Balloon Release??

I wouldn't do it. All those balloons are going to pop and the rubber will be littering the area and killing the wildlife. I would think that it's not even allowed at your venue?

As far as I know, they said it is allowed. The use of fireworks is the only restriction that I know. I'll have to ask them.

Im considering doing one, but since ours will end at night I thought about putting a glow stick in each one... but the littering is my only down fail. cause i'm having alot more guest then 10. you could have them all tied onto something and at the end pass them out and then release

I really like the idea. I like the idea of the glow sticks too, but at the same time i wouldnt want to worry about litter. If you were to do it, maybe have them set off in a corner or something during the reception and then at the end of the night just bring them out for the guests to release off the dock.

It will be in the middle of the day at 2 or 3 pm. I'll have to see the venue again to see where it would look best. The littering is a downfall but I'm debating if 10 balloons is something to worry about.

I dont think your 10 balloons will cause global warming I think your good.

What if you have a vendor, (DJ?), Usher? Pass the balloons out toward the end of the ceremony with a cute tag at the bottom and a rhyme telling them to release after your kiss

10 is nothing to worry about! You could tie the low to the chair. Or like the pic!

A popped balloon looks like food to birds and other wildlife. They eat it, and it can't be digested so it blocks their digestive track, causing them to starve to death. It only takes ONE balloon.

I'm not an eco-freak, but releasing the balloons over water is a bad idea. It is littering, which in some states is a ticket-able offense. Plus someone else will have to clean the balloon mess once it's in water or it'll wash up on the sides and look trashy.

And Barbara is right with the birds. That's why some places won't let you throw rice anymore - it damages the birds. And balloons are so much worse than rice.

Sorry if you don't like my opinion. :-(

I would ask your photographer how the best way would be to go about this.

This website talks about the dangers of releasing balloons and the laws which make releasing balloons illegal in the US. They also have some great ideas for alternatives.

http://www.longwood.edu/CLEANVA/balloons.htm

Well.. They do make Eco friendly, buidegradable balloons that shatter into tiny pieces at a certain altitude when filled with helium. When the little pieces (made from natural ingredients) reach the ground they degrade faster than an oak leaf on the ground. So that's an option.

@soonyee the "Eco" balloons can still take weeks to months to degrade-- plenty of time to be eaten up

How about you give each guest a stone, and at the end of the ceremony, everyone "skips" theirstone on the lake and makes a wish for you and your FH?

I have to agree with Barbara, latex balloons are considered bio-degradable but are still not eco-friendly. Also tying a string to balloons is very dangerous to the animals who get caught and strangled in them. I live in a beach community where an endangered sea turtle resides (loggerhead) and any kind of balloon or string is strictly prohibited here.

Also I love the skipping stone idea!

I'm not super Eco friendly either but I wouldn't do this anymore than I would throw six-pack rings into a pond. Sorry.

I understand wanting them for photos and I love the pic that someone included up higher! But I would bring them inside or have someone dispose of them properly after the ceremony.

I have actually also seen great photos of each guest carrying a balloon from the ceremony to the reception. That might be something to think about too!

Ten balloons may not cause global warming, but the strings, and the pieces of balloons, can really harm animals. While it might be pretty, it just kind of seems thoughtless when you know this can happen and you might still consider it. Not to mention, if every bride said "Oh it's just 10 it won't harm anything" multiply that by ten brides that say that, you have 100 balloons floating around, and THAT does add up.

Even those Chinese floating paper lanterns (which I saw a video where the bride caught her dress on fire because they wouldn't float!) can be damaging.

I am sure there are many alternatives that would be just as lovely.

I agree that they're harmful to wildlife (especially over a lake). Sorry.

Also, rice doesn't harm birds, that's an urban legend. I'd post a link or two, but I'm on my phone and currently waiting in line.

You can do blessing stones where guests puts their best wishes for you on a stone. Then, when the photographer is in position, all throw their stones into the water at the same time.

I've done it on the beach with shells and with stones -- great photo op.

Please do not do the balloon release for the reasons others have mentioned..Also chances are at least a few guests will disapprove as well.