Questions
Butterfly Release Company®
Excellence & Passion Since 2002
Welcome to our Questions and Answer Page
Butterfly Release Company® has been a trusted, family-owned butterfly breeder since 2002. We raise our own high-quality, farm-raised butterflies, allowing us to maintain strict quality control and guarantee the health and vitality of every butterfly we ship.
Our direct-from-breeder model delivers the best prices online, while our careful packaging and proven shipping methods ensure your butterflies arrive healthy and ready to fly. As a BBB Accredited Business with an A+ rating, we take pride in doing things the right way.
Owned by Chad & Jill, we treat every customer like part of our extended family. Our passion for butterflies and commitment to personal, friendly service set us apart.
Customer Testimonials
“Everything went off as planned. I highly recommend Butterfly Release Company — the butterflies made a huge impact on our event.” — Satisfied Customer
“The butterflies arrived healthy and beautiful. Our guests were in awe! Thank you for making our special day unforgettable.” — Wedding Client
“Professional, caring, and perfect butterflies. We’ll definitely use them again.” — Memorial Service
Give us a call at 407-754-2353 — we’d love to help make your event unforgettable.
Do We Have Butterflies Available for Your Date?
Yes! We almost always have beautiful live butterflies ready for your special event.
Checking availability is quick and easy. Just click on any butterfly release package and use the built-in calendar. Dates that are already booked will be clearly marked. If your desired date is open — you can order with confidence!
We schedule all shipments to arrive the day before your release so your butterflies are fresh, healthy, and full of energy. Need them faster? Call us for same-day shipping options. We cannot ship Sunday for Monday delivery. Tuesday release days can only ship Monday to arrive Tuesday.
Our team is happy to help you find the perfect date and package for your wedding, memorial, or special event.
What Kind of Butterflies Can I Get?
We specialize in beautiful, vibrant Painted Lady butterflies — one of the most popular species for memorable live butterfly releases.
All of our butterflies are farm-raised with care right here on our Florida facility. They are healthy, strong fliers, and ideal for weddings, memorials, and other special events.
We ship live butterflies anywhere in the Continental United States. To protect local ecosystems, we only release butterflies that are native-friendly and environmentally safe for your state.
When you order from Butterfly Release Company®, you’re getting high-quality, responsibly raised butterflies that create a stunning and magical experience for your guests.
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When Should I Place My Butterfly Order?
The sooner, the better! Early ordering helps guarantee the best selection and gives you peace of mind.
We can happily reserve your butterflies up to a full year in advance. While we recommend placing your order at least 30 days ahead, we often have live butterflies available even with shorter notice — including same-week and same-day shipping when possible.
Because we frequently sell out about a week before popular event dates, booking early is the smartest way to secure your butterflies for your special day.
Whether you're planning a wedding butterfly release, memorial tribute, or any other celebration, we make the ordering process simple and flexible to fit your needs.
How Do I Pay for My Order?
We offer several safe and convenient payment options so you can order with confidence.
We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, and Venmo. You can also mail a check or money order if you prefer (must be received before shipping).
Ordering online is fast, easy, and secure. Our website uses industry-standard SSL encryption to protect your payment and personal information. We never share or sell your data.
Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST
✅ Secure Checkout • Major Credit Cards • PayPal • Venmo
Order now and take advantage of our current sale prices!
What is the Cost for Shipping?
Shipping is additional to your butterfly package and calculated based on your location.
We ship all live butterflies via UPS Next Day Air to ensure they arrive healthy and ready to fly the day before your event.
Shipping Rates:
• Florida: ($40.00)
• East of the Rockies: ($50.00)
• West of the Rockies (AZ, CA, ID, MT, NV, UT, WY): ($60.00)
• Washington & Oregon: ($65.00)
Need your butterflies for a Sunday release? Saturday delivery is available for an additional ($15.00).
Exact shipping cost will be shown at checkout based on your delivery address.
When Will I Receive My Order & Can I Track It?
We ship all live butterflies via UPS Next Day Air so they arrive the day before your scheduled release date.
Important Shipping Notes:
- We do not ship for Sunday delivery.
- We cannot ship to arrive on Monday.
- For Tuesday releases: Butterflies ship Monday and arrive Tuesday.
- For Monday releases: Choose Sunday as your release date so butterflies arrive Saturday.
Once your butterflies ship, you’ll receive a tracking number by email. You can also view it in your account on our website. The tracking will update once UPS picks up the package (usually around 5 PM).
