Welcome to "Doves as Wedding Releases"
As weddings become more and more entertaining, even theatrical in nature, and as individual couples try to find ways to make their own ceremonies both special to themselves, and different from the rest, they are turning to elaborate ways of celebrating their unions. But what is most interesting is couples are not necessarily looking for things that are new as in "just invented", but also, new as in "new to this era or time period". In fact, "what is old is new again" sending couples back centuries to dated traditions which included the release of white doves.
Since many cultures revere white doves and associate their symbolism with various human traits, we decided to write about the history of releasing doves, the significance of dove releases, as well as important points to consider when choosing a dove release vendor or breeder. There are many misconceptions when using live stock at human events,
and we hope to help you in your search for the increasingly popular dove releases and butterfly releases. Indeed, both are magnificent to see, but you should be aware of city bylaws, vendor issues, and the humane treatment of live creatures.
One aspect of releasing white doves that most people do not know is that legitimate service providers actually release white homing pigeons, and not doves specifically. Doves are usually smaller than pigeons, and pigeons are typically better at handling the trip home. Real doves are more timid and do not do well with releases like pigeons do. In fact, they will most certainly die or succumb to predators, as doves do not have the homing instincts of pigeons. They cannot be trained to fly home. And if released, will probably just huddle together in fear.
But, since people associate doves as the more beautiful of the two birds, it is just assumed that the white pigeons are doves. Plus, the pigeons are also called "rock doves".
In addition to seeing the spectacle of dove or butterfly releases, the choice of holder or container used for the wedding day is an important part of the decision making process. For the birds, most providers will offer specially designed or decorated baskets and cages. For couples requesting the birds to sit at the table during the reception, the baskets can be decorated to match the theme or color structure of the wedding itself. With butterflies, they too, can be kept in a container to see throughout the reception, or they may be handed out to guests to send off as the happy couple emerges from the church.
Whatever fashion you choose for doves as wedding releases, there is no doubt that your ceremony ore reception will be remembered by all your guests.