...Inviting Butterflies to Your Wedding

By Rick Mikula, Web Naturalist

The American Indian legend states: to have a wish come true you must capture a butterfly. Whisper your wish to it and set it free. The winged messenger will then take your message to the Great Spirit and it will be granted. The sentiment was as beautiful then as it is now.

When most facilities ban the throwing of rice or bird seed, alternatives are hard to find. Even the release of balloons has a dramatic ecological impact, which detracts from their use. Seemingly harmless, they find their way to the ocean and kill the creature that ingests them. What is a worrisome but concerned couple to do?

The Hazleton based Hole-In-Hand Butterfly Farm has the solution: releasing butterflies. From the Ozarks to New Delhi wedding ceremonies are rich with butterfly involvement. The Sanskrit weddings of India make constant reference to butterflies. Even in Appalachia, for a new bride to see a butterfly on her wedding day means only the best of luck.

The number of butterflies to be released varies as much as the manner in which it is done. One or one hundred, they are all very beautiful and extremely spectacular. Whatever number you choose, they are received individually packaged in color coordinated envelopes. With large numbers everyone lines the sidewalk. As the newlyweds emerge after the service and head for the limousine, everyone opens their envelopes. The butterflies fly up to congregate and the bride and groom proceed under a canopy of live butterflies. When a smaller number is used, only the wedding party is supplied. After the ceremony they gather outside where the "Wish Legend" is read aloud. Wishes are made and the butterflies are then set free. Other past techniques include being concealed under handbells, inside opaque balloons, or in boxes. At the moment the couple says "I do" they are released in a wonderful flurry of multi-colored wings to announce the joyous news. While in an induced sleeping state, they may also be hidden directly in the floral arrangements. During the ceremony they wake up and emerge from the flowers.

Availability is governed by weather and timing. The health and well-being of the butterflies is the foremost concern. They are sold only in the warmer months, late May through early October. Also, the demand is so great orders should be placed nine months to a year in advance.

National popularity has hit a frenzy. To meet orders, Hole-In-Hand has had to start franchises in Sacramento, Cincinnati, and Orlando.

"So everyone please come and join this couple in this unique celebration; please come and join them in their wish."

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