Upon arrival, simply replace the ice pack and keep your butterflies in a cool, shaded area (do not put them in the refrigerator). Complete care and release instructions are included with every order.
What If I Need to Cancel My Order?
Life happens — we understand. We make every effort to be flexible with cancellations and rescheduling.
Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or postpone your butterfly release, especially if weather is an issue. The earlier you let us know, the more options we can offer.
Our Cancellation & Refund Policy:
- Cancellations made at least 7 days before your release date are eligible for a full refund (minus a credit card processing fee of up to 6%).
- Cancellations made less than 7 days before the release date will receive a 50% refund.
- No refunds are available for orders on the day of shipping.
- Pre-shipped items (such as cages, bubbles, etc.) can be returned for refund consideration at the customer’s expense.
We’re happy to help you reschedule your order for a better date whenever possible. Just reach out and we’ll take care of it for you.
What Do I Do When the Butterflies Arrive?
Don’t worry — it’s very simple! Here’s exactly what to do when your live butterflies arrive:
1. Open the outer shipping box. Inside you’ll find your release instructions, a beautiful Indian poem, and your receipt.
2. Remove the top Styrofoam lid. You’ll see your butterflies either in the decorator box (for mass release) or in floral boxes containing the individual origami envelopes.
3. Replace the ice pack with a frozen ice pack (have one ready in your freezer before delivery). This keeps the butterflies calm and dormant until release time.
4. Place the Styrofoam lid back on the box, but leave it slightly cracked open for ventilation. Keep the entire box in a cool, room-temperature area — never put the butterflies in a refrigerator.
Your butterflies will stay safe and comfortable until you’re ready for their big moment!
What Do I Do on the Day of the Butterfly Release?
Here’s how to prepare for a successful and beautiful butterfly release:
About one hour before your planned release time, remove the floral boxes or decorator box from the insulated shipping container. Allow the butterflies time to gently warm up and wake up naturally.
Be sure to remind your guests that there are live butterflies in the envelopes and to handle them gently. For the best results, the outdoor temperature should be above 70°F (21°C).
We specialize in Painted Lady butterflies because they are ideal for releases. They tend to linger gracefully in the area, often landing on shoulders or bouquets, creating longer-lasting photo opportunities.
Painted Lady Butterflies deliver magical and memorable experience for weddings, memorials, and special events.
When Do You Give the Butterflies to the Guests to Release?
The best timing is to hand out the butterflies as close to release time as possible.
Keeping the butterflies in the guests’ hands for the shortest time possible helps ensure they stay calm and ready to fly beautifully.
Helpful Timing Tips:
- For outdoor ceremonies: Have guests seated first, then have ushers or volunteers quickly hand out the envelopes just before the release moment.
- For receptions or gatherings: Distribute them as guests are moving outside for the release.
- Assign a volunteer to cheerfully let guests know they’re holding a live butterfly and to handle the envelope gently.
There are many creative ways to do this — every event is unique. If you’re unsure about the best approach for your wedding, memorial, or special occasion, feel free to call or email us. We’re happy to offer personalized suggestions.
Do You Offer a Guarantee?
Yes! We stand behind every butterfly we ship.
With over 20 years of experience raising and shipping live butterflies, we’ve perfected our process. All butterflies are shipped via UPS Next Day Air so they arrive fresh and healthy.
Because we raise them ourselves on our Florida butterfly farm, we can guarantee the quality of every order. We also include extra butterflies in each shipment to cover any rare losses during shipping.
If you experience any issues, simply contact us right away. We’ll work with you to make it right.
How Do I Choose the Right Release Style?
Choosing between a Mass Release and an Individual Release depends on the kind of moment you want to create for your wedding, memorial, or special occasion.
Mass Release:
Perfect for intimate, symbolic moments. The butterflies are released all at once from one beautiful decorator box. Ideal for couples at weddings (with two silk ribbons for the bride and groom) or for families honoring a loved one during a memorial service.
Individual Release:
More interactive and participatory. Guests or family members each release butterflies, making it a shared experience. This style works wonderfully for larger weddings, memorial gatherings, or any special event where you want everyone involved.
Both styles create the same breathtaking result — a sky filled with beautiful, colorful live butterflies. No matter which style you choose, you’ll experience the same stunning sight of colorful live butterflies dancing in the air — creating a truly unforgettable memory for your wedding, a memorial or special event.
Can I Combine a Mass Release and an Individual Release?
Yes! Combining both a Mass Release and Individual Releases is a popular and beautiful option.
