Instructions - How a Butterfly Release Works
How a Butterfly Release Works – Step-by-Step Instructions
Ordering live butterflies for your wedding, event, or memorial is easy, safe, and magical. Here’s everything you need to know.
Easy, Safe & Straightforward Ordering
Ordering your live butterfly release is simple, safe, and stress-free.
- Choose your package
- Enter your event date and release day
- Your butterflies are automatically scheduled to arrive the day before your event.
(Exceptions are Tuesday release days can only ship Monday to arrive Tuesday and we cannot ship Sunday to arrive Monday.
Some holidays may also cause an exception)
Shipping Details: Your butterflies ship via UPS Next Day Air the day before your release:
- Tuesday–Friday: arrives before Noon in most cities
- Saturday: arrives by noon in most cities
Regardless if you can order a year in advance or just a few days before — we ship to arrive the day prior to your event if possible.
What’s Included in with the Package Price
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All packages include option of individual release options:
- Individual origami-style release envelopes in your choice of colors
- Space for a personalized inscription (up to 75 characters, including spaces)
Wedding Example: “Chad & Jill • October 17, 2026”
Memorial Example: “In Loving Memory of John May 1, 1944 - June 3, 2025”
Special Occasions: Happy Birthday Murphy - Envelopes are great for every guest to participate and release their own butterfly
Guests simply open the envelope and the butterfly flies out naturally — a beautiful, eco-friendly alternative to throwing rice or birdseed.
The live butterflies ship safely ready to release in the envelopes. No transferring needed.
Mass Release Option – Decorator Box (Most Popular!)
For a dramatic Mass Release, add our Decorator Box to the package.
- You and your partner can untie the ribbons together and release all the butterflies at once
- Choose flower style and ribbon color (or ribbon-only option)
- The box perfectly matches the number of butterflies in your package
Painted Lady butterflies ship ready to release inside the Decorator Box.
How to combine individual + mass release:
Choose your main package, add the Decorator Box, then leave instructions in the checkout comments box.
Example: “30 Painted Ladies in the box and 30 in envelopes.”
Display Options for a Stunning Showpiece
Prefer to display your butterflies before releasing them? We offer an elegant option:
- Butterfly Display Box or Pop Up Display Net
Please order at least 2 weeks in advance so your display item arrives with plenty of time. Butterflies ship separately the day before your event.
Seasonal Butterfly Release Tips
Weather plays the biggest role in a successful butterfly release. Always aim for daytime temperatures above 65–70°F (18–21°C) with calm winds and no rain. Here are season-specific tips:
Spring Releases (March–May)
One of the most popular seasons! Mild temperatures are usually ideal. Schedule your release for mid-to-late morning when the sun has warmed the air.
Summer Releases (June–August)
Perfect weather in most regions, but watch for extreme heat. Keep butterflies in their cooler until 30–60 minutes before release. Butterflies love warm weather.
Fall Releases (September–November)
Fall offers stunning light and colors. September and early October are usually safest. Check the forecast closely as temperatures drop quickly.
Winter Releases (December–February)
Outdoor releases are challenging. We recommend using display options as beautiful centerpieces instead. You can release them later on a warmer day.
Pro Tip: A Plan B can be a tulle-covered basket makes an elegant display if weather doesn’t cooperate.
Butterfly Care Instructions
You’ll receive detailed care instructions by email immediately after ordering. Instructions also will be provided with the butterflies.
When Your Butterflies Arrive
- Replace the included gel ice pack with your own frozen ice pack that you provide (or a ziplock bag with ice).
- Keep them in the insulated shipping box at room temperature.
- Check every 12 hours and replace ice as needed.
Important: Never store butterflies in a refrigerator or freezer.
Waking & Releasing the Butterflies
- Let them warm up for 30–60 minutes before release.
- Release during daylight hours in temperatures above 65–70°F.
Our Guarantee
We guarantee healthy, vibrant, disease-free live butterflies. We ship 1–2 extra butterflies as backup. If any arrive in poor condition, please call us within 24 hours and we’ll make it right.
Butterfly Transfer Instructions
General Tip: Transfer butterflies while they are still cold and dormant — they are much easier to handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Call us at 407-754-2353 — we’re happy to help make your event magical!
