This is a thread that was started in our old BlissWeddings.com forums by djdiva on 7/28/02. Feel free to add your comments by pressing Post Reply.
**************************************************
posted by djdiva
I need an interesting idea for a wedding. I want to have something really unconventional that both us and the guests will remember forever. Money isn't too much of a problem, I just want something that'll be really memorable. I'm already going to be releasing live butterflies at the end but need ideas for where to have it. Any ideas will be much appreciated!
Confetti? Release live butterflies on your special day!
Environmentally friendly and a delight to all. Get the details NOW.
http://adplacing.com/ad/123.asp?AA6796
**************************************************
posted by sadwings25
I was wondering if there was a park with a bunch of flowers around where you live. Most cities have something like a memorial park, where there are trails, and lots of flowers around. Good-luck!!
**************************************************
posted by syringa
Do you have a botanical garden in your community? Most are lovely and most rent some areas of the garden for weddings.
**************************************************
posted by djdiva
Does anyone know anything about dove releases and how they compare to butterfly releases?
**************************************************
posted by syringa
Actually, homing pigeons are used for a dove release rather than doves because the doves will die once released but the pigeons will return to the owner. As a wedding coordinator, I have had brides use both butterflies and doves/pigeons.
First, there is a tremendous price difference between the two. Butterflies are delicate and their environment is controlled so that they hatch just before your wedding. They are sent by overnight air, which in itself is expensive. With the pigeons, you are basically renting them and they return to the owner, so you only pay a nominal fee. In my area, I can rent pigeons for $75 for 2 dozen, compared to about $10 each for butterflies.
If you use butterflies, they will be in a sort of stupor when the tiny envelopes are first opened (not all will still be alive) and they will need immediate nourishment. To provide it, spray your bouquet, the bridesmaids bouquets and any other nearby flowers with a mixture of sugar and water just before the ceremony. The butterflies will immediately go to the flowers to get nourishment rather than flying away. If you can afford to order enough of them, they can add a lovely touch. Some will land on you and the members of the wedding party, which is fun and provides options for great pictures.
If you choose to use pigeons, you have two options. You can order just two white ones. At the end of the ceremony, you and the groom will be handed the birds (by the best man or a groomsman probably). You will then release them and they will first circle to get their bearings, then fly away.
If you choose to order a quantity of birds, they will be delivered in low, flat cages. Most of my brides prefer to hide the cages in shrubbery or somewhere that the guests can't see them. At the end of the ceremony, a couple of people will open the cages and the birds will quickly fly away. This is dramatic for a moment, but the birds fly so quickly that even the photographers have trouble catching a picture.
If you want something that lasts a bit longer and that your guests will remember, go for the butterflies if you can afford them or use only the two birds if you don't have a problem handling them.
**************************************************
posted by djdiva
Thanks. That's a great help! Now I'm just having problem deciding which one I want. They both sound great! So anyone who happens to be checking this forum, please post about which idea you prefer & I'll probably go with the one that gets most votes!!lol!
**************************************************
posted by Perth girl
Hi djdiva
If you want traditional romantic go with the 2 birds.
If you want a beautiful touch for your wedding go with the butterflies.
Personally I vote the butterflies and was even considering them myself but they are expensive (even in Australia) and I have had a lot of other touches put into my wedding that have been costly so I decided against them and also my fiance wasn't too keen on the idea - is this something youw ant to share with your fiance or are you doing it as a suprise? If you are discuussing it which does he like?
regards Perth girl
**************************************************
posted by yvzh
I think that the 2 pigeons would be really romantic, I also hear about it way less often than the butterflies, so it's even more unexpected.
**************************************************
posted by mlynn1
Unless you are into animal cruelty, you should go with the birds. I realize that butterflies are "insects" but I have heard horror stories from people who have ordered them and most end up being dead. The last thing you want on your wedding day is a bunch of dead butterflies! The idea with the 2 birds sounds beautiful, and much more animal friendly, in my opinion.
**************************************************
posted by feb-bride
I didn't want to say anything, but I agree with mlynn1. I've been to other wedding web sites where brides have posted their experience with using butterflies. First off, about 1/3 of the butterflies are dead or catatonic when you open the little triangular packages (envision a bunch of lifeless butterflies dropping on your guests' feet). Second, of those who are still alive, most will die because they're not being released in their native habitats. Butterflies are extremely delicate creatures and should NOT be shoved into tiny paper envelopes.
I don't know about you, but dead butterflies dropping to the ground would NOT be how I wanted people to remember my wedding.
**************************************************
posted by Perth girl
Hi all
Boy am I glad I didn't go with the Butterflies then!!
**************************************************
posted by anon
Okay, am I the only person here who thinks releasing live animals like this is just ridiculous and cruel?
**************************************************
posted by Melinmay
Im with you Anon...i thinks its awful to stuff a little butterfly into a envelope and i hear most of them die anyway..how morbid..dead butterflies at your wedding..the doves are kinda nice..they are trained to to fly away and come back to the owner/trainer..oh well to each his own...
**************************************************
posted by Perth girl
Like I said "Boy am I glad I didn't go with the Butterflies"
I didn't know that they died. I was told when I enquired that they were put into a type of sleep for there journey in an air box and then when they were released they sort of came onto you before they woke up and flew away!! I never knew that they ended up dead or died after flying away. I am so glad I didn't use any living creatures!!! I guess you just never know!
Perth Girl.
Butterfly releases vs. Dove releases
Linear Mode