Many customers love doing a combination — for example, having the bride and groom (or family) do a Mass Release from the decorator box while guests participate with individual envelopes. This creates a truly magical moment with even more butterflies filling the sky.
How to Order a Combination Online:
1. Choose your main package and select your individual envelope color + imprint.
2. Scroll down and add your desired Mass Release decorator box to the same order.
3. In the Comments / Instructions box at checkout, let us know your exact request (example: “20 individual envelopes + 40 butterflies in the decorator box”).
We’ll review your instructions and make sure everything is prepared perfectly for your wedding, memorial, or special event.
Are Origami Envelopes Safe for the Butterflies?
Yes — and they are actually the safest and best option for the butterflies.
Our specially designed origami envelopes are carefully folded to hold each butterfly in its natural resting position with wings folded comfortably. This gentle protection helps prevent wing damage and keeps their delicate antennae safely tucked alongside the wing veins.
We strongly recommend the origami envelopes. The thin, secure paper design protects the butterflies much better during shipping and handling than what some other websites offer, where legs and antennae can sometimes get caught.
Thanks to these envelopes, customers receive healthy, strong butterflies ready to fly and create a beautiful moment at their wedding, memorial, or special event.
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What Temperature is Needed for a Butterfly Release?
For the best results, the temperature should be **above 65°F (18°C)** during the day.
If it’s warmer than 70°F, the butterflies will fly beautifully right away. Below 65°F they may be slower to take flight or may prefer to crawl on hands and fingers for a while.
Even in cooler temperatures, you can still enjoy a wonderful experience. Many guests love the close-up interactions and photo opportunities while the butterflies warm up naturally. They will eventually fly off to find nectar and shelter once they’re ready.
Is There a Minimum Quantity That Can Be Ordered?
Yes. Our smallest package is 1 Dozen (12) Painted Lady butterflies.
This is a great option for smaller events, intimate weddings, memorials, or anyone who wants a beautiful but modest butterfly release.
Can a Monday Butterfly Release Be Accommodated?
Yes, we regularly accommodate Monday releases.
Because there is no Sunday UPS delivery, Monday releases are scheduled by selecting the Sunday prior as your release date. This means your butterflies will ship on Friday and arrive on Saturday.
Once they arrive, replace the ice pack every 12 hours to keep them in a safe dormant state. On Monday, allow 30–60 minutes for them to warm up before release. They will be healthy and ready to fly.
Can I Request Something Different Than the Packages You Provide?
Yes! We are happy to customize your order.
You can mix and match quantities, combine mass releases with individual envelopes, or create any custom combination you’d like. We also have special custom packages available on our Special Occasions page.
During checkout, simply use the Comments / Instructions box to tell us exactly what you want. You can also call us and we’ll help build the perfect package for your event.
Are Any Discount Codes Available?
Great news! We currently have excellent sale prices already applied to most of our packages.
While we don’t have any active discount codes at this moment, you can still save money through our Butterfly Loyalty Program.
Simply create a free account and you’ll instantly receive 100 Loyalty Points — enough for a nice discount on your first order! You’ll also earn points with every future purchase that can be redeemed for discounts later.
Create Your Free Account & Get 100 Points
Start saving today and earn rewards for future butterfly releases!
Can I Pick Up My Order?
Yes, local pickup is available!
We don’t have a retail storefront as we operate from our home in Florida, but if you live locally and would like to save on shipping, we’re happy to arrange a pickup. Simply email us through the website or call us, and we’ll provide instructions on how to order and schedule your pickup.
Do You Allow Tours on Your Farm?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer farm tours at this time.
This is due to strict biosecurity measures to protect our butterflies, along with permit and insurance requirements. We appreciate your understanding and focus on raising the healthiest butterflies possible for your special events.
Is Tax Applied to Purchases?
We only collect sales tax on orders shipped within the state of Florida.
If you have a valid Florida tax exemption certificate, simply enter your exemption number in the Tax Exempt field during checkout, and the tax will be automatically removed from your order.
Is It Legal to Release Butterflies?
Yes, it is perfectly legal to release butterflies in the United States when done responsibly.
The USDA regulates the interstate shipment of butterflies to protect local ecosystems. Most butterfly species require permits when shipped in large quantities for events.
Painted Lady butterflies (Vanessa cardui) are an excellent exception. They do not require USDA permits because they are native throughout the Continental United States. As beautiful pollinators, they play a positive role in our environment.
When you order from Butterfly Release Company®, you can have peace of mind knowing we only ship environmentally safe, legal butterflies for your wedding, memorial, or special event.
