Ice Sculpture FAQs

HOW DO YOU CHARGE?

If you decide to place an order, we will send an invoice which is comprised of the following principle charges:

1. The Ice Sculpture itself.

Most, though not all of Ice Sculptures we make are roughly 40-45 inches tall or wide, by 22 inches tall or wide, and start at $650.

Our smaller, 2 foot tall "mini” Ice Sculptures start at $350. Mini Luges start at $375.

2. A delivery fee based on location and driving distance from our studio.

3. An equipment fee for use of our drip trays, lighting and other materials used to properly display the Ice Sculpture.

5. A design fee.

Time is money. This fee covers the cost of our staff coming up with a concept and sending a proof for our clients to review, which though often successful, may not proceed due to budget constraints, or the event being postponed or cancelled.

**We do not begin sculpting until our clients sign off on this proof through an email, phone call or text.

***We understand that an Ice Sculpture is art, and that everyone’s artistic tastes are different. If we are unable to ‘nail it’ on the first pass, we are happy to run our design through one free round of revisions. However, if the design phase continues beyond the first revision, an additional design fee of $50.00 per hour will be applied.

6. A credit card processing fee.

A 3.75 percent ‘credit card processing fee’ will be applied to all transactions where a credit card is being used. Also of note we do not accept Pay Pall or Venmo payments.

How long does the ice last?

Inside an air-conditioned room, the ice will typically last 5-7 hours with minimal loss of detail over the first 3-4 hours. 

Can the ice sculpture be placed outside?

Yes, though it must be placed in shade - under a covered patio, umbrella, or pop-up tent of some kind. Despite being in shade,
the combination of warm temperatures and wind will increase the rate at which the ice sculpture melts.

Do you provide a table and linens, or do I?

We do not provide any tables, linens or additional décor. We provide the Ice Sculpture, tray, light and riser only.

How big of a table do I need to provide?

For smaller, single block designs the footprint of the tray on the table is 24" long x 18" wide or deep. Double block designs use our longer trays which measure 45" long x 25" wide. The number of trays we use is based on the final size of the sculpture. For most single block displays, we recommend a minimum 3-4 foot long rectangular table.

Do you return to break down, or do I? 

NO. Other than large ice bars or multi block food displays, we do not return to break down the ice.

How long does set up take?

For most ice sculptures, we will arrive 1-1.5 hours prior to the start of the event, or more specifically, when the ice needs to be "show ready."  That said, we are flexible and open to arriving at an exact time requested by the client. Many designs that are smaller in scale can be set up in less than 45 minutes.

Do we need to do anything to maintain the sculpture while on display?

No. Once we are finished setting up, the ice is ready to be viewed and enjoyed by your guests. While on display, common sense applies, which means "look with your eyes and not with your hands." Please do not touch the ice sculpture or bump the table, which can cause the sculpture to tip over and injure a guest. If you've ordered an ice luge to serve drinks, it's best to let venue staff or a person with experience working with ice to operate the luge. It is also a good idea to check and empty the drain bucket periodically to prevent it from overflowing. Furthermore, once set, please do not attempt to move the ice. We are not responsible for damage due to guest/staff interference during the course of the event.

What do I do with the display equipment afterwards?

The equipment is disposable and can be thrown away, though we encourage you to keep both the battery operated light and 5
gallon bucket that is provided for your own personal use.

If I agree to pick up an ice sculpture, what does that entail? Can I set it up by myself, or do I need help? Will the ice stay frozen in its box until I'm ready to use it?

The following applies to the standard 1 block Ice Sculpture, which measure roughly 3 feet tall x 2 feet wide:

If you agree to pick up the ice, the sculpture will be placed in an insulated box and packed with dry ice (if requested) for an extra $10.00. It will be fine until you are ready to open the box and set it up. Many sculptures weigh 75-175 pounds and can be lifted by 1 person with a second individual to assist and offer guidance while it's placed in the display tray. We will provide detailed set up instructions when the sculpture is picked up. Our pick up times are typically 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10-2 on Saturdays and Sundays. 

24” tall “Mini” sculptures and luges weigh roughly 40 pounds when packaged.

What if I still have questions?

Contact us here.

HOW DO I pay for my ice sculpture?

Chisel-it Ice requires an initial, NON REFUNDABLE down payment of 50 percent upon receipt of the invoice. Your remaining balance must be paid no later than 14 days prior to your event. For 'last minute' orders placed 14 days or less PRIOR to your event, full payment is required. You are welcome to pay online, over the phone or come visit us at our studio. We do not begin sculpting until we receive payment. Chisel-it Ice accepts checks and credit cards. All major cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover) are accepted. We do not accept PayPal or Venmo.

*We do not begin sculpting until a deposit has been received.


Ready to order your ice sculpture?