A successful Vodka Luge or ice sculpture does not rely solely on the shape or design (contrary to what others may say). It is of course important, but it is just one aspect.
Having designed, carved the sculpture and delivered it, at the venue one of the most important element to a successful event is where you place the sculpture.
Easy?
It can be if you know the rules.
I know we at Passion for Ice are a tad Theatrical and dramatic in our approach to setting up a Vodka Luge or Ice Sculpture, however creating the right ambience can mean the difference between success and failure.
Some of the aspects include: Lighting the luge, the drink to be used, to have Ice Shot glasses or not, to play Vodka Luge Games (or not) and of course where one actually places the sculpture in the room amongst other things.
In this article we are looking at purely the Placement of the sculpture for maximum, dramatic and total impressiveness.
If your goal is for guests to say, “Wow, that is amazing!” Then the carving is not the complete answer. The carving has to be good of course, but showing it off to its very best is paramount.
There are a number of elements or factors to consider…
Where to place a sculpture
Some sculptures because of their design will in effect dictate where they should be placed; a Wedding Table Plan frozen into the ice should (ideally) be placed at the front of the room for guests to see where they are to be seated!
As a general guide…
As guests walk into the room, where will they gaze first? Put yourself in their shoes and stand at the front of the room where they have entered. Where did you look first – dead ahead, to the right, to the left? The room layout will have a huge bearing on where people look first.
Where your guests looks is where the sculpture should be placed. Why have an ice sculpture if you are not going to show it off?
The sculpture will set the tone and atmosphere for the party or event. If, for example it is a James Bond / 007 night, having a ‘007 Logo/Gun’ Vodka Luge near the entrance will immediately put guests into the mood; the world of espionage and Secret Agents.
For a Hollywood theme, setting the Luge up in an alcove or a separate area where guests ‘discover’ ‘The Movie Camera’, the ‘Oscar’ or even a ‘Hollywood sign’ acts as another layer to the party. The red carpet, Paparazzi, Hollywood banners and cut-outs are all ‘up-front’ and over-whelm guests in to the razz-ma-tazz of showbiz – they will do a fantastic job; The Vodka Luge up-front, may not be appreciated amongst all the other ‘Hollywood’ paraphernalia.
Passion for Ice’ Vodka Luges can be either hand-carved or CNC carved. They will look phenomenal and spectacular. But where you place the Luge will make all the difference in the world. We at Passion for Ice are here to help – just ask.
Where not to place your sculpture
Not In front of Windows
White light is made-up of all the colours of the rainbow and can be extremely powerful. Light rushing through a window can be, as we have all experienced at some time; blinding.
With our ‘man-made’ lights lighting up the sculpture – we are no match for natural light. No matter what we do, we can never compete with nature (especially when it comes to lighting). As a rule, don’t compete with nature; don’t place your luge in front of a window (with the curtains open on a sunny day).
Not Against white of cream walls
As mentioned above, competing colours means no-one wins. We’re after contrast not the same colour.
Not in the centre of the room
One would think this would be an ideal place to locate your sculpture. Most single ice blocks, although starting at around 20-stone, once carved will finish-up at being around 13-15-stone. This is a lot of weight.
Imagine at a party people talking, laughing, walking around and so forth (drinks in hand). Unfortunately, not everyone looks at where they are going or walking. Bumping into a 13-stone block of ice on a table could, could spell an accident. This is a great of weight to fall to the floor or even worse, onto someone. That much-maligned phrase, ‘Health and Safety’ does come in to play when ice sculptures are around. Avoid gang-ways, thoroughfares and centres of rooms. Many-a-guest would simply say, ‘I never saw it’. And it would be true.
The Background
What is behind your sculpture is just as important as the sculpture itself.
The sculpture (as daft as it sounds) is carved from a block of ice; it is very clear and very pure; transparent.
Placing the sculpture in front of a white, cream or even light-coloured wall (such as a marquee wall) will not do any favours for the sculpture.
We will light the sculpture for you using the technique of refraction with very white (LED) lighting. The light will make the sculpture shimmer and shine and look spectacular. However, if the background is light in colour too, there will be no contrast to make the sculpture ‘stand-out’.
The ideal
Although the human eye can detect around 10 million different shades of colour, it can only distinguish around 30 shades in the black to white range. As a result, with the sculpture being ‘white’ (in effect) and the wall behind it being white or near white, it can be difficult to see the sculpture in a number of circumstances and situations. The greater the contrast between the whiteness of the sculpture and the background -the better and more the sculpture will stand-out and be impressive.
Call us on 02477 044 827 to discuss your party or event
