Butterfly release

Butterfly releases can also make a mess because many butterflies will just die and fall to the ground anyways.

Not to mention the cruelty and timing of the release.

As a guest, I would not enjoy this.

Please don't do this, animal cruelty is not romantic.

A local venue just posted one of these on their instagram.

The butterflies were mostly dead and what weren't fell to the floor almost dead. It showed the couple vigorously shaking the box to get them out, it was not pretty, not romantic and just looked sad.

Don't do this. Try bubbles.

This is an awful & cruel practice. Please don't. As a guest it would ruin my night to have to witness this (I would refuse to take part.)

Hard pass.

We grew butterflies in my classroom. I agree some will die. The rest don't just fly out when the top is opened, the hang on the walls, etc. It's not pretty

Bubbles?

A friend tried this at her ceremony and all the butterflies either clung to the lid of the container they were in or were dead inside. It was slightly traumatic to see her have to shake them off/out. Butterfly carcasses everywhere. =/

Even the wedding planner from my venue pointed at the butterfly release option the venue had as she was going through a list of potential upgrades and said, "this is a terrible idea." She said the butterflies are so delicate and have to be cared for in a very specific way, and kept at a certain temperature. They had a couple do it and had to keep the butterflies in a refrigerator, and when they went to unpack them, found that even when following the directions to the letter, many still die. They make couples sign a release saying the venue is not liable and that the couple understands how easy it is to end up with a bunch of dead butterflies.

I predict "I didn't ask about your opinions on animal cruelty or dead butterflies, I asked if anyone else has done this before!!!" is coming.

Yeah, sounds like you're in for a bad time if you do a butterfly release.

My venue will not allow confetti, rice and petals so we are doing bubbles.

I agree with the rest. Please don't kill butterflies.

Do bubbles instead

We incorporated butterflies into our wedding yet a butterfly release never crossed our minds.

From the bridal horror story I read while planning where butterflies were left in packets on the chairs and most guest sat on them without knowing to the fact that I know I would be releasing them into a non native environment to the idea that it's just cruel, it's just something we never considered. If you are looking for ways to incorporate butterflies into your theme I would be glad to share some pictures.

Please don't do this. Please don't do any living creature it's just cruel. Maybe look into other alternatives like the bubbles or even streamer wands.

I'm not even doing a send off having people clap and make noise while I exit the church will work just fine.

I agree with PP. What about bubbles or sparkles? Maybe having them wave streamers instead

Would your venue permit releasing floating lanterns instead??

Just do bubbles

Yeah, no... My cousin did this. Dead butterflies everywhere and it was expensive AF.

Some people use glow sticks. That might be a cool alternative for you.

I've done it twice before (despite my trying to talk my couples out of it)

It's horrible. Dead butterflies drop to the ground and everyone is horrified. Even if you are unconcerned with the inherent cruelty, it's just depressing.

The lanterns are mostly banned because of environmental concerns.

Do bubbles, have your guests throw lavendar....something besides a butterfly or puppy release....