fog/ dry ice machine for first dance

ashleydanweiner

hello
iv been calling rental companies all over MA and cannot find a fog machine that i can rent for my first dance.. has anyone done this or know a place i can rent one? my wedding is a month away and im starting tyo get nervouse!!

staceytaylor0704

I think you can buy these from halloween type stores.. for fairly cheap if I'm not mistaken.

staceytaylor0704

Oh, and I have to know- what on earth are you doing for a first dance?

frogurt814

ditto PP.  Halloween stores sell them and I've also seen them at Target around Halloween.

I'm also interested to know what you are doing for your first dance that requires fog?

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dittmerbullard2010

I will say, as the FW of a man who has a dry ice business... be very careful with the dry ice. It's not just like regular ice, that you can handle and breathe around for very long with no consequences.

aerinpegadrak

I don't think dry ice would work for you, it's difficult to handle and not practical for the quantities you'd need to have the sort of effect I think you're envisioning.  A fog machine is better in theory, but they smell AWFUL.  Like old wet rugs.  I usually wore a carpenter's mask when working with them for a show, not something I'd want to have around while I was trying to eat.  I think the higher quality ones don't have the same issue with smell, but they're also really expensive.

skippylouwho

Make sure your venue will allow them. I chaperoned a teenage dance. The DJ had just gotten a fog machine and was excited to use it, the kids were excited about it.  The problem? It set off the smoke alarms which automatically called the fire department.  Kind of ruined the evening.

derrickb

Where have you called? Most general rental places don't carry fog machines. You will want to search for a company that does professional audio/lighting for concerts or theatrical productions. Typically these run about $50/day depending on the area and the product. You can buy cheap fog machines, but they will be just that - cheap. Also, a regular fog machine will make it difficult for people to see the dance if it is not regulated. I would HIGHLY recommend getting what is called a "low-lying" fog machine. These typically use ice (regular or dry) to cool the fog which in turn causes it to settle more toward the floor. This is a BEAUTIFUL effect especially when combined with colored lighting.

As PP have said - make sure to check with your venue about this. Many commercial buildings are now equipped with visual detectors that scan for particles in the air. FOG WILL SET THESE OFF. I also learned (the hard way) a couple years ago that duct work density detectors will pick up heavy fog and then set off the alarm.

Whatever you decide to do - make sure you're using a WATER based machine and WATER based fog juice. Oil based WILL cause an odor and can potentially ruin fabrics. Also...oil based tends to set off alarms more easily. Water based fog will not cause asthma or allergic reactions.

Fog is a GREAT effect. I hope this information helps!

BTW: I'm a creative director/producer for live events (concerts & theater) so I work with fog ALL the time. Let me know if you have other questions!

Norms Angel Forever

many DJ companies will have them... but becareful some cause water to almost flood the floor and can be rather slippery... just be aware

christieep

I have to agree w/PP that you will be able to find them everywhere with Halloween coming up soon.  Try a party store, they have them all the time.

I also recommend just asking around.  When I needed one for prom last year (as the adviser), we asked around to the parents we ended up with three loaned to us.  Why all these people have fog machines laying around I don't know.

~Tuck~

If you are looking for a serious fog machine, try any place that rents theatrical lights (like ALPS - Advanced Lighting and Production Services or High Output).  Also, there is a difference between a fog maching, a haze macihne and dy ice.  Choose wisely.  Definitely check with your vendor to see if you are allowed to use a fog machine.  Also, the fog can settle on the floor, making the floors a little slick.

Good luck!