With ice, there’s no chance the word ‘cheap’ will cross anyone’s minds – despite the fact that ice sculptures have come within the reach of even the most modest of budgets these days. Whether you go for a simple sculpture or a lavish display, ice never fails to create a sense of decadence. A beautiful contrast to the permanence of the newlyweds’ relationship, the temporary brilliance of ice sculptures symbolise just how much effort has been put in to making this single day so special. After all, anything that’s here today but gone tomorrow suggests today is a day truly worthy of your appreciation…An extremely technical medium, ice is as volatile as it is beautiful, and requires patience and genius in equal measures to ensure maximum impact. Which means anyone offering a hand-crafted bespoke service can’t get away with being a shoddy craftsman.Unless you go for moulded ones (which tend to be cheaper and less intricate in detail), professional ice sculptors creating art with a chisel have to excel at what they do. Quite simply, if they can’t cut it, they won’t be in business. But as with any skilled art form, there’s a huge difference between a prolific artist and a substandard one.How can you tell? Simply look through their portfolio, references and website – if you don’t like what you see, move on to one that does dazzle you. You’re paying good money, you deserve the best. It’s fair to assume not many people reading this know exactly what to look for, so allow us to make it crystal clear…have an ice day.
Ice is one of those things where taste plays a big part – there are as many exquisite designs out there as there are tacky ones, so make sure you spend a lot of time selecting the right type to suit your theme, décor and, of course, your personality. There are an abundance of designs on offer, with sizes ranging from mini shot glasses and tabletop centrepieces to larger-than-life three-dimensional ornaments. Take a moment to think about the type that speaks for you. If you consider yourself a sweet little couple celebrating your union in a small, intimate venue, an imposing unicorn guarding the mandap may seem somewhat out of place. If on the other hand, you want to exude glamour on a grand scale in a huge venue, a paltry little replica of the Taj Mahal in the corner won’t really do you any favours. With ice, impact is everything. Do you want a solitary eye-catching centrepiece, or a series of smaller ones dotted around the focal points of the venue? Does the design of your choice complement the floral display and the detail of your outfit or will it look like it’s just been placed there without much thought (we know of an ice-sculptor who was commissioned to recreate a motorbike that the couple picked from his portfolio, but bizarrely, neither bride nor groom rode a bike). Before you chip in to the ice-block, mould a good idea in your head about design, concept and meaning. A good ice-sculptor will be able to help you shape your thoughts and translate them into his masterpiece.
There are some classic symbols of love and unity at your disposal: swans and doves and, of course, religious designs are extremely popular. Another popular trend is to incorporate your sculptures into functional items, such as vases holding your floral displays or ice platters serving chilled buffets. Ice is a medium where the only restriction affecting its impact is your imagination.
THE ICE IS RIGHT
As you can imagine, sculptures made with a mould come much cheaper but we believe if you’re going to splash out on a bit of solid water, you may as well get the best. After all, you wouldn’t settle for inferior flowers when, for a few pounds more, you could get ones that make you go wow!
The sculptures are made from pure water in order to make it perfectly clear. A reputable ice-sculptor will have refined the techniques necessary for controlling the number of bubbles and fractures contained in blocks of ice. Since carvings are hand-sculpted to different designs, the time it takes to make a piece varies and a composition might take anything up to three days. With ice, you get what you pay for. Here are a few questions that might be on your mind while you decide to take the icy plunge…
But doesn’t ice melt? An essential characteristic of ice is its transitory nature. Carvings are supposed to melt and often look their best after a few hours at room temperature – they do not need to be refrigerated when they are presented. An average sized sculpture will last at least 6-7 hours in good condition.
Will they drip everywhere? A drip pan is placed under the sculpture with a hose attached beneath. It is unlikely your guests will notice them dripping until much later in the evening, when the occasion is drawing to a close.
Can I have anything I want? Original one-off designs are agreed between studio and client, with budget and size in mind. A sculpture has to be strong enough to support its own weight as it melts and very delicate designs may have to be achieved in inlay or relief if necessary. Joins between pieces of ice can be made almost invisible, so there is no limit to the size a carving can be.
Can you colour the ice? Ice carvings look fabulous with coloured artwork incorporated into them, but it’s not a good idea to go over the top. If you add dye to the water during the freezing process in order to colour an entire carving, it creates a murky effect that takes the light and sparkle out of the finished piece. The best way to colour your sculpture is with lights.
How will the carving be presented? Sculptures are usually delivered to the venue an hour before guests arrive and set up with underlighting and drainage. To ensure they don’t break or melt beforehand, ensure (and insure) they are packed in cooler boxes designed to keep them fresh and intact.
What will you need from me? Supply artwork, provide information and times of your wedding ceremony, provide a strong table (no single central leg) or staging as agreed beforehand, under or behind which drainage can be concealed, provide a power outlet for lighting.
How much will it cost? A typical bespoke ice-sculptor will offer original designs to meet your needs and quotations are given on an individual basis. Main sculptures start at around £650, with many in the region of £1000 to £25,000. Carvings will set you back around £350, while miniature sculptures cost between £80 and £120. Delivery will cost extra.
When do I put my order in? The sooner you book one, the better. You want your ice-sculptor to give you time and patience, someone who can fit you in on a day’s notice doesn’t sound like quality.
What can I expect in return? Design and consultation; complete carving including plinths, bases, crushed ice and so on; delivery and presentation; drainage and lighting; collection of equipment. And of course, ice cool memories to last you a lifetime… ™
Jamie Hamilton co-runs Duncan Hamilton Ice Sculptures. 020 8944 9787 www.icesculpture.co.uk
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