Frequently Asked Questions

There are many reasons to include ice in your celebration! It’s a great way to create a memorable experience for you and your guests with interactive displays for cold food items (such as seafood, fruit or ice cream) or for drinks (like luges, bottle/garnish displays or even full bars). Custom engraved cocktail ice also makes for a unique detail with signature drinks! At weddings, ice sculptures can be used to create shareable photo opportunities that are more valuable because of the short lifespan of the sculpture.

Ice sculptures do melt, but they may take a little longer than you would expect. This is due to the thickness and size of most ice sculptures.

We make our ice blocks in house to ensure high quality sculptures.

Delivery service is free for all locations within 30 miles radius of Downtown, Atlanta.

The IceFree Delivery within 30 miles of Metro-AtlantaInstallation of Sculpture by our team (60-90 minutes prior to event start time)2 drain pan packages are available for purchase with LED lighting.

You will need to provide:A sturdy table (banquet style table or farmhouse tables work best) with table covering, if needed* We do not provide tables, stands, or linens on which to display the sculpture. The client must arrange to have a table (or other suitable display surface to adequately support the weight of the ice) with a covering, if needed, at the event venue.Drain pans. We have 2 packages available. Package 1 includes a disposable drain pan which requires a bucket (not provided). Package 2 includes a self-contained rental drain pan. We will return for the breakdown / removal of the ice at the end of your event.Some facilities have their own drain pans – we are happy to accommodate using their equipment. We may need measurements of the pan to make sure the ice fits properly. Arrange removal of the sculpture at the events conclusion for disposable drain pan package

Yes. Sculptures look best in front of a dark wall or backdrop. White and clear ice tends to blend in to white or light-colored wall. Colored lighting can be used to enhance a lighter-colored walls. This needs to be provided by the client and/or discussed with your event planner.

Ice sculptures are popular for:
- Weddings
- Corporate events & conferences
- Brand activations & product launches
- Galas & fundraisers
- Film, television & entertainment productions
- Holiday parties & private celebrations

If you look at the e mail containing the attachment with your invoice and work order, the set time- or delivery time is located in the top right of the work order. This time is generally one hour prior to your start time.NOTE- the office is usually closed after 5 when events are more likely to be held. Refer to you work order Set Time for your scheduled delivery time.

We need a high-resolution image of your logo or graphic in EPS, PNG, & PDF files work best AI & SVG can also work. NOTE: If you send artwork that is blurred, grayscale, blown up, Internet thumbnails, or business cards, it is more labor intensive and may require a surcharge.

An ice sculpture is a custom-carved work of art made from crystal-clear ice, designed to enhance events through visual impact, branding, or functionality. Ice sculptures can range from elegant monograms and logos to interactive ice bars and large-scale installations.

An ice luge is a fun, interactive ice sculpture where guests can pour drinks down channels carved into the ice, chilling the drink as it flows into glasses.

An ice bar is a functional ice sculpture designed to hold bottles, serve drinks, or act as a chilled food display. Ice bars are popular for weddings, corporate events, and luxury brand experiences due to their visual impact and practicality.

Ice sculptures create last memories for your family, guests & clients.The ice will melt, but the memories will last a lifetime.Social Media Impact & Branded Marketing – Shared moments on social media, become lasting impressions online.Guests will share pictures of ice sculptures on many different platforms. Helping to bring awareness to your event, non-profit, or company event.

For best quality, we recommend engraving an #, emblem or simple monogram on the cubes. Since the cocktail ice cubes are only 2 inches wide - having 1-3 characters makes the engraving easier to see and has more of a visual impact!

We request a 25% deposit upon booking with the remainder due 2 weeks prior to the event. We can make exceptions or arrange other payment methods, contact our sales team for details.

Ice carving is not an Olympic sport; however, it has been featured in conjunction with the Winter Games as a Cultural Olympiad event. The Cultural Olympiad is a series of cultural events that take place alongside the traditional Olympic Games.Ice sculpting was included as part of the Cultural Olympiad for the first time at the 1988 Calgary Winter Games. At the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, the USA’s National Ice Carving Association took an active role in managing and adjudicating the ice carving competition.Unfortunately, ice carving is not regularly featured at the Olympic Games, however the World Art Ice Championships in Alaska and Harbin International Ice Sculpture Competition are both held on an annual basis, keeping the competitive spirit of ice sculpture alive.

