Fog Machine

If you're trying to save money, a fog machine for a first dance would be an excellent thing to cut to save money.

Some venues might not allow them anyway.

The venue does allow them and although we are saving money in certain areas we would still like to incorporate things we want to have thanks

A lot of venues use(d) dry ice for the fog effect.

So...fog machines don't make low laying fog. Dry ice does. You can get a block of dry ice and submerge it in liquid for super cheap. Just check around. Have someone SOBER and gloved handle putting it together. Also, venues generally allow it because it's not made of the chemical that fog machines use, which can lift paint and leave walls gross.

My FH is a theater tech. Learned everything I never wanted to know about special effects.

I wouldn't do this. I hate fog. I think it looks tacky and very much like a high school dance.

Also, people with breathing problems and fog? No. And NO

You wont have the breathing problem with dry ice, its not the nasty thick chemical stuff that DJs use. It's not the same effect either. It's a gentle rolling fog. Oh and use hot hot water to get the best result. Check YouTube, there are some great tutorials.

Wal-Mart & best buy sell them. You can also rent 1 for pretty cheap.

I second the dry ice idea. It is much cheaper and the effect is better for the dance. You want people to see you.

You can buy a fog machine on Amazon for $40 bucks or check out party city. It gives a cool feeling like dancing in the clouds. I really want dry ice/fog at my wedding too. We are doing pirate theme and want to make the reception look like your on dock. It won't be on all night, just for dramatic entrance.

If you get the machine, make sure the person using it knows how to do so safely. I burned the hell out of my thigh on one of those once. I didn't even feel pain. I just felt this cold sensation on my leg, smelled meat, looked down and saw a patch of my skin was scorched. They're really dangerous if you don't know how to use them.

Also, the fog can be pretty smelly. Dry ice will be a lot less fragrant.

I'd shy away from it and put those funds into something else. It seems like maybe an extra where you might be able to save money, that's my thoughts. If you're really set on the fog then yes go with the dry ice.

If you want the low fog effect, I think you should use dry ice. But make sure the person is sober and is using gloves. Dealing with dry ice can be dangerous if you don't know how to handle it. Also smoke machine give off a smell that can really irritate people's lungs.

We have one we use for Halloween parties. It has a nasty smell and fogs up the whole room, not just the floor. It'd look so cheap at a wedding

I'd check out rentals. A fog machine seems like it could be a cool idea for your first dance! I'd never thought of that

It's not a waste if it's what you want. I second those PPs that said use dry ice instead. I'm sure Amazon will have something for a good price!

Just saying from experience with cheaper fog machines, the chemical solution you put in them can leak out of the machine and cause staining, stickiness, and can leave damage on floors and walls... if you want it, im sure there are good ones out there, but i just wanted to include this to make you (and anyone else curious) about the chance of damage to venue...

i used to help with costumes and tech theatre in college, and we used fog machines for a show... it damaged portions of the stage floor and stained hems on clothes.... just gotta be careful with them.

Dry ice and fog can trigger asthma attacks.. so personally this is something I’d skip. My mom is asthmatic, as is my son. Creating a special loom for 3 minutes that could potentially cause health issues for my guests isn’t worth it.

I wouldn't suggest doing fog machine. Some people with asthma can have an asthma attack if they're around them. If you decide to go with it make sure you let your guests know first.

Skip it. Honestly. The last time I had one WITH a dj, the fog enveloped the room and there was water everywhere.

this goes firmly in the "why are weddings so expensive' column.