But how does the effect work, and what should you know before including it in your event?
Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide. When it's used in professional event equipment, it creates a thick white fog that stays close to the floor. Unlike ordinary smoke, dry ice smoke doesn't rise and fills the entire room.
The effect is often described as “dry ice smoke”, although it is technically fog rather than smoke. Your guests can usually still see one another clearly while the floor is covered by a soft, cloud-like layer.
According to Dry Ice International, dry ice smoke is most used during the couple’s first dance. The fog conceals the dancers’ feet and creates the illusion that they are floating through clouds. When combined with gentle lighting, this important moment feels more dramatic without distracting attention from the couple.
Dry ice fog is also highly photogenic. The fog adds movement and texture to photographs and videos when the photographer uses backlighting or captures it flowing around a dress.
Dry ice effects are not limited to weddings, either. They can be used for birthday entrances, award ceremonies, gala dinners, corporate launches and stage performances.
Professionally produced dry ice fog is different from the airborne haze created by many conventional smoke machines. Because the fog stays near the ground, it's less likely to reach ceiling-mounted smoke detectors.
However, you should never assume that it will be acceptable at every venue. Modern buildings can use different fire-detection systems, sometimes integrated with wider access-control and emergency-response infrastructure. Some venues have strict rules concerning special effects. Speak to your venue coordinator and dry ice provider well before the event so that the necessary checks can be completed.
Dry ice effects can be used safely when handled by trained professionals in a suitably ventilated venue. Because dry ice is extremely cold, it can cause serious injury if touched with bare skin and must be kept away from drinks, children and guests. When it needs to be moved or stored before an event, insulated polystyrene containers can help maintain its temperature and slow sublimation. However, the container must never be airtight, as the carbon dioxide gas needs a way to escape.
Carbon dioxide can accumulate in poorly ventilated spaces, so the size and airflow of the room must be considered. Your supplier should assess the venue and manage the dry ice throughout the effect.
The length of the effect depends on the equipment and the quantity of dry ice used as well as the conditions inside the venue. Doors, fans and strong air-conditioning can make the fog disperse more quickly.
Discuss the event schedule with your supplier so the fog begins at precisely the right moment. The DJ and photographer should also know when the effect will be activated.
Dry ice smoke works best when it's carefully coordinated. Good event planning depends on working closely with vendors, especially when a special effect must be activated at a precise moment. Confirm venue approval and arrange a clear cue with everyone involved.
With proper planning and professional handling, dry ice fog can create an elegant and memorable moment that looks every bit as impressive in your photographs as it does on the day.
