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An Ice Sculpture at your Wedding?
by Laurie Ward of Sculpted Ice Works
When you think of an ice sculpture, most people imagine a swan or similar
traditional ice sculpture. What many may not know are the vast amount of
design choices that are now available to the bridal couple. Ice carvings
are growing in popularity, and now many sculptors are offering sculptures
that are customized to a couple's wedding theme or common interests.
Popular wedding carvings can have engraved names, offering a traditional
design while personalizing the carving for the couple. There are limitless
possibilities when purchasing a custom designed sculpture. Almost anything
can be carved out of ice - don't be afraid to ask about a design you like!
If you have a cake topper, picture from a book, or photo of an ice carving
from the internet, ask your ice sculptor if they can make it! Here are many
wedding themes, along with some sculpture designs:
Irish - Scottish Wedding Themes:
Claddaugh Ring Design, Irish Castle, Four Leaf Clover, Celtic Cross.
Royal - Fairy Tales - Cinderella - Disney Themes:
Fairy Tale Carriage, Glass Slipper, Juggling Jester, Unicorn Head, Wedding
Pixies, Mermaid, Dragons, Minnie & Mickey Bride and Groom, Castle.
Medieval - Renaissance Themes:
Juggling Jester, Wedding Pixies, Dragons, Castles.
Victorian Theme:
Ballroom Dancers, Garden Gazebo.
Romantic Evening - Hearts Themes:
Kissing Couple, Ballroom Dancers, Towering Hearts, Large Heart, Heart Vase,
Double Hearts.
Tropical - Beach - Luau Themes:
Palm Tree, Flamingo, Swordfish, Floating Angelfish, Dolphin, Dolphins,
Treasure Chest, Clam Shell and Wave, Pineapple, Parrot, Hawaiian Hula
dancer, Seahorse.
Nautical - Under the Sea Themes:
Sailboat, Anchor, Lighthouse, Trout, Swordfish, Floating Angelfish, Dolphin,
Dolphins, Large Oyster Shell, Clam Shell and Wave, Mermaid with Fish,
Seahorse, Treasure Chest, Seafood Tower.
Patriotic Theme:
American Flag, Statue of Liberty, Soaring Eagle, Patriotic Eagle.
Also popular are sculptures relating to the couple. A couple that graduated
from the same college might choose, for example, a sculpture of the Penn
State Nittany Lion. A couple that met in France might like a sculpture of
the Eiffel Tower. We've found that we've often been asked to create
sculptures that relate to the wedding couple and their interests.
Common questions about ice sculptures
How big is an ice sculpture?
A single block sculpture is carved from a block of ice that is 10" by 20" by
40" tall. The block of ice is 300 pounds before it is carved. Table
centerpieces may be offered and are generally 10" around by 20" tall.
Why do some ice sculptures have a white center?
You may or may not have seen this type of ice, usually called core ice. The
white center in ice is caused by the process of making the ice. Core ice
can be made more quickly and is cheaper to buy. We recommend that you have
an ice carving made of crystal clear Clinebell ice. Clinebell is a brand of
ice making machine that makes ice perfectly clear. A sculpture made of
Clinebell ice will also make your carving last longer throughout your
reception.
How long will an ice sculpture last?
Longer than you might think! This depends on the temperature/weather
conditions, but in room temperature, out of the sun, you can expect the
detail in an average ice sculpture to last around 6 hours, well through your
reception. The sculpture will completely melt away over 24-48 hours.
We can't afford a sculpture - can we?
Another common misconception is that ice carvings are extremely expensive.
While not a small purchase, an ice sculpture adds elegance to your wedding
reception and often gives a first impression during the cocktail hour.
Wedding packages often include delivery, set-up, lighting of the sculpture
in addition to the ice sculpture itself. Table centerpieces typically
include a lighted drip pan and may cost no more than other choices for
centerpieces. This type of all-inclusive package should be considered when
choosing an ice sculpture for your wedding. As with any detail of your
wedding, be sure to ask your ice sculptor what is included in the costs!
Several wedding packages may be offered, and you can choose one that suits
your interests and budget.
We'd like an ice sculpture, How do we find an ice sculptor?
When choosing the design of your sculpture, you should consult with your ice
sculptor. A good ice carver should be open to your ideas rather than
presenting just a few choices. You may find an ice carver by looking under
"Ice Sculptor" or Ice Carver" in your local phone book, but it is often
easier to locate a sculptor on the internet. There are usually only a few
carvers in a region, and you may not find any at all in your phone book. A
better way is to find a carver at the National Ice Carving Association's
(NICA) website at www.nica.org and search using the "Find A Sculptor"
button. This brings up a map and you can choose your state. Finding a
carver through NICA is recommended, since the carver is more likely a
professional. You should choose a carver that owns their own business rather
than carving on the side. Business owners are more likely to be sure you
are satisfied with your sculpture, more professional when dealing with their
customers, and more likely to offer customized sculpture designs.
Questions to ask when choosing an ice sculptor:
- Are you a member of the National Ice Carving Association?
- Are you a full-time ice carver?
- Do you own your own business?
- Will you carve a special design we are interested in?
- What are your most popular wedding ice sculptures?
- Can my names be engraved ?
- Do you have photos we can see, or a website with examples?
- Do you use completely clear ice?
- Will you deliver and set-up our ice carving? Who will be delivering it?
- Do you offer wedding packages, and if so, what is included?
Article written by Laurie Ward of Sculpted Ice Works. Visit
www.sculptediceworks.com for photos and additional wedding ice sculpture
themes and information.
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