Our ice blocks weigh approximately 300 pounds before carving. Depending on the design and how the block is cut, a finished one-block ice sculpture typically weighs between 150 and 250 pounds. Weight can vary based on the level of detail, cutouts, and overall shape of the sculpture.

Pricing is based on the type of sculpture you are getting.We have both wholesale and retail rates for our sculptures.

Each sculpture is made differently so there is no specific amount of time for a sculpture. Large projects are normally made is separate sections. Due to the diversity of sculptures we create and the amount of projects going on at the same time, carvings may take anywhere from a few hours to upwards of three weeks or more.

At a room temperature of 70°F, an ice sculpture melts at an average rate of about 1 inch per hour. Indoors most sculptures last approximately 6–8 hours or longer. For best results, avoid placing the sculpture near fans, air vents, or other sources of direct airflow, as this can cause it to melt more quickly.Outdoors or in warm conditions, melting occurs more quickly, but proper planning, shading, and installation techniques help extend longevity.

It depends on what kind of ice luge it is, how it’s made, and how drinks are being poured through it.There are two kinds of ice luges: tube and trench. A tube luge is an ice sculpture with a funnel and tube frozen into it. It will last as long as the ice sculpture is standing and the tube stays frozen in it. On the other hand, the drink that you pour through it doesn’t get chilled much because of the insulation of the tube. This is why we recommend chilling the beverage ahead of time.A trench luge is a sculpture or ice block with a channel cut into the ice and the poured drink flows through the channel in the ice itself. Trench luges last as long as the channel stays intact.

Our live ice carving demonstrations are generally 2 hours long. However, the timing is customized for your event, they can be fast & furious for shorter events or slow & steady for events that are over 2 hours. The amount of ice used can determine the length of the show.

The sooner, the better. A 30-day lead time is appreciated, though peak dates may book weeks or months in advance. We accept bookings up to one year ahead and will try to accommodate last-minute orders (rush fees may apply). If you are requesting a sculpture with frozen inclusions, we like to have at least 2 weeks to achieve optimum quality. Our goal is to complete all sculptures two weeks before your event.

We accommodate the Southeast states; however, we can travel further. Delivery fees are based on mileage.

Our engraved cocktail ice cubes come in cardboard boxes. Depending on the event venue or details we recommend purchasing a Styrofoam Cooler w/ dry ice box along with dry ice to hold the cubes frozen until it’s time to serve them.

The 1st step is the design process – client and ISI team work together to create an amazing custom creation.We then use ice that is grown & harvested in house to ensure the ice is crystal – clear.It is then milled to the size needed and sent off for production. Most sculptures begin on our CNC machine and then are finished by hand with chainsaws, chisels and die grinders to create the final sculpture.

That's what we do best! Our knowledgeable sales staff will help you to choose the perfect sculpture for your event. First off, you’re reading this so you have a general idea about what you are looking (wedding, special occasion, company function). We recommend that you consult with our sales agents and let them guide you through the process. Ice Sculpture Inc has an elaborate digital portfolio, specific to your needs, where you can view actual sculptures and renderings from which to choose. If you have a custom design or just an idea, Ice Sculpture Inc will help you bring it to life.

Ice sculptures do melt, but we take care to minimize mess. We provide drip trays for most sculptures to catch excess water as they melt.

We offer a ‘Full Service’ Package for one of the drain pan options. With this option, our team returns for the breakdown/removal of the ice offsite.

Yes, with all of our equipment comes lighting. The amount of lighting depends on the ice sculpture

No, we produce most ice sculptures prior to the arrival at your event. We do however offer live ice demos or on-site carving. Please feel free to inquire about both.

Exceptionally well. Ice sculptures reflect light beautifully and create high-contrast, visually striking moments that photograph and film with dramatic impact—making them ideal for social media, press, and promotional content.

Yes, Ice sculptures look best as they melt. Our ice is made so that there is no air or impurities in it. That is why it is so strong. Even in August or September, heat alone will not ruin our sculptures. As previously stated, sculptures cannot be placed in direct sunlight.

Yes. We mix the color with unflavored gelatin, then pour it into the area that needs to be colored. The yeast in the gelatin ensures that the color does not bleed out as it becomes solid once the gelatin sets. We can also print & laminate colored logos/artwork, which can then be frozen into the ice sculpture.

