Butterflies for release at weddings

A lot of people get engaged or start planning their weddings around the holidays. A unique way to help celebrate the big day during the warmer months is to release butterflies instead of throwing rice, releasing balloons (which are bad for the environment), blowing bubbles or throwing birdseed (which can result in unwanted weeds). A butterfly release is an environmentally-friendly way to help the population of butterflies. Done properly, it can be a beautiful and meaningful way to help the guests remember "that special day". Butterflies are only released if they are indigenous to the state where they are being released. They must occur naturally in that region. If you are getting married in North Dakota, for example, you won't be releasing Gulf Fritillaries, which occur mostly in southern states. A butterfly release is very easy to do. Usually a "butterfly attendant" handles them, so the bride and groom don't have to worry about it. Butterflies are shipped overnight via one of the express carriers. Each one is packed securely in its own small butterfly-sized envelope and then put into a small styrofoam cooler with a frozen cold pack. The cold pack keeps them cool, so they are resting and dormant while in transit. They need heat and light to fly and temperatures must be above 60 degrees to release them. Consider releasing butterflies at your wedding, or other special event to make it memorable!