In this town, almost everyone has a party at some venue. DD didn't attend a "home" party until she was in 2nd grade. When she finally went to one, she thought it was exotic to go to a friend's house and play games at a party. 
Now she is invited to some "home" parties, but they are pool parties and even those are kicked up a notch. 
Nothing like the parties I attended as a child. The pool party she went to in March had a "goody bag" that had $15-20 worth of stuff inside. I appreciated the gorgeous beach towel, as I had been eyeing it myself and was on the verge of purchasing it. The bday mom saved me the trouble. 
I'd say $300-$400 is the norm for a bday party around here. But add that limo in and the price skyrockets. Plus, you're hardpressed to do Sweet & Sassy only (w/o limo) for $300-$400 because once you add in X number of girls, upgrade above the basic package, throw in the cake, etc. the base price is hovering at well over $400 and maybe closer to $500. The last party DD went to there used a limo to AND from the party and that jacked the price WAY up.
This year, I paid $15 per child to take DD and some friends to the movies. That included admission, pizza, drinks and a snack pack during the movie. I had to pay extra for invitations, goody bags, cakes, tipping the staff and a few other items. We came in somewhere between $250 and $300 and I felt as if I got off easy. No clean up, no nothing. The theatre staff handled it all. Easy peasy.
But I have one child. If I had 3 or 4, I probably wouldn't pay that much 3-4 times over every year. I try to set a limit of $400. Seriously, I place a value on having it away from my home and not having to clean up after a party. But I would not spend $800 for a party for DD. Not at this age.
Now she is invited to some "home" parties, but they are pool parties and even those are kicked up a notch. Nothing like the parties I attended as a child. The pool party she went to in March had a "goody bag" that had $15-20 worth of stuff inside. I appreciated the gorgeous beach towel, as I had been eyeing it myself and was on the verge of purchasing it. The bday mom saved me the trouble. I'd say $300-$400 is the norm for a bday party around here. But add that limo in and the price skyrockets. Plus, you're hardpressed to do Sweet & Sassy only (w/o limo) for $300-$400 because once you add in X number of girls, upgrade above the basic package, throw in the cake, etc. the base price is hovering at well over $400 and maybe closer to $500. The last party DD went to there used a limo to AND from the party and that jacked the price WAY up.
This year, I paid $15 per child to take DD and some friends to the movies. That included admission, pizza, drinks and a snack pack during the movie. I had to pay extra for invitations, goody bags, cakes, tipping the staff and a few other items. We came in somewhere between $250 and $300 and I felt as if I got off easy. No clean up, no nothing. The theatre staff handled it all. Easy peasy.
But I have one child. If I had 3 or 4, I probably wouldn't pay that much 3-4 times over every year. I try to set a limit of $400. Seriously, I place a value on having it away from my home and not having to clean up after a party. But I would not spend $800 for a party for DD. Not at this age.
, then once I realized it was part of the package and it was pink I changed my mind. There isn't one close enough for us otherwise I would so do it for DD, even though she probably wouldn't want it now. She'll be 10 next year and is probably past this. 