If your event will be held upstairs, and there is no elevator access, please let us know prior to your event. Some sculptures may not be able to be taken up stairs.

Yes. Ice can be designed for interaction, including luge-style drink pours, ice bars, product displays, photo opts & touch-friendly installations—always with safety and usability in mind.

so you can pour drinks through it?

No, Ultra Violet (UV) rays separate the crystal structure of the ice. When these crystals begin to separate the sculpture begins to crack and deteriorate. It only takes 1 hour for there to be noticeable changes in the sculpture. Eventually the sculpture would fall apart.

Ice sculptures are sanitary, as long as they are made from pure water and kept away from bacteria. Most ice sculptures are not intended for consumption; however, some are used as part of drinks and food preparation.Ice bars are made from clean ice, but in order to keep drinks preparations hygienic, clean plastic cases can be slotted into pre-carved slots, allowing bartenders to easily manage their drinks station without the worry of cross-contamination. Similarly, ice luges are kept clean with the use of sanitized tubes and funnels, those drinking from the luge can also use disposable spouts.

We understand that sometimes unexpected situations can occur and parties/celebrations may be cancelled or postponed. We work with our customers on a 1 on 1 bases – rescheduling is almost always available. Please review our policy should your party be cancelled or postponed.

Our ordering process is designed to be smooth and seamless! You can fill out the ‘Get a Quote’ form on our website, call 770-384-8977 or email us at office@icesculptureinc.com.Once you have talked with the sales team & know which type of ice sculpture you would like - we just need your Billing Name, Event Date & Event Location to get a ‘Save the Date/Design’ Deposit Invoice over to you. Not only does this go toward your final total, it also secures your event on our calendar. Once a Design Deposit has been paid - we can start the custom design process & send over a sketch for approval and/or changes. Our team stays in communication with you until the event day, answering any questions you have. As the event approaches, we will confirm the day-of logistical details with you or your event coordinator, ensuring a smooth and stress-free event day!

Each sculpture is made differently so there is no specific amount of time for a sculpture. Large projects are normally made is separate sections. Due to the diversity of sculptures we create and the number of projects going on at the same time, carvings may take anywhere from a few hours to upwards of three weeks or more.

Absolutely! We love helping clients bring their designs to life. We have some classic designs, but most of the work is custom made to fit the styles and needs of each event. We usually like to ask for an invitation or save the date as a starting point for the design feel. There are usually some details, text or font that translates well to the ice sculptures that adds continuity to the event design for guests from the first thing they receive through the reception. That can be true for any style!

We request a 25% deposit upon booking with the remainder due 2 weeks prior to the event. We can make exceptions or arrange other payment methods, contact our sales team for details.

The sooner, the better. A 30-day lead time is appreciated, though peak dates may book weeks or months in advance. We accept bookings up to one year ahead and will try to accommodate last-minute orders (rush fees may apply). If you are requesting a sculpture with frozen inclusions, we like to have at least 2 weeks to achieve optimum quality. Our goal is to complete all sculptures two weeks before your event.

Yes, with all of our equipment comes lighting. The amount of lighting depends on the ice sculpture

Our engraved cocktail ice cubes come in cardboard boxes. Depending on the event venue or details we recommend purchasing a Stryofoam Cooler w/ dry ice box along with dry ice to hold the cubes frozen until it’s time to serve them.

We take care to package our sculptures in padded, insulated bags. Most sculptures are delivered in pieces to minimize any breakage along the way. Our delivery teams are well trained on how to handle ice to ensure your sculpture is delivered intact.

All of the ice sculptures are displayed in trays that collect the water as it melts, so it is not messy at all! For the disposable drain pan option - most sculptures can be tossed outside for it to melt away. Please make sure you have someone assigned to this responsibility. Our delivery team will go over the best way for them to handle the disposal of your sculpture. However, we do offer a breakdown service if requested. It may be required for larger displays that would be unsafe & some venues require us to remove the ice offsite. Breakdowns are priced based on amount of ice and time of day.

We offer a ‘Full Service’ Package for one of the drain pan options. With this option, our team returns for the breakdown/removal of the ice offsite.

