Frequently Asked Questions.......

An Indian Legend

If anyone  desires a wish to come true they must capture a butterfly and whisper the wish to it. Since they make not a sound, they can't tell the wish to anyone but the Great Spirit. So by making the wish and releasing the butterfly it will be taken to the heavens and be granted.

What is "Flutterbies"?
"Flutterbies" is a family-owned butterfly breeding business started in July 1996. We take personal care by hand-raising and caring for hundreds of Monarch butterflys for a wide variety of purposes.
What types of butterflys are available?              
Monarch butterflys are used exclusively by Flutterbies at this time because of their color, size, and impressive beauty. We plan to add other types in the future.

At what special events or occasions can butterflys be used?
You name it! Beautiful Monarch butterflys can be used in a variety of ways to bring a unique touch to any occasion including weddings (currently the most popular), Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, birthdays, corporate grand openings and other corporate events, baptisms and Christenings, anniversaries, or any other special occasion. Just about any occasion where flowers would be appropriate would also be appropriate for live Monarch butterflys. The uniqueness of live Monarch butterflys makes a lasting impression.....

How are butterflys used at these events?
Probably the most spectacular way of using the Monarchs is by live release during your event. For example, butterflys are often released as the bride and groom exit the church after the wedding ceremony. The wedding party and guests can all take part in the release if desired. A live release ceremony can also be integrated into any other event.

Here are a few additional suggestions:

        Make the release part of the actual wedding ceremony if it is held outdoors.

        Plan a separate ceremony especially for the release (see the "Indian Legend").
        The ceremony can be adapted to meet your specific needs and desires.

        Each person involved may want to make a wish for the bride and groom
        and release the butterflys individually or they may be released as a group.

        Present the bride with a "box of butterflys" that flutter away when the
        present is opened.

The possibilities are endless so be creative! But please insure that the butterflys are not harmed in any way. Part of the charm of a live butterfly release is giving these creatures back to the environment.

Live Release from Individual Envelopes

Your wedding party and guests can intimately participate in a live release using butterflys in individual envelopes. Just pass out the envelopes and, on cue, open them.

These envelopes are triangular in shape and easily pull open into a flat sheet of paper to release the Monarch. They can be color-coordinated  with your party or wedding colors. The envelopes can also be personalized on both sides for a small 25 cent charge per envelope. You may want to include the butterfly legend on one side and personalized name(s) and date on the opposite side.

The following pictures show the actual envelopes and how they open. Click on a thumbnail to enlarge the photo.

The butterflys are not harmed by being in these envelopes. In fact, the envelope provides protection by preventing the butterfly from damaging its wings in the box. Just be careful not to squeeze it in the middle.

Live Release from a Common Container

Many people prefer to release the butterflys from one or several common containers or boxes rather than from individual envelopes. This may be a simpler way to go as you would not have to be concerned about passing out the individual envelopes or deciding who participates and who doesn't. Designated participants (such as the bride and groom) could simply open the top of the box and release all of the butterflys at once. Flutterbies has a selection of attractive see-through  boxes that can be used for releases of this type. Since they are made of the mesh fabric sinamay, the butterflys can be displayed and viewed prior to the release giving you an additional measure of enjoyment.

We are able to deliver the butterflys already in the box if your event is in or close to Delaware. If FedEx shipping is necessary, the butterflys will be shipped in individual envelopes. It would be necessary to remove the butterflys from the envelopes and place them into the box after receiving them. This is easier than it sounds! Simply place the envelopes in the refrigerator for a few minutes. This will slow the butterflys down and make them easier to handle. Take a few at a time out of the refrigerator and transfer the butterflys to the box by opening the envelope and gently placing each butterfly into the box. It also helps if you perform the transfer in a cool room.

Butterfly Displays

Sometimes it is not possible to release live butterflys at your event due to the season, the location of the event, or other considerations. You can still have the beauty of butterflys at your event by arranging a live butterfly display. Attractive hanging displays or free-standing sinamay boxes are available. These hanging displays and boxes can be customized to coordinate with the colors and theme of your event and are available from us at specific times of year. Go to our displays page on this site or call us for more information.

When can I plan a live release; What about weather?
A successful live release cannot be guaranteed if the temperature is below 60 degrees or if there is a driving rain at the time of your release. Light rain or drizzle will not cause problems. Live releases are also discouraged between the first and last hard frosts in your specific area. Releases too close to dusk or at night are also not recommended. If a live release is not possible due to the season or if your event will be exclusively indoors, live Monarchs can be attractively displayed in beautiful hanging cages or free-standing sinamay boxes (see above).

How many butterflys will I need?
This is really up to your plans and budget. As few as one or two butterflys can add a special touch depending on the occasion. 2-3 dozen is a good starting number for a live release or caged display. Or you may want to provide all the guests at your event with a butterfly to release. We have provided butterflys for events requiring as many as 250 or as few as 1! Large numbers have a more spectacular impact but a dozen can be equally as beautiful.

Do I need to get any special permits to receive my butterflys?
Actually, yes (if you are outside the state of Delaware). Federal and individual State agencies often require anyone receiving butterflys to obtain a special permit. However, FLUTTERBIES WILL DO ALL THE PAPERWORK FOR YOU AND SUBMIT ALL THE NECESSARY FORMS AT NO CHARGE! Don't worry, we have you covered! We are not permitted to ship butterflys for release west of the Rockies or outside of the contiguous United States.

How will I receive my butterflys? What do I do after I get them?
Just before shipping, your butterflys are hand fed and exercised to ensure their quality. They are then placed in the individual envelopes with their wings in a natural resting position. This prevents them from damaging their wings in transit. The  envelopes do not cause any undue stress on the butterfly in transit. The butterflys require very little oxygen and will not suffocate when packaged this way. There is a small adhesive label in the corner of each envelope to insure that the butterfly does not escape in transit. This can be easily removed by you or the release participants just prior to the release.

The envelopes are then placed in a sturdy shipping box and your shipment is sent to you by PRIORITY OVERNIGHT DELIVERY to insure that your butterflys are healthy. If the weather is expected to be particularly warm, cold packs are also included to keep the butterflys cool while they travel. When your box arrives keep it in a cool, dark place. DO NOT place it in extreme heat or cold or in direct sunlight (like on a car dashboard!). If you're curious you can open the box and peek inside a few envelopes. Otherwise, there is no need to do anything else until you are ready to pass out the envelopes  to your guests for the live release ceremony. If you are using a caged display you may gently remove the butterflys when you receive the box and place them in the cage that will be supplied. Rest assured, the butterflys are in no way harmed by this shipping method.

In many cases when your event is near to us, your butterflys will be hand delivered just prior to the event.

IS THERE A GUARANTEE?

Flutterbies does everything possible to insure that your butterflys arrive healthy and ready for release. We wouldn't be in business if we sent out bad butterflys. There is always a possibility (although slight) that something beyond our control goes wrong in transit. If for some reason you feel there is a problem with your shipment, CALL IMMEDIATELY at (302) 235-0712 or (302) 427-5463 (pager). We will refund your money if you do not have a successful release due to mortality. Specimens must be returned to qualify for a refund.

A successful live release cannot be guaranteed if the temperature is below 60 degrees or if there is a driving rain at the time of your release.

Normally your order will contain more butterflys than you originally ordered (usually 10% overage). This is our "Baker’s Dozen" in case some do not arrive in good condition. There is no additional charge.

Flutterbies
508 Cabot Drive
Hockessin, DE 19707
302.235.0712
email [email protected]