanky London hotel. Children are served crown shaped cookies and drinks from silver trays. It’s a fancier party than most adults could ever expect.

Crown cookies. #NIEMIERKOKiDS

A photo posted by NIEMIERKO (@niemierko) on

The most expensive party thrown by the company was a £35,000 Old MacDonald-themed party for a two-year-old, and their clients include footballers and Russian expats.

The greatest store in the world

What child doesn't dream of a sleepover in a toy store? (Photo: David Rose)

Yes, a sleepover at Hamley's. It costs £4,500 to book out the entire store on a Saturday night for a bespoke themed sleepover for ten children, including photoshoot, entertainer, treasure hunt, midnight movie and breakfast.

Boys will be boys

The most elaborate parties include custom-built scenarios based around the child (Photo: Sharky and George)

Old Etonians Charlie Astor and George Whitefield, aka Sharky and George have become legendary for their boisterous outdoorsy parties which have taken the children's party world by storm.

With themes including Quests, a high-octane trasure hunt, and Mini Olympics, these are parties designed to get children active. Prices for the classic party start at a modest £384, but the most elaborate bespoke set-ups, which can include high speed boat chases, helicopters and staged interrogations, can cost up to £80,000.

They're mostly based in London, but also have thrown parties for the well-heeled children of Switzerland and Monaco, and can organise a party based on a child's favourite book, film or video game.

Splash the cash

Musician Sir Elton John, right, greets Dr. Rick Warren on Capitol Hill in Washington, prior to testifying before the Senate State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs subcommittee in support of U.S. funding for global HIV/AIDS treatment.

Steve Duggan has organised parties for stars including Elton John (Photo: AP)

If you really want to splash out, a children's party organised by Steven Duggan comes recommended by none other than Elton John and David Furnish. It also doesn't come cheap.

The celebrity party organiser's basic Gold rate includes LED Lighting package, invitations and stationery and a photographer, for £4,900. If that's not special enough, you can blow the whole £19,000 in one go on a bespoke party - which includes venue hire, performers, a three course meal and props.