How Long Should Your Party Last?

Throwing a party is a great way to celebrate a special occasion or just to get together with friends and family. One of the questions that often comes up when planning a party is, "How long should it last?" The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the type of party, the age of the guests, and your personal preferences.

While there are no right or wrong answers, here are a few guidelines to help you decide how long your party should be.

Kid's Parties

When considering what time to plan a party for younger children, the rule of thumb is to plan it around around naptime and feeding times so that they will be at their best.  Toddlers and preschoolers do best with shorter parties.  This will ensure that you don't end your party with a bunch of super stimulated, overtired or over-excited guests.

Ages 1-2
The best time of day will be right after their nap time and should not last more than 1.5 hours.  At this age the celebration is more family-focused so your guest count will be determined on what you think you can manage.

Ages 3-4
If you are planning to provide a meal during the party then lunchtime is ideal for this age.  Planning on serving cake and snack foods only then go for a late afternoon.  In either case, you want to be sure that the party is around 1.5 - 2 hours long.   Typically now is when parties become more friend-focused and 4 - 6 children is a great guest count.  

As kids start to grow older, their parties will tend to have more activities involved so their parties will last a little longer, but don't feel like you have to entertain them for hours.  

Ages 5-6
Early to mid-afternoon parties lasting 1.5 - 2 hours with 6-8 children

Ages 7-8
Early to mid-afternoon parties lasting 2 - 2.5 hours with 7-10 children

Ages 9-10
Mid- to late afternoon parties lasting 2.5 - 3 hours with 10-12 children

Older Kids & Teen Parties

Depending on the type of event you are celebrating late afternoon or early evening for 3 hours is usually plenty of time to host a memorable occasion.  As they start to get older they will want to invite all of your guests so you may have to set a limit depending on your budget.

If you are planning a more formal event such as bat and bar mitzvahs, quinceañeras, or Sweet 16 these will last at least 4 hours but can go much longer.  Your guest counts will also be larger as these celebrations not only include friends but also a large number of guests will be family.

Adult Parties

The type of party you are throwing is one of the most important factors to consider when deciding how long it should last.  A dinner party, for example, will last longer than a cocktail party or casual get-together. 

Your personal preference are also an important consideration.  If you are someone who enjoys hosting parties, you may want to plan a longer party that allows you to spend more time with your guests.  If you are someone who prefers quieter gatherings or who has other obligations, a short party may be a better fit for you.  

Generally, a birthday party or nighttime celebration will last 4 - 5 hours.  Celebrations such as baby showers or bridal showers are held earlier in the day and last 3 - 4 hours.  More formal events such as weddings will last 4-8 hours.

In summary, the length of your party will depend on several factors, including the type of party, the age of your guests, and your personal preferences.  Young children may not have the stamina for long parties, while teenagers may want to party all night.  You may prefer a casual get-together over a dinner party that will last longer.  Ultimately, the duration of your party should be determined by what works best for you and your guests.  With careful planning, you can ensure that your party is a success and that your guest have a great time.

Still not sure how to plan for your next big celebration, check out our blog Find and Hire The Perfect Party Planner.