When your butterflies arrive;

Your butterflies will arrive in glassine envelopes packed in a foam lined box with an ice pack. We mimic a cool spring or fall night and ship your butterflies ‘asleep’ until you are ready to wake them for your release.

Please remove the ice pack and refreeze it. A package of frozen vegetables or fruit is a good substitute for the ice pack until it is refrozen.

If your butterflies are not pre-packed in an Accordion Release Box:   hold each envelope up to the light and watch their legs. If their legs are not moving, gently open the envelope and slip a finger into the envelope to touch the butterfly. If it is not moving, please set it to the side and notify us as soon as all butterflies are checked.

If your butterflies are packed in an Accordion Release Box, do not open the box! Either look through the side to see if legs are moving or hold the box up to your ear and listen for movement.

Replace the ice pack and store the box in a cool dark area. Check the ice pack every morning and night. If it has melted, refreeze the ice pack.

If there is a problem that you detect upon arrival, please notify us immediately. Do not destroy anything that did not arrive intact. Before we offer a refund or reshipment, we may require photos or for the package or contents to be returned.

Individual Release from Envelopes:

One hour before the time of your actual release, remove your butterflies from the styrofoam box and place the envelopes in a decorated box or basket. Do not leave these in excessive heat or direct sun. If they are stored in a cold room, they will not be as eager to fly when they are released.

Twenty minutes before the release have an appointed person check the butterflies to be sure all have warmed up and are moving. Simply hold the glassine envelope up to the light and crinkle the envelope. Watch for their legs to move when they are warm.

If any are still chilled and not moving, set those envelopes aside. An extra butterfly is included to take the place of any that may not have warmed up at the time of your release.

Instruct each guest to simply open the envelope and slip his or her finger under the front of the butterfly and gently lift it out of the envelope. Some will fly immediately while others may stay on fingers for several minutes. Those that linger may do so to taste a bit of cake or punch that is left on a finger. This is an excellent opportunity to take photos of your release.

Mass Release Box:

Your butterflies will arrive 'sleeping' snugly in glassine envelopes. These envelopes are packed in a foam-lined box with an ice pack to keep it cool. We mimic a cool spring or fall