In this blog, we cover what Dancing on a cloud (a popular wedding effect) is, and how it can also be used with other events. As an added bonus, we will also go into detail about our methods for doing it and other methods in the industry that have caused issues, and why some venues don’t allow it.
Dancing on a cloud, sometimes referred to as “dancing in the clouds”, “low lying fog”, or other similar names, is a low lying fog effect that is used for a variety of purposes at weddings and events. For weddings, it is generally used during the first dance, (as pictured above), and the pictures that this results in are absolutely stunning! (The effect itself in person is also stunning).
Other Uses for Low Lying Fog
This effect can also be used for theatrical productions as low lying fog, to simulate a swamp atmosphere or even heaven (in the clouds). You can learn more about adding this service to an event on our enhancements page.
How Does the effect work?
Our method uses dry ice and hot water in a nutshell. We use a machine to contain water and heat it up to almost boiling, this machine is purpose built for this effect. Dry ice is added to the machine then strategically placed into the hot water at alternating intervals and depth to make a cloud come out of the machine. A skilled operator modulates this output during the duration of the use. The science behind this is simple, dry ice is frozen CO2 gas, which does not melt into a liquid form, it goes straight from solid to gas (this is called sublimation). Just like in a drink at the sugar factory, when we put dry ice in water, especially hot water, the ice will interact faster and produce more of a cloud (especially based on the water vapor available and humidity). The water in the machine is effectively diluted into the fog coming out of the machine the same way an actual cloud contains water vapor. Cool right?!
Why do some venues ban this effect?
I’ll try to keep this as short as possible, there are two main reasons that venues ban this effect: Other methods besides dry ice, and smoke detector issues. The good news, is that our method for doing this effect will not cause problems with either of these!
Non-Dry Ice Methods of Low Lying Fog
To put it simply, dry ice is the best method for doing this, unfortunately, dry ice is also expensive, and that is why other methods exist, the problem is those methods cause a laundry list of issues with venues. Venues will commonly ask if the effect will damage the dance floor. When you use dry ice, the worst case is water vapor and condensation build up, however, non dry ice methods use special fluids that may interact with dance floors, make things sticky, or cause permanent damage.
Issues with Fog and Smoke
When the average person is referring to smoke regarding this effect, they actually mean fog, and we are actually going to talk about two types of fog here, “fog” in terms of fog fluid and foggers, and fog – as in the natural phenomenon of the water cycle that involves water vapor suspended in the air. Fog fluid and foggers, can cause issue with smoke detectors, so most places do not allow it. Some large venues in Providence, RI are actually prohibited from using fog and only allow CO2 and dry ice effects because they cannot have any risk of setting off smoke alarms. Notice dry ice effects are allowed, thats right, they won’t set off smoke alarms! Dry ice and CO2 effects use a difference in temperature and water vapor to create their effect, and CO2 gas (which dry ice is the solid form of) is found naturally within our atmosphere also.
Warnings & Use for Dry Ice & Water Based Dancing on a Cloud
Dancing on a cloud comes with some drawbacks of using the dry ice method that are fairly nuanced and can be based on the venue location, and a number of other factors. It is important to consider these when deciding if the dancing on a cloud effect is right for your event.
Fog Will Not be on the Dance Floor Until you Begin Your Dance
This is for a number of reasons, and we can accommodate special requests if you would like the dance floor to be a cloud when you walk on. Usually, the first dance is directly following introductions, where many guests are standing, and the wedding party is walking across the dance floor. For safety, we do not start the cloud effect until the couple has entered the dance floor for their dance. Additionally, to allow for the duration of your dance to be covered by the fog, especially if you use the entire song, it is best to begin when you enter the dance floor, not before, as the machine does cool down while it’s being used.
The “Cloud” may be Inconsistent During the Dance
The cloud is manually operated and a number of factors (physical and environmental) can affect the dispersion of the fog. Due to these factors, it is not possible to have the cloud look exactly the same the entire dance. But there are things that can help to make the fog look good: Use it indoors, keep a moderate level of humidity, turn ventilation systems off during the dance, and as much as possible, move around the dance floor during the dance, so that the fog can spread without having to ensnarl you (nearly impossible). Good photography angles also help!
The Floor May be Slippery
Floor surfaces that are prone to be slippery when wet, such as those that are heavily polished to a mirror finish, may become slippery during the course of the effect. Our tech will clean up any water vapor to a reasonable standard following the dance, and most venues have some amount of texture to their floor that helps with traction. However, if you have a large highly polished dance floor, we would advise against dancing on a cloud as it is a slipping hazard. Hardwood stages (such as those in theaters) also pose a risk as they are usually similar to a gym floor, however if they have been painted black, it likely has more texture.
The Fog will be Used for the First Dance Primarily
Normally the effect is only used for the first dance (for weddings), if extra dry ice remains we will usually use it for parent dances as well. If you would like the effect to be used consistently throughout the night, please let us know when booking, as arrangements need to be made to purchase additional ice, have the technician on site longer, and we will also have to discuss the reality that it won’t be able to be consistent (the machine needs time to reheat following each “drop”).
Do you need a dancing on a cloud effect in RI, MA, or CT? Contact us now!
