Frequently asked questions
and
General Information

What is a butterfly release?

Butterfly releases are exactly what it sounds like. We provide you live butterflies in individually packaged envelopes for your release. You can release them individually in release envelopes, or all at once in a release basket. The butterflies are shipped to you in release envelopes. All you must do is open the envelope and marvel while these beautiful creatures flutter away!

How does this work?

Your order will arrive the day before the event, (via FedEx or UPS overnight express) inside an insulated cooler with a freezer pack. The butterflies are packaged within individual release boxes, so there is absolutely no preparation necessary. Just keep the butterflies in a cool dark place (such as a closet) until the event. About 90 minutes before the scheduled release, place the butterfly release boxes outside to allow them to warm up. Do not open the boxes until the release. When you are ready, all you have to do is open the release boxes and enjoy the beauty as the butterflies flutter away.

How far in advance should I order?

Orders should be placed at least 2 weeks prior to the event date to guarantee availability and pricing. Short notice orders placed Monday-Friday can be shipped out the same day if you call to verify availability prior to placing an online order. Online orders take 24-48 hours to process.**

How many butterflies should I purchase?

The best rule of thumb is to order 1 butterfly for every two guests. For example, if you are having 100 guests, we recommend ordering at least 50 butterflies. If you are planning on an individual release, we recommend having 1 butterfly per guest.
Our order size recommendations are based on past customer feedback.

What about the weather?

Butterflies should not be released if the temperature is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit (about 19 degrees Celsius) or at night. Releasing them at temperatures below 65 degrees will cause them to fly sluggish. Unlike many of our competitors, we will accept cancellations for bad weather with no penalty! If the weather is forecasted to be too cold or unfavorable for your event date, we will gladly refund your entire cost as long as the order is cancelled at least 6 days prior to your event date. Please visit this link to check historical temperature averages for your release location. Keep in mind that these are averages. We recommend ordering butterflies well in advance while relying on our weather policy in the possibility of unfavorable conditions.

Please read our complete Terms of Sale for full information about our weather policy.

Weather/Cancellation Policy

Unlike most of our competitors, we will accept cancellations for bad weather with no penalty!

We will gladly refund your entire cost as long as the order is cancelled at least 6 days prior to your event date. For example, if the event is on a Saturday, the order must be cancelled by Monday at the latest. For complete information, please visit our Terms and Conditions of Sale.

Can I release my butterflies at night?

Butterflies should not be released at night, as they will not fly without light. Please visit this link to check the estimated sunrise and sunset times for your release location. Also, there needs to be at least 30 minutes of sunlight left prior to release.

Are care instructions included with the order?

Yes, each order includes care instructions, along with a complementary copy of the Butterfly Indian Legend.

Should I do a Mass Release or an Individual Release?

We recommend doing Individual Releases, meaning the butterflies are released individually from their own boxes. Individual Releases allow an unparalleled level of guest participation, which will truly make your event be forever remembered.

A Mass Release is just what it sounds like. All of the butterflies are placed in a large decorative box. When you are ready to release the butterflies, all you need to do is remove the lid and enjoy the beauty as the butterflies flutter away. Instructions on transferring the butterflies from individual boxes to the mass release box are included with the order. This is a very simple process, and can be quite fun!

Do you ever package the butterflies loose inside the mass release box?

All orders are packaged in individual release boxes standard. If you would like them packaged loose in a mass release box, just specify when ordering. Packing them loose is just as safe as packing them individually.

We can also do a combination of individual packaging and a mass release box. For an additional $10.00 per order, we can split the butterflies into any configuration you like. Please specify when ordering.

How do I go about getting butterflies for my event?

You can place your order online  via our secure checkout system . Internet orders automatically receive a 10% discount, which will not be honored for mail orders.

Do you price match?

We offer the best value in the industry with our wide selection of butterflies, customization, and outstanding customer service. Therefore, we do not offer competitor price matches.

What about price changes?

We reserve the right to change prices without prior notice. For complete information, please read our Terms and Conditions of Sale.

What is the IBBA?

The IBBA, International Butterfly Breeders Association, sets strict standards regulating the overall wellbeing of the butterflies during the processes of being raised, maintained, and transported.

What if I receive a deceased butterfly?

Our butterflies are raised by IBBA breeders, so the chances of them perishing during shipment are very slim. We automatically include an extra butterfly per dozen in the event that one should perish during shipping. As always, a deceased butterfly can be sent back for a refund. Please click here to read our complete terms and conditions.

Do you ship Internationally?

Sorry, but we do not ship outside of the Continental United States.

Common Myths

I heard butterflies only live for two days?

This is a myth. Some species of butterflies do have a short lifespan. However, the Painted Ladies have a lifespan of 2-3 weeks, while Monarchs have a lifespan in excess of 6 weeks. Some Monarchs have been known to live for up to 6 months!

I heard this is inhumane?

Butterfly releases are not inhumane at all! Our butterflies are raised by IBBA member breeders, who follow the strictest standards of raising and shipping these beautiful creatures.

I heard it unbalances the ecosystem?

We only ship butterflies to locations they are native (adhering to USDA regulations on the transit of butterflies). Painted Lady, Gulf, Red Admirals, and Monarch butterflies can be shipped to virtually any state since they are already native. And because they are native, they cannot unbalance or harm the ecosystem. Our butterflies are not poached from the wild, they are raised in captivity by experienced breeders. Releasing butterflies poses absolutely no environmental threat.

** Orders take 24-48 business hours (1-2 days) to process. Please place your order well in advance. If you are placing an order within 7 days of the event, call to verify availability. After your order is placed, you will receive notice that your order was received. After your order has been processed, you will receive a final email confirmation including all event information.