Ice Sculptures A European Experience

Meet the expert! 

Robert The Iceman is the Owner of Ice Sculptures A European Experience, an ice carver, sculptor, and artisan who has been involved in the ice sculpting industry for over 34 years, serving the Greater Los Angeles Area, well known by all the General Managers of Hotels & Country Clubs, as well as Chefs and Event Planners alike.

As a Chef, trained in Holland and having run his own catering business, all that international experience is helping you in making the right decisions.  Robert did an apprenticeship to become Chef at the Campveerse Toren.

The Intercontinental Amsterdam is where his father in the 1950s was a famous Maitre'd and Concierge! Serving the Royal House of Orange! Then he was hired to bring 5-star service to the Ritz-Carlton in New York and other Hotels in North America!

Every ice sculpture/carving/luge is sculpted by hand with a chainsaw from a special design, the artwork which is worked out with the client for that special photo shoot making people smile!

Check out our reviews on Google, people love taking pictures with the ice sculptures, more often then not, it makes the party!

Everything to know about having an ice sculpture at your wedding event.

Yes, they can be a fun, an eye-catching design element, but they can also serve a functional purpose.

Once you’ve got essentials like a wedding venue and the photographer out of the way, it’s time to focus on what is often the most enjoyable aspect of big-day planning: choosing the décor! While weddings these days are filled with “wow” moments that range from smoke bombs to Champagne walls, ice sculptures and other frozen elements are more unique fixtures that can truly be the ice-ing on the cake. 

“An ice sculpture is the cherry on top of your event,” says Industry Pro and Ice Carver and Sculptor, Robert The Iceman. “You don’t see them every day.” 

Interested in adding one to your own cocktail hour or reception? Read on for Robert The Iceman’s expert take on everything to know about wedding ice sculptures, including how much they cost, when to order, and how to decide on a design.

How to Decorate Your Wedding With Ice Sculptures 

If you’re after just a splash of ice, the most traditional option is the standalone sculpture, which are often carved with symbols of love (hearts, rings, swans, etc.) or a couple’s new last name or initials. Per Robert The Iceman, this type of piece most often features as a visual counterpoint to the wedding cake. Another smaller-scale option might be to suspend florals in ice for a unique take on tabletop centerpieces.

There is also, of course, the ice luge. For couples who really want to bring the party, this can be a fun interactive element that also doubles as décor. “We can make these where you pour directly on a track on the ice, or you can pour through a funnel tube system,” says Robert The Iceman. “That way, you can still do a beautiful sculpture, but the liquor can do some turns that it could not do if it was riding on top of the ice.” 

For those looking to up the ante, consider making an ice sculpture part of your food and drink display. One of Robert The Iceman’s favorite choices for events is a full-blown ice bar, which, he notes, typically works best when it's situated in the reception lobby or in a separate cocktail area away from the main dance floor.

To keep larger ice fixtures in supreme condition, Robert The Iceman recommends positioning them away from direct sunlight and air conditioning drafts, and protecting them from windy conditions.

Ice fixtures are an eye-catching way to set off food stations that need to be served cold. “You can have a beautiful multi-level food display for everything from caviar to sushi to seafood,” Robert The Iceman says. “And if you’re not serving buffet style, it’s always cool to come out with ice ‘plate’ appetizers filled with lobster tails or ceviche.” Ice cubes with initials are another creative option. 

When Should I Order My Wedding Ice Sculpture? 

Per Robert The Iceman, basic shapes such as swans or hearts can be ordered 30 days in advance, but more custom designs require at least two months notice in slower seasons. For events in busy seasons, such as graduation and end-of-year holidays, he recommends putting in your order as soon as you know your event date. In most circumstances, ordering an ice sculpture 3 to 6 months in advance of your wedding date should guarantee your spot. 

How to Decide on a Design for Your Wedding Ice Sculpture 

You know you want ice décor, but if you're not sure what form you want your sculpture to take, it can be difficult to narrow down the options. To help you decide on a vision, Robert The Iceman shares the questions he uses to guide his clients.

Will it have utility, or is it just for display? 

If you want guests to interact with your display or if you’ll be using it to serve foods that need to be chilled, ice décor integrated into your catering setup will feel more logical and seamless. If you’re really just looking for a one-off visual note, opt for tabletop ice décor or go with a standalone ice sculpture in a tone-setting space such as the reception entrance. And don’t forget, people love taking pictures with an ice sculpture, so location, location, location! Pick a spot with that in mind!

What’s your wedding theme?

“A lot of times this will provide direction,” says Robert The Iceman. “Also consider your location.” If you’ve got an Art Deco vibe going, opt for something with geometric shapes and graphic lines. If you’re marrying in a destination with certain signature landmarks, à la Philadelphia's famous LOVE statue or the palm trees of a Caribbean island, consider honoring that sense of place.

What do you have in common? 

Your new last name isn’t the only thing you share! While ice sculpture designs do often feature a couple's monogram or initials, (matching your ice cubes with initials), this is also an opportunity to pay homage to the passions that brought you together in the first place. “If you both like to hike, do a backpack or hiking boots,” suggests Robert The Iceman.

The carving and sculpting of an ice sculpture. 

Everything you need to know about an ice sculpture by Ice Carver and Sculptor, Robert The Iceman, owner of Ice Sculptures A European Experience, an industry pro who has been involved in the ice carving and sculpting industry for over 34 years. 

Robert The Iceman has created incredibly detailed and intricate ice sculptures for events around the greater Los Angeles area. In this article we will be answering some of the key questions we are most commonly asked. 

How is an ice sculpture made?

This is the most common question asked and the answer is simple. No matter how big or small the ice sculpture, the techniques used are exactly the same, the first step to creating an icy Masterpiece is drawing up the design for the client to sign off on.

Once ready to start sculpting, I will retrieve the appropriately sized ice blocks. To carve out the general shape of the sculpture, I begin by using a chainsaw to quickly slice of large chunks of ice. Once a rough outline has been created, I chisel, sculpt and shape the ice carefully, carving in the intricate details without damaging the piece.

Sometimes I add color inlays or pictures and we use LED lights to complete the ice sculpture, all depending on the client's requirements. 

How long do ice sculptures last?

The lifespan will depend on the size of the sculpture and where it is placed. For instance, if you have an ice sculpture outdoors in the sun, it won't last long and if the sun hits it directly, it will crystallize the ice and it will just shatter. So outside always in the shade, whereas sculptures in more temperature control settings will last much longer. 

At room temperature an ice sculpture should last over 8 hours with the finer details becoming less distinguishable in the first 4 hours. It's like losing weight, however placing the sculpture in the coldest area of the event and setting it up at the right time will allow it to last as long as possible.  

Melting

Ice sculptures will inevitably melt, but how fast this happens can be reduced. By keeping your sculpture in colder spaces and away from direct sunlight, wind and heat sources, you can help your sculpture to last longer. That being said, we think there is something quite beautiful about seeing how the ice moves and changes over time morphing into an interesting abstract art piece. The gradual melting (like losing weight) creates the incredible clear and magical look and why people love taking pictures with the ice sculpture, especially if it's also a luge and people are taking drinks.