Spec me a: Snow machine

LawfordLass · 14 Jan 2011 at 15:45

Hi all, I'm hoping someone might have some words of wisdom or experience with hiring/purchasing snow machines!

It's my sister's wedding on 19th Feb and assuming it doesn't rain/snow anyway on the day (which I know is very possible given the time of year) I would like to have a snow machine set up so it is "snowing" on her after her wedding ceremony. The area I want the falling snow to cover is approx 70m2

However, I'm bamboozled by the large range of machines out there to purchase and it doesn't look like there is a hire company in the area who could help (Suffolk, near Hadleigh).

Can anyone help with some suggestions please? It seems a bit of an obscure request, but I've seen all sorts of weird requests find answers on here, so here's hoping!!

Ceryndrion · 14 Jan 2011 at 15:54

I would have a look at contacting http://www.snowbusiness.com/home.aspx seems the Mini Ducro might me close to what you want. They're based in gloucestershire, but their site mentions that they do events, and especially weddings..

D.P. · 14 Jan 2011 at 16:11

Most snow machines require a wet-bulb temperature below freezing top operate. The snow guns that operate above 0 are much more expensive since they require a refrigeration system.

LawfordLass · 14 Jan 2011 at 16:11

Thanks Ceryndrion, I had previously tried them, but had no response. Had forgotten all about them so called them just now. It all seems quite positive, but of course I want to get a few quotations sorted first.

Can anyone else suggest anything so I have some options please?

I should probably add, I'm looking at a budget of around £150ish preferably. (less if poss!!)

a1ex2001 · 14 Jan 2011 at 16:18

LawfordLass said:
I should probably add, I'm looking at a budget of around £150ish preferably. (less if poss!!)

I've never done it but think you will struggle for that cost, your looking to hire a specialist machine that will require transporting to your location and then operating by a trained technician. That really doesn't sound like a £150 job to me, you might get a bouncy castle for that price but it probably won't be appreciated!

Don't forget to check with the bride she might not want snow messing up her leaving the church pictures!

ash_scotland88 · 14 Jan 2011 at 16:27

Could get the cheapo snow machine which is just like bath foam, for this looking at an Antari Snow machine.
Hawthorn theatrical (somewhere in england) do them for £50p/w

a1ex2001 · 14 Jan 2011 at 16:31

ash_scotland88 said:
Could get the cheapo snow machine which is just like bath foam, for this looking at an Antari Snow machine.
Hawthorn theatrical (somewhere in england) do them for £50p/w

Not sure you want to be showering the bride and guests in their expensive outfits with foam, unless of course the wedding is in a tatty nightclub in Ibiza :cool:

LawfordLass · 14 Jan 2011 at 16:33

a1ex2001 said:
I've never done it but think you will struggle for that cost, your looking to hire a specialist machine that will require transporting to your location and then operating by a trained technician. That really doesn't sound like a £150 job to me, you might get a bouncy castle for that price but it probably won't be appreciated!

Don't forget to check with the bride she might not want snow messing up her leaving the church pictures!

Well, Snow Business (posted above) will do me an all inclusive package for around £120, so that's pretty good (that's with me operating it via remote control)

videos of the machine in question look good too (Snowboy)

Bride will definitely be happy with it, she's my sister - I know what she likes! Plus it's a surprise at a barn location. I'm sure she'll be more than happy about it

apatia77 · 14 Jan 2011 at 17:22

For £150 you can get few fans and 10 packs of icing sugar

LawfordLass · 14 Jan 2011 at 21:38

lol! Thanks apatia77 that's very helpful