How long does the dry ice cloud effect last?
A dry ice machine produces its effect for as long as the dry ice load lasts, which is why load size is the thing that matters. An 8 lb load in the Nimbus Junior covers a single moment such as one first dance. A 12 lb load in the Nimbus gives you a longer hold and can carry back-to-back dances. The 30 lb Entour Ice is built for large floors and long entrance walks. If you need the effect to run for hours rather than minutes, the Chauvet Cumulus runs continuously on distilled water and haze fluid instead, with no ice to run out.
Will the fog set off the venue's smoke alarms?
Dry ice fog is chilled water vapor rather than combustion smoke, and it stays low to the floor rather than rising to ceiling-mounted detectors. That combination makes it one of the safer effects to run indoors. That said, every venue has its own rules, and some require notice or have restrictions on dry ice handling specifically. We contact your venue ahead of the date, provide a certificate of insurance, and if dry ice is not permitted we will tell you before you book and steer you to the continuous option instead.
Is the dance floor slippery afterward?
The floor stays dry. Dry ice fog is produced by sublimating carbon dioxide through heated water, so it leaves the floor clean where some fluid-based effects can leave an oily film. You can keep dancing on it as soon as the effect clears. Our technician stays with the machine throughout and monitors the floor as part of running the effect.
Do you coordinate with our DJ, band and planner?
Yes, and we consider it part of the job rather than an extra. Before your date we get in touch with your planner and your DJ or musicians to establish the load-in window, the run of show, and the exact cue the effect should fire on. Knowing whether the cloud needs to peak as the doors open or as the first chorus hits is the difference between a moment that lands and one that is already fading when the couple reaches the floor.
Can you cover both the grand entrance and the first dance?
Yes, by combining machines. Because a dry ice load is consumed as it runs, one machine covering two separated moments is usually not realistic. Instead we run two units back to back so a fresh load is ready for the second moment. We can also run units side by side to cover a floor that a single machine would only partially fill, which larger ballrooms almost always need. Multi-machine setups are quoted per event once we see the timeline.
What is the difference between dry ice fog and a regular fog machine?
A standard fog or haze machine fills a room with fog that rises and hangs in the air, which is useful for lighting effects but will not give you a cloud at floor level. Dry ice fog is chilled, so it is denser than the surrounding air and stays low, forming the distinct blanket that makes it look like the couple is standing on a cloud. If someone quotes you a cheap fog machine for a first dance, that is a different effect and it will not photograph the way you are imagining.
How far in advance should we book?
For peak wedding dates in spring and autumn, as early as you reasonably can. We hold a limited number of machines and popular Saturdays go first. That said, we do take shorter-notice bookings when equipment is available, so it is always worth asking about your date rather than assuming it is gone. Your date is held once the agreement is signed and the retainer is paid.
Do you serve venues outside Dallas and Fort Worth?
Our core service area is roughly a 40-mile radius from Hurst, which covers Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Southlake, Grapevine, Frisco, Plano, Irving, Denton, McKinney and most of the venues in between. We do travel beyond that ring, quoted as a travel add rather than declined outright. Send us the venue name and we will tell you where you stand.
