Who has done a butterfly release?

This is not going to go over well. Many on here (myself included) find a butterfly release incredible cruel. I had sparklers at my 4pm wedding, and they were fun. And cheap.

No, to living things as photo props.

I'm with Cats and Dreamer, plus, most of the butterflies will actually be dead. Just imagine people dropping a bunch of dead butterflies (which are also usually monarchs, which are greatly decreasing in population as it is,) on the ground. Not a pretty thought or sight.

Are those humane?

If you love butterflies, pass on this. Most will be dead. It's just not a great idea, and it's not humane.

How about a puppy release? Yes. I'm kidding.

Please don't do this it's cruel and inhumane.

If a sparkler won't look nice because of the light, you could do bubbles. I won't comment on the butterflies, since everything has been said already.. Don't do that

Lol puppy release. That reminded me of bridesmaids when they gave out puppies. I would take them all home lol.

I have found a few sites that have great reviews with painted lady butterflies. So far my research (though I do need to do more) is that if done correctly are safe for the butterflies. I respect those who do not agree with it but am mainly looking for experiences from those who have done it,

My dad "did" one at a wedding he officiated. They opened the box and the butterflies were dead. #fail

If the fact that it's cruel (for reasons above) isn't enough to sway you, let me tell you a story.

A teacher at my school had a butterfly release after a unit teaching the life cycle. With all 20 of her students watching, they released the 2 butterflies they were raising. They only got about 8 feet above their heads when a bird swooped in and ate them. Not exactly the beautiful image you'd be looking for on your wedding day.

Skip this.

@ReadyToBe: Oh, so you don't care that you're being cruel to the butterflies (which are frequently released in areas they are not native to and/or released at times of the year that they should have already been preparing for the upcoming season in some way, and thus it kills them,) because it's YOUR wedding and you're going to do what YOU want to, right?

Oh, yeah, we get that. Why not release kittens? Or puppies? Make sure you squish them flat in little envelopes first though, with just barely enough air to live. Great idea. /sarcasm

What about sacrificing a kitten? Animal exploitation and cruelty is so romantic!

I really want the puppies lol.

I have a confession to make. I am terrified of butterflies. Weird I know.

But aside from disliking butterflies it falls in the same category as a dove release. . I don't like them and think they are a bit tacky.

ETA most of them are dead/sick by the time of the release anyway

I think I'm going to have a puppy release.

@Celia yes! Puppy release! Or a hunger games inspired wedding and release yellow jackets. This can cut down on your guest list if you can't afford for everyone to eat. Only the strong will make it to the reception.

If someone actually had a puppy release I would die of happiness.

OMG, I've got it! I'm so totally going to do a small child release! I mean, it'll be so awesome, we'll just pack 'em in sleeping bags and let people rip 'em open and be freeee!!

Oh wait, that's ridiculous. Kind of like sacrificing butterflies for nothing...

I know a few people who are legitimately scared of birds/flying creatures because they get freaked out about wings flapping in their faces.