Create a permanent memory in the minds of your guests by releasing live butterflies at your special occasion. Celebrate with a cloud of these winged creatures, which according to a Native American legend carry your wishes to the heavens. A release will capture a permanent place in the hearts and minds of all those who attend.
Weddings
Birthdays
Graduations
Bar / Bat
Mitzvahs
Funerals / Memorial
Services
Anniversaries
Births
Family Reunions
Quinceaneras
Religious
Celebrations
Corporate Events
Grand Openings
How does it work?
You will receive your butterflies by overnight delivery the day prior to your event. Inside the package, each butterfly will be resting inside its own envelope. Not only is this to protect the butterflies, but to allow for an eloquent event.
The envelopes are handed out to the guests. At the appropriate moment, the butterflies are released by unfolding the envelopes . Once opened wide enough to allow for the butterfly to flap its wings, the butterfly should take flight.
The Native American Legend may be read first to tie the event together, you may write your own dedication to lead into the release, or they can simply be released simultaneously on cue.
Then enjoy and celebrate the day as the butterflies fly away.
Common
Questions
What type of butterflies can we order?
We raise six species of butterflies, but primarily sell Monarchs for release. They are the most recognizable butterfly and can be shipped widely. You will be sent healthy hand-raised adults that have been fed and exercised before delivery. This ensures you will not have to worry about anything but receiving your package and the actual details of the release. When an adult emerges from its chrysalis, it can be a messy experience, since it releases a red body fluid. Also, in nature there is about a 10% emergence failure rate . Please see our livestock page for current pricing and more details.
How
long do monarchs live?
Monarchs
typically live between 2-4 weeks depending on the environment. If they are
the over wintering generation, they can live up to 8-9 months.
How
many butterflies should I order?
This is a frequent question. Of course, it is ideal to have one butterfly per guest, but if that is not in the budget, it is always nice to have 1butterfly per couple. At the least, we suggest two dozen for visual effect.
Where
can we ship?
Shipping of butterflies is regulated by the USDA. We are permitted to ship monarchs to states east of the continental divide. If you are west of the continental divide, please contact us to you assist in finding butterflies for your event.
How
are the butterflies packaged?
Each butterfly will come in an individual cardstock envelope. This is to ensure its wings will not be damaged in the shipping process. The butterflies can then be released directly from these envelopes. All of the envelopes will be shipped inside an insulated, cold packed box to ensure they do not overheat during shipping. Shipments arrive with a detailed set of directions, suggestions for the release, photography tips, and a selection of readings.
What
happens to the butterflies after their release?
The butterflies will simply fly off and start their life in nature. They will find nectar plants to feed upon and possibly host plants to mate and lay eggs. In the case of monarchs, they are able to fly thousands of miles. They can find milkweed (their host plant) patches hundreds of miles away.
Will my release be effected by inclement weather?
Releases should only be done outdoors during daylight hours when the temperature is at least 65 0 F. They should not be released in the event of inclement weather. Please make alternative arrangements either by displaying the butterflies in a cage or releasing them at an alternative time within 24 hours. We will not sell live butterflies during certain times of the year, when historically the weather would not be favorable. However, please realize we are not responsible for the actual weather on the day of your event.
How
do I get good photos of the butterflies?
There are a few great ways to help along the photographic process. The easiest way is to rely on the fact that butterflies are cold blooded organisms. They can be refrigerated or cooled in their envelopes for 15-20 minutes to slow them down. Once this is done, you will be able to place them onto people and bouquets for your photos. You will only have a short time to take photographs before the butterfly warms up and can fly away. If the butterfly is in flight, don't photograph it against the sky, but instead against a bright background. Also, you can try and wait for it to land.
What is your refund policy?
We always try to package extra butterflies with our orders, but
that is not always guaranteed. If you receive an amount of
dead butterflies above the extras included, either upon arrival
of the package or upon release (an all of the instructions have
been followed), they may be returned within 7 days for a prorated refund on a per butterfly basis.