Fog at weddings and venues
Questions to ask before any effect is booked.
Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. It does not change what we recommend. Affiliate Disclosure
Ask first
Venues set their own rules for fog and haze. Ask before you book an effect, and get the answer in writing.
Alarms
Ask who manages the fire alarm system and what they need from you. Fog and smoke alarms
Exits and signs
HSE guidance lists the possibility of effects obscuring fire escapes and their signs as something to consider.
Where it goes, and who is told
HSE guidance says to consider how smoke will be directed away from areas it should not reach, such as the audience, and says special care should be taken to minimise audience exposure.
Floors
HSE lists slips from spilt oil, and one maker warns of slippery residue.
Sources: HSE, Smoke and vapour effects used in entertainment (ETIS3); Chauvet DJ, Fog and Haze Warning Sheet. Brand names belong to their owners. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
FAQ
General information only. Follow your machine's manual and the label on any fluid. Fog and haze can set off smoke alarms and make it hard to see. Never disable an alarm. Check the venue's or building's rules before you use any effect. Dry ice can cause frostbite and gives off carbon dioxide, which can build up in low or enclosed spaces. Never touch it with bare hands, never seal it in a container, use it only with good ventilation, and keep it away from children and pets. Anyone with asthma or another breathing condition should ask a doctor before being around fog, haze, or dry ice effects.
Next: fog and smoke alarms
Plan first. Never disable.
