When my husband and I tied the knot last year, we didn't want anything lavish. Both of us did the big wedding and reception thing with our first spouses. This time around, we wanted a home wedding, complete with an intimate reception in the backyard. For the reception, we chose to hire a local caterer. From the first meeting, we knew the caterer would make sure everything was perfect. She came up with a menu that allowed for the dietary needs of our varied group of friends. She designed and ordered the cake, and even took care of setting up the tables and chairs. All we had to do was show up. If you and your beloved are planning something simple at home, it pays to work with the right caterer. Let me share how we worked with ours, and why we would do it again without hesitation.
Successful planning a wedding or other big event often comes down to the small details, like ice. Knowing the ins and outs of ice delivery is important to the overall success of your event. No one wants a warm drink.
Can you have ice delivered to your home?
Yes, you can have an ice delivery directly to your home, office, or any other event space. Like the other vendors that you enlist to help at your event, make sure to give your ice vendor plenty of notice by ordering well in advance of the big day.
How many pounds of ice are in a bag?
There is not a uniform bag size for ice. Each vendor has its own system. That said, it is common to see bags of ice in five-, ten-, and even twenty-pound increments. The best solution is to determine how much ice you need for you and your guests and then communicate with your bagged ice vendor. They can help you determine the correct amount of bags to order.
How much ice do you need for a party?
You will most likely need 1 1/2 pounds of ice per person. This number will increase if your guests are heavy drinkers or if the outdoor temperatures are extremely hot. Conversely, a winter event where many guests will be drinking coffee or hot cocoa will require less ice per person.
How long do bags of ice last?
Bagged ice can last 12 to 24 hours on average if kept in a styrofoam container. This number is affected by many factors, including the quality of the storage system, the ambient temperature, and how many times the storage is accessed. Letting warm air into a cooler frequently raises the temperature of the cooler and, in turn, the ice melts faster.
How do you store ice for a party?
While scheduling your bagged ice delivery as close to your party date and time as possible is important, proper storage will ensure your ice lasts as long as necessary. Bagged ice should be stored in a cooler. For a large ice delivery, you may be able to borrow additional coolers from friends and family or, if your event is catered, your caterer should have additional coolers for your use.
Ice is just one small piece of your party puzzle, but it is an important one. Understanding your ice delivery timing and storage can be the key to your success.
Share3 December 2021
