Live Butterfly Releases

[DragonYoga]

I found this online, and I think this would be a beautiful addition to any wedding! I've sent a question to the people asking if it's safe for a december wedding, I'll post what they say when I get the answer. Thinking maybe this would be a great way to show our unity instead of a candle or sand blending (will be outdoors, don't know if it'll be super windy or not). Be sure to check out the video!

http://www.amazingbutterflies.com/

[Marge129]

It *can* be beautiful. But, I've heard of cases when some of the butterflies had died in transport and when they go to be released they just fall dead to the ground. Also... if you have any people who are "afraid" of butterflies it may not be nice to have screaming people running around to get away from the bflies.

[DragonYoga]

Originally Posted by Marge129

if you have any people who are "afraid" of butterflies it may not be nice to have screaming people running around to get away from the bflies.

This company is based in Tamarac, FL which is just a few hours S of us; they are promising overnight delivery. I think I'll ask for them to arrive the day before so I can CHECK and see they're still alive...! Defintely gonna ask my FH on this...!

[Complicated Woman]

I've never seen a butterfly release go well. Especially if it will be particularly hot or cold, you will most likely end up handing your guests a box of toasted/frozen dead bugs...

Plus, they send what look more like moths than butterflies in most cases.

And, even if you get them the day before and they aren't DOA, nothing will keep them from dying in those little cardboard boxes between then and the ceremony.

Good luck if you do decide to do it! They are pretty in theory.

[DragonYoga]

I was thinking we could transfer them to the basket and keep a towel over it, and then release them... I donno!

[ljeagle]

I thought about doing this too but the girls gave me a little help not to do this. You never no if they are going to be alive when u go to do the release. I looking for the old post where we talked about it. Another thing is if your not having a big wedding where 100's of them are going to be flying around it will look different.

[ljeagle]

Found it
http://www.pashweddings.com/weddingf...read.php?t=189

[birdie]

I worked at a place called the Butterfly Pavilion and we did multiple butterfly releases everyday. It usually doesn't go as well as you think. The butterflies don't burst out and fly away like you would think or like you picture birds doing. They sit and cling on to what ever they have been in and you kind of have to urge them on. Because of the horror stories I've heard of having dead BFs, I just wouldn't do it. I'm an all around animal advocate though, no live animals at my wedding (except my dog, the RB!)

[PlanetClaire]

Yep- I too was super hyped when I found out about this- same website in fact! But I've seen some awful videos on Bride shows and I think, ultimately,it's rather cruel to the butterflies.

BUBBLES!!! Go with Bubbles!!! LOL.

[Robyn Lynn]

Bubbles -- YUck!!!!!! (I know, i'm weird, but I HATE bubbles . they are just floating soap ).

I saw a movie once where they did a butterfly release inside and the butterflies kept getting zapped by the light fixtures and falling dead on everyone!!!! I envision that, even though you are outside!!

What about doves? Anyone had any experiences with those?

Balloons would be cool, too.

[Marge129]

Originally Posted by Robyn Lynn

What about doves? Anyone had any experiences with those?

I see birds pooping on people!

[ljeagle]

I think we all have seen crazy things happen with every thing from:
Doves re leaving there self on guest to dead butterfly's and bubbles staining your bridal gown. We did the balloon toss and I loved it I just wished they would of had more time to blow up some more balloons.

Any one see it on TV where the bride gown went up in flames from sparklers.

[Marge129]

I didn't see the sparkler incident, but I did see where they sprayed the B&G with silly string. The candles on the table ignited it and it all went up on flames on the B&G.

By the way... I used bubbles. The pictures were gorgeous and it didn't stain my dress.

[ljeagle]

I guess it is a type of fabric your dress is. I've had 2 friends wedding dresses have spots that wouldn't come out from bubbles.

[Robyn Lynn]

For those who LIKE bubbles they are fabulous. I just can't stand them.

I was thinking with the doves they are like homing pigeons where they fly to a certain place after you release them, away from the people, but of course anything can go wrong!!!

LJ..... I considered using sparklers when we leave (instead of "rice" or bubbles), but was afraid that it wasn't allowed around the church and that the bushes or grass may catch on fire!!! Never thought about the dress!!!! (although we probably will change before we leave) .

[fallbride]

Originally Posted by Robyn Lynn

Balloons would be cool, too.

I have heard people talk about how the balloons are bad for the birds. We did that in school and some people had problems with us doing it, so we had to stop.

[555Ann555]

We used petals, but our church didn't have restrictions. I wouldn't have used anything that wasn't biodegradable...

