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Frequently
Asked Questions:
When should I place my order? Place your order at
least 2 weeks in advance during April through July as these are popular
months for weddings. During the rest of the year we require only 10 days
notice for orders. We recommend you place your order as soon as possible
to avoid any last minute disappointments. We take orders up to 1 year
in advance.
How many butterflies should I order? The average
order is 2 dozen per 50 guests. For an individual butterfly release you
can order one per guest or couple, or select certain guests to participate,
such as the wedding party and family. Or releasing several dozen butterflies
at once from a basket by the bride and groom is also very attractive.
How warm does it need to be to release Butterflies? Butterflies
will only take flight when the temperature is above 62°F, but the
warmer the better! Painted Lady Butterflies require at least 72°F
What if I place an order, but the weather turns bad?
If the forecast is unfavorable, call us at least three(3) days
before the event, and we will gladly cancel the order and refund the full
purchase amount. We don't penalize you for Mother Nature's indecisions!
Can I release butterflies at night? There must be
at least 30 minutes of light left once you release them so they can find
a place to roost for the evening.
How do the butterflies survive shipping? Each butterfly
is fed and carefully placed inside our triangular cardstock boxes for
their safety. They are surrounded by soft padding and packaged in an insulated
cooler with a "cool-pack." The cool temperature combined with
minimal light keeps the butterflies calm and naturally inactive during
shipping. Butterflies are sent via overnight delivery to arrive the day
before your event.
What should I do when my Butterflies arrive? Complete
instructions on how to care for and release your butterflies will accompany
your order.
What happens to them after release? We ship butterflies
the USDA has approved for your area of the country so that only butterflies
indigenous to your area are released. If you have flowers and host plants
for the butterflies nearby, they may stay a while or even take up residency
for the remainder of the season.
Butterfly Care and Release instructions:
1) WHEN THE BUTTERFLIES ARRIVE:
Butterflies are sent via overnight delivery to arrive the day before your
event. Open the top of the package for ventilation and store the butterflies
in a cool, dark place away from direct light until ready to transport
to the event. This will keep them calm. If you have room in your refrigerator,
place the cooler into the refrigerator (NOT FREEZER) overnight. Your only
commitment is to keep the box in a cool, dark place until you are ready
to transport them to your event. When transporting the butterflies, do
not leave them in a parked car for more than a few minutes, especially
if it is a warm day, and remember to keep them covered and away from direct
sunlight.
2) TO RELEASE BUTTERFLIES INDIVIDUALLY: Open
the top of the shipping container to expose the butterfly boxes to light
and allow them to warm (5 minutes if cooler day or less is necessary if
the day is warm and sunny). This stimulates the butterflies and will make
them active again. Then pass out the butterfly boxes at the appropriate
moment. The butterflies are released by simply unfolding the boxes to
open them. As soon as the envelope is open wide enough for the butterfly
to flap a wing, the butterfly should take flight. The majestic butterflies
will wing their way into the air creating a brilliant show-stopping splash
of color. If they find nectar flowers in the immediate area they may even
hang around for a while to delight you and your guests before going off
to start a new lifecycle.
3) TO RELEASE BUTTERFLIES FROM A BASKET: Transfer
the butterflies into a prepared release basket or other attractive release
container. To remove the butterflies from the boxes, gently hold the butterfly's
body in place from the outside of the envelope at the thorax (where the
legs are attached) to steady the butterfly inside the envelope and open
the envelope flap with the opposite hand. Grasp the butterfly's wings
between your thumb and forefinger just above the thorax and pull it free
of envelope. While you should apply a firm, but gentle, touch, you need
not be concerned about injury to the wings from touching them. The scales
(coloring) do not affect its ability to fly. Transfer the butterflies
to a basket BEFORE transporting to the wedding, and keep the basket covered
(a towel) to shield them from light until arriving at the location. Warm
them up prior to the release by exposing them to light (15 minutes if
cooler day or less is necessary if the day is warm and sunny) OR they
may be left exposed on display for the length of the ceremony if you wish,
as long as they are not in direct sunlight. The light stimulates the butterflies
and makes them active.
4) DURING THE RELEASE: As they emerge from
their boxes or release baskets, an appointed guest can read the words
from the American Indian Legend below. Or you may certainly write your
own dedication to provide a cue for the butterfly release.
Then, enjoy the moment and celebrate the day. The butterflies certainly
will.
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BUTTERFLY
RELEASE
