Setting up an ice sculpture for a party

As restrictions have eased, our team have been back in the ice studio, creating incredible bespoke ice sculptures, with one of our most popular requests being party ice sculptures. We are proud to have designed and sculpted a wide range of sculptures throughout the years for weddings, parties and a number of indoor and outdoor events. Each sculpture is carefully designed and hand-carved to meet each client’s requirements, and this includes the setting up of the sculpture.

Part of the beauty of ice lies in its ephemeral nature, but this means that the process of setting up an ice sculpture for a party is incredibly time-sensitive. Our team can create custom orders in advance, which are stored in our walk-in freezer, but once it has left our studio, time is of the essence.

How is an ice sculpture set up?

Upon arrival at your party venue, our team will need to find a table that can fit the size of the sculpture and is strong enough to support its weight. For reference, our ice sculptures can weigh up to 120kg, so it is essential for you to plan ahead by ensuring there is a sturdy table available. Whether your event is indoors or outdoors, our team will help to advise you of the best area of your venue to house your ice sculpture.

If LED lighting is being used to accentuate the natural beauty of the ice, they will be placed onto the table alongside weighted blocks, leaving gaps for the light to shine through whilst keeping the sculpture level. The drip tray will then be placed on top of the table with a drain house fitted into the back. The other end of the hose is then connected to a container placed under the table to keep it from being seen or accidentally knocked over.

If our team is setting up a free-standing ice sculpture that does not require a table, such as an ice bar, a drip tray is not required. All water will be drained into a specially designed base to ensure the floor of your venue is not water damaged and that your guests remain safe.

Plastic grip sheets will then be placed into the tray to keep the sculpture from slipping, especially as it begins to melt. Depending on the type of ice sculpture our team have created, sometimes a base slab will be placed in the tray for the main sculpture to rest on. This slab will help to elevate the sculpture for all your guests to see and often allows the sculpture to last longer. Water is then poured around the seam of the two pieces to help fuse the base and main sculpture.

From there, you simply turn on the LED lights, and your bespoke ice sculpture is ready for your event!

Our team has also created a wide range of smaller ice sculptures for parties, weddings and other events over the years. One of our most notable projects would be the 400 Swans we created for an engagement party. Each guest was served caviar on a plate of ice with a hand-carved swan in the middle, illuminated by a small LED light placed underneath. These smaller ice sculptures arrived at the venue and were set up just in time for them to be brought out to guests as an unforgettable appetizer.

Bespoke Party Ice Sculptures

Our team at Hamilton Ice Sculptors have designed and created countless bespoke ice sculptures for parties, weddings and events for over 40 years. From ice bars to life-sized sculptures of people, stunning centrepieces, to ice luges, we are happy to work with you to create the perfect party piece.

Whether you have something specific in mind for your party or are looking for help with inspiration, our team are more than happy to work with you to design a bespoke party ice sculpture to make your event that much more memorable.

To see some of the fantastic party ice sculptures our team have created for a whole host of events, take a look at our Ice Gallery featured on our home page or check out our Party Ice Sculptures page to see more.

If you would like to find out more about our Party Ice Sculptures or would like to discuss an upcoming project, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today on 020 8944 9787 or email us at [email protected].