But if anyone is going with flower petals I can totally recommend delphinium & bougainvillea petals They are lighter weight than rose petals so they flutter really well in the air & they stay up long enough for a couple of shots from the camera (if you're quick).

I went with creams for both just in case it was wet, I was too scared to go with anything colourful in case it marked my dress. But it all went even better than I hoped...

[syringa]

I have had clients do butterfly releases, dove releases, balloon releases, and any number of other things. The butterflies will be timed to hatch just before the wedding then placed in little flat glassine envelopes. They cannot be used if the temperature is less than 68 degrees. When they are released from the envelopes, they are in need of nourishment, so they don't fly away. You can spray the bride's bouquet with sugar water and they will flock to it. They need to be released in a location with plenty of blooming flowers and other plants, so that they get the food that they need.

Many of them will die either before the envelopes are opened or shortly afterwards. If children will be at the wedding, they will catch them and then the butterflies will lose the ability to fly at all and they will die. You also need quite a large number of butterflies or a very small wedding. Otherwise, guests can't see them and you lose the impact of the idea. They are also expensive when purchased in quantity.

For the dove release, homing pigeons are used because doves will die when released. You don't have a problem with them pooping on anyone because they are not fed for a number of hours before the release. The release is quite dramatic, but it happens in a matter of seconds. Again, it can be expensive, but you can get quite a few pigeons for the same cost as butterflies.

If you want to do a balloon release, you can purchase biodegradable balloons. This is one of the more dramatic releases, and it usually goes off without a hitch.

The couple who got married yesterday had sparklers. Again, the idea was better than the actual result. By the time the last sparkler is lighted, the first ones have already gone out. I am always concerned that the bride will get a spark on her gown and burn a hole in it.

[DragonYoga]

Yeahh... too much risk for the buck. Thanks girls - I won't do the butterfly release then. Any ideas? This will be an outdoors wedding, and if it's too windy I doubt we could do the Unity Candle thing... Unless we had some of those hurricane candle things?

[ljeagle]

Some ladies on here do a sand ceremony. I'm sure one of them can fill u in on that.

[DragonYoga]

Originally Posted by ljeagle

Some ladies on here do a sand ceremony. I'm sure one of them can fill u in on that.

Yes, but if it's windy the sand ceremony would be a bit of a mess...

[Complicated Woman]

Here is an article I found with various unity ceremonies you can add to a service.

Rose Ceremony: A simple unity ceremony where the bride and groom exchange roses. Other variations: the families exchange roses, the bride and groom exchange roses with their families, the bride and groom exchange roses, then present their mothers with the roses.

Wine Ceremony: The bride and groom each take a carafe of wine and pour it into a single glass, which they both drink from.

Water Ceremony: The couple each pour a different colored water into a single glass, creating a third color.

Salt Ceremony: Indian weddings often include a salt ceremony, where the bride passes a handful of salt to her groom without spilling any. He then passes it back to her and the exchange is repeated three times. She then performs the salt exchange with all the members of the groom's family, symbolizing her blending in with her new family.

Breaking Bread Ceremony: The bride and groom tear off pieces of bread, and then each eat a piece. Sometimes the bread is also shared with family and friends. It symbolizes their future as a family together.

Garland Ceremony or Lei Ceremony: The bride and groom exchange garlands of flowers. This is a common part of Indian weddings, where the ceremony is called varmala or jaimala, and represents a proposal by the bride and acceptance by the groom. It also represents their new unity, blessed by nature. In Hawaian weddings, the bride and groom typically exchange leis. The families may also exchange leis with the couple. Leis represent the love and respect you have for the person you are giving it to, and the unity of the new family.

Circling: In Eastern European ceremonies, the bride and groom circle the altar three times, which are their first steps together as husband and wife. In Hindu ceremonies, couples circle the fire seven times, sealing their bond. The unbroken circle represents the unbroken committment to each other.

Broom Jumping: An African-American tradition that has its roots in slavery times when slaves couldn't marry. Typically the family places the broom on the ground, and the bride and groom jump over it together. The broom can then decorate a place of honor in their home.

Lasso Ceremony: Lasso or rope is placed around the bride and groom's shoulders, usually by the officiant. Sometimes rosary beads, or orange flowers are used instead of rope. It can also be placed around the couple's necks, or wrists.

[DragonYoga]

HMMMMM....! Thanks CW! I especially like the first 3 options... I think the rest would go over the guests' heads!

[555Ann555]

I really like the wine one

You could do the unity candles inside storm lanterns though... That would be do-able.

[DragonYoga]

I'll bring it up with Marv, see which idea he likes better.