One rather touching ritual is the ‘Release of Butterflies’.*
For weddings the butterflies are usually released as the Bride and Groom are pronounced as a married couple. They create an amazing display, which enhances photo opportunities. The butterfly has long been symbolic of new beginnings and transformation. Thus releasing butterflies will symbolically carry the good news of your love and commitment.
The Officiant will invite guests to carefully unwrap the butterfly packages, or for something simpler… the happy couple can be the only ones to unwrap the butterflies.
There is a Legend of the Butterfly that can be read before the release so that guests can send special wedding wishes to the butterflies.
The Ancient Legend of the Butterfly
If you desire a special wish to come true, whisper it to a butterfly
Since butterflies make no sound, they can
not tell the wish to anyone
So by making your wish and releasing the butterfly
your wish will be taken to the heavens to be granted
Please come and join us…
As the butterflies are released whisper your own special wishes!
* For the welfare of the butterflies please consider only releasing them outside during daylight hours (at least one hour before sunset, so they can find food and shelter for the night). They should not be released in heavy rain or strong winds.