Are celebrity birthday parties setting impossible standards for parents?

Children’s birthday parties are no longer just about cake, pass-the-parcel and a few lolly bags.

As social media fuels ever-more elaborate celebrations, Australian parents are feeling increasing pressure to throw Instagram-worthy parties for their children — with some people spending up to $10,000 on a single event.

Industry experts say celebrity-style birthdays and viral party trends are helping drive soaring expectations, raising questions about whether an unattainable standard is being set for everyday families.

Australian event company My Perfect Party director Allison Barrett told 7NEWS.com.au social media has had a big influence on people’s party planning.

Barret said how much people spend depends on the style of the party, including the age group and number of guests.

She said clients can spend anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 for children’s parties.

“All costs have gone up unfortunately and it’s no different in our industry,” Barret said.

Barret’s company offers party styling, budget planning, sourcing venues, organising catering, drinks and entertainment, hiring of tables, chairs and decor, and co-ordinating cakes and balloons.

Celebrities often throw huge, costly birthday parties for their children, which are often flaunted on social media.

These lavish events feature private islands, custom themes and A-list guest lists that turn personal milestones into major pop-culture spectacles.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are the latest celebs to post footage of an extravagant birthday party, throwing an elaborate Spider-Man-themed bash for their son Riot’s 3rd birthday last week.

The high-profile couple transformed the space into a full superhero world for their son, including custom red, black and blue decor, personalised “Riot 3” signage, custom drinks and food and immersive superhero entertainment.

Other recent over-the-top celebrity kid celebrations include Kim Kardashian’s jaw-dropping Pokémon-themed party for Psalm’s 7th birthday, and Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott’s massive joint party for Stormi and Aire.

But are these celebrity parties doing harm by creating unachievable goals for regular parents?