Yes, Ice sculptures look best as they melt. Our ice is made so that there is no air or impurities in it. That is why it is so strong. Even in August or September, heat alone will not ruin our sculptures. As previously stated, sculptures cannot be placed in direct sunlight.

No, Ultra Violet (UV) rays separate the crystal structure of the ice. When these crystals begin to separate the sculpture begins to crack and deteriorate. It only takes 1 hour for there to be noticeable changes in the sculpture. Eventually the sculpture would fall apart.

If your event will be held upstairs, and there is no elevator access, please let us know prior to your event. Some sculptures may not be able to be taken up stairs.

Yes. Sculptures look best in front of a dark wall or backdrop. White and clear ice tends to blend in to white or light-colored wall. Colored lighting can be used to enhance a lighter-colored walls. This needs to be provided by the client and/or discussed with your event planner.

We anchor all sculptures on a base slab to ensure stability. Our staff is also trained to inspect the table for stability. NO HIGHTOPS.

90% of the time the answer is NO. The reason for this is that most sculptures are delivered in multiple pieces & welded together during installation. *if the delivery crew feels like it might be doable, they will try – but there are no guarantees that the sculpture will ‘survive’ the move.

You will need to provide:A sturdy table (banquet style table or farmhouse tables work best) with table covering, if needed* We do not provide tables, stands, or linens on which to display the sculpture. The client must arrange to have a table (or other suitable display surface to adequately support the weight of the ice) with a covering, if needed, at the event venue.A drain pan. We have 2 packages available. Package 1 includes a disposable drain pan which requires a bucket (not provided). Package 2 includes a self-contained rental drain pan. We will return for the breakdown / removal of the ice at the end of your event.Some facilities have their own drain pans – we are happy to accommodate using their equipment. We may need measurements of the pan to make sure the ice fits properly. Arrange removal of the sculpture at the events conclusion for disposable drain pan package

On the day of your event, we usually arrive one hour prior to your guest arrival time. We refer to this as the Start Time on the work order. Our arrival time is referred to as the Set Time on the Work Order. Before the installation, our trained team will communicate with the Contact provided during booking.

If you look at the e mail containing the attachment with your invoice and work order, the set time- or delivery time is located in the top right of the work order. This time is generally one hour prior to your start time.NOTE- the office is usually closed after 5 when events are more likely to be held. Refer to you work order Set Time for your scheduled delivery time.

NO

Yes, that is not a problem at all, we do suggest you send us the measurements of the flat display area to ensure your sculpture will fit.

We use cardboard and stretch wrap to package the ice so it is easy to handle and safe to be stored in your freezer. The packaging will also help protect your ice in the tempering stage if your freezer is below 10F.

Freezers that hold ice sculptures are generally set at 10 degrees to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

The ice will be protected and can be moved by kart or hand truck dolly. We sometimes cut handles into the base so it is easier to pick up.

Generally, one hour prior to the guest arriving, larger installations take more time. If it is a food tray you may want extra time to arrange the food display.

You may need to temper your ice longer; you can place it in a walk-in cooler for an hour before you install. Also keep it covered with a trash bag can help but might make some creases if it starts melting.

Most sculptures require a walk-in freezer; however, some smaller sculptures can go in an empty reach in or chest freezer. Craft cocktail ice is a good example of this.

It may sound redundant, but room temperature liquids make the ice melt faster.If you purchase a Luge or Bottle Bunker, chilling the liquor in the freezer the night before. This will make it more enjoyable for your guests and it will help preserve the sculpture longer.

Sometimes chipped ice or fruit pulp can block the luge tubing. In most cases you will be able to see where the blockage is located. A long thin skewer might solve the problem or oven flushing with warm water. If it is a larger obstruction and small hand-held blower may be your only solution.

Make sure the drain hose is not kinked or obstructed in the pan by ice or food and that the end of the tube is not in water to cause backflow pressure.

We do not recommend you taking the sculpture home with you. It might seem like a fun idea at the time, but think about it sliding around and melting in your car. But we have seen this successfully done in the past, so be safe if you do.

The ice is tempering, be patient!! The ice will clear as it tempers into the environment, do not try to speed up this process with water or heat as your ice may then crack or fracture.

Make sure that the sculpture is not in front of a fan or vent or near any heat sources. The ambient temperature of the room can come into play as well.