Jim and Carrie releasing doves

Jim and Carrie release doves at the conclusion of their ceremony.  At the extreme right of the photo is a man in a gray suite who will momentarily release dozens of more doves- quite a finale.

And that's what dove releases are- a grand finale. Though couples are still showered with rice or bird seed others opt for doves and butterflies.   Dove releases are very dramatic indeed.

But butterflies offer their own unique advantage.  Whereas an audience watches a dove release, an audience participates in a butterfly release.  First, the guests are invited to come and gather around the both of you, then the minister or a close friend gives a special reading followed by the instruction to release the butterflies.  Imagine the surprise as your guests, open a box to reveal a beautiful butterfly.   The sound of a collective gasp as the butterflies take flight.  The sight of the sky filling with color and activity- the memory of that moment- always associated with the two of you.

A dove or butterfly release dramatically brings a ceremony to a very memorable and photogenic conclusion.  Dove and butterfly releases are for daytime ceremonies concluding before dusk.