AisleDash

I don't believe I've actually ever seen an ice sculpture anywhere other than a television screen. I always assumed they were fixtures of Hollywood weddings and sophisticated decorations for the exclusive parties of the rich and famous, and I have attended neither such event -- but a little bit of research tells me these fancy decorations aren't as outrageously overpriced or inconvenient as I'd thought.

Most sculptors won't ship their creations very far, so you'll need to look for someone relatively local if you want an ice sculpture for your wedding, but some companies, like Amazing Ice Sculptures of Washington state will come to you for the right price.

FAQ's on various ice sculpture websites inform me that for a 40" tall sculpture, pricing will start around $250 (much lower than I thought!), and the sculpture's details will last indoors for six hours or more, and for several hours outdoors as well, depending on the weather. Overall, these elegant decorations are much more practical than I had thought.