BUTTERFLY RELEASE
Live butterflies are shipped via overnight delivery to arrive the day before your event. All butterflies are delivered in a specially designed, insulated container with a cold pack for a safe arrival. Inside the container will be dozens of elegantly designed triangular boxes holding a single adult Monarch butterfly, which has been fed and packaged, resting in a comfortable state. These butterfly release individual boxes protect and keep the butterfly calm and healthy while providing a safe storage place until the day of release. Store the live butterflies in the delivery package in a cool, dark area away from direct sunlight or other light source until shortly before your event.
One hour before your butterfly release, expose the envelopes to indirect light which will stimulate the butterflies and will make them active again. The butterflies packaged in their individual release boxes are then ready to be passed out to the participants. At the appropriate moment, the butterflies are released by removing the band and unfolding the envelopes for the butterfly to make its spectacular flight.
When can I release my butterflies?
There should be at least an hour of daylight left. This will allow sufficient time for them to nectar (eat) and find a safe place to hide for the night. The temperature needs to be above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Monarch Butterflies will not take flight if their body temperature is below 60 degrees. If the temperature takes a slight dip you can still have your butterfly release. Simply you’re your butterflies indoors above 70 degrees until you release them. Hold your release in an area protected from the wind, or they will quickly disappear! A sunny, warm, flower-filled area or garden is best. The butterflies' first flight is usually very short, and they will instinctively fly toward the brightest object -- this is often people wearing bright colors -- or towards flowers and bouquets.
Using individual release envelopes: If you are releasing from the shipping envelopes, place the envelopes in a basket and distribute them to your friends and family from the basket. The envelopes are easily opened and if the butterflies are warm enough, they will take flight. If they have not been warmed sufficiently, the butterflies may take a while to actually begin their flights.
How many butterflies should I order?
This depends on the presentation that you desire. When passing the Butterflies out for guests to release one per participant will be required.
Do Monarch Butterflies stay around after the release?
Yes! Hand raised Monarch Butterflies are very friendly. They aren't preyed upon as much as other Butterflies because their bodies contain toxins that may make potential predators sick. They interact well with people. A Monarch Butterfly may even let you pick him up.
How can I get good photos of Live Butterflies?
Butterflies are cold-blooded animals and thus become slow and docile when their body temperature gets below 60 degrees F. By placing the Butterflies still in their boxes into the refrigerator for 20 minutes you can bring down their body temperature sufficiently to slow their reactions and movement. The Butterflies can then be place onto wedding bouquets, wedding gowns, or where ever you desire. You will have about 30 seconds to snap you photo before the butterflies will become active enough to fly. As the Butterflies warm up, they will slowly open and close their wings creating an ideal opportunity for pictures
Shipping Charge:
There is a $47.50 shipping charge added to each butterfly order. This covers up to 72 butterflies (but sometimes much more). If the order is for more than that we will calculate the shipping cost and contact you for approval.