Do Butterflies Harm the Environment?
No — butterfly releases do not harm the environment. In fact, they can actually help.
Painted Lady butterflies are native across the entire Continental United States. Releasing them helps support local butterfly populations that have been reduced by urban development and habitat loss.
At Butterfly Release Company®, we are fully permitted by the USDA and are proud members of the IBBA (International Butterfly Breeders Association). We strictly follow all state regulations and only ship butterflies to areas where they naturally occur.
Our butterflies are raised disease-free on our farm and adapt quickly and instinctively to their new surroundings once released. This makes them a safe, beautiful, and environmentally positive addition to your wedding, memorial, or special event.
Are Butterfly Releases Humane & Ethical?
Yes — when you purchase from a responsible, ethical breeder.
At Butterfly Release Company®, we take great pride in humane practices. We use gentle shipping methods with cold packs that safely place the butterflies into a natural dormant state during transit — causing them no harm.
As a farm that raises our own Painted Lady butterflies, we ensure they are healthy, disease-free, and strong. Painted Ladies are native across the United States and serve as excellent pollinators, making their release environmentally beneficial rather than disruptive.
We are a BBB Accredited Business with an A+ rating and have over 20 years of experience. By choosing us, you support ethical breeding practices and help create a beautiful, meaningful moment while respecting nature.
Shipping Information
Butterflies are sent via UPS Next Day Air the day before the event with instructions. We cannot ship to arrive Sunday for Monday releases and Tuesday releases can only be sent out Monday for Tuesday with a 10:30am delivery time in most cities. Please check your zip code with ups.com and transit time or call us for more information. For shipping the butterflies are safely packaged in a Styrofoam cooled box keeping the butterflies dormant and safe for delivery while they are in their individual personalized envelope or decorator box ready for release. Display cages such as our large, small and hand held cages along with and Release Boxes will be sent in advance so the butterflies can be transferred into them when the butterflies arrive. Please allow at least 14 days prior to your release date for ground shipping of your display cage.
Release Information
(1) Butterflies should be released outside during daylight hours, on a sunny or overcast (but not rainy!) day with a temperature above 70 F. Ideally, you should plan to let them fly free no later than two hours before sunset. This will allow sufficient time for them to nectar (eat) and to find a place for the night naturally and instinctively.
(2) 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 -- the bride or people wearing bright colors -- or towards flowers and bouquets.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us Monday - Saturday 9am - 7pm. (407) 754-2353 or Contact Form online.
We Do SELL OUT and suggest you place your order at least 4 weeks before your date to guarantee you have butterflies for your event. Otherwise we ask for internet orders be places at least 72 hours in advance.
A Butterfly Release Company, Inc reserves the right to refuse or cancel any order.
Compliance
We try to lead the industry with products and customer service but we also go above and beyond internet security rules and regulations with our safeguard of your information.
We also abide by the regulations set by the USDA sending butterflies that are not only indigenous but safe for the environment they are released in. Every order we ship out has the USDA permits necessarily for a lawful release protecting you from possible fines by the USDA. Our company works closely with the USDA for special permits for large releases of 250 plus butterflies. These permits are very important to protect our environment and safeguard our industry.
Butterfly Release FAQ: Common Questions Answered
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about ordering and releasing live butterflies for weddings, memorials, baby showers, anniversaries, and special events.
Quick Navigation
- Ordering & Availability
- Shipping & Delivery
- Release Day & Care
- Packages & Options
- Guarantee & Policies
Do you have butterflies available for my date?
Yes! Check availability using the calendar on any package page. We can often accommodate orders even during the week of your event. For same-day shipping, please call us at 407-754-2353.
What types of butterflies do you offer?
We primarily offer hardy Painted Lady butterflies. Only native, environmentally safe species are shipped to your state.
When should I place my order?
We recommend ordering at least 30 days in advance, but we can often accommodate orders placed just days before your event. You can reserve dates up to a year ahead.
What temperature is needed for a butterfly release?
For a successful release, temperatures should be above 65–70°F (18–21°C) during daylight hours. Butterflies will not fly well in cold weather, rain, or strong wind.
Can I combine mass release and individual releases?
Yes! Add a Decorator Box to your package and leave instructions in the comments box (e.g., “30 in envelopes and 30 in the Decorator Box”).
Is a butterfly release humane and legal?
Yes. When purchased from a reputable breeder like us, butterfly releases are humane and legal in the United States. We follow all USDA guidelines and only ship appropriate species.
Still have questions? Call us at 407-754-2353 — we’re happy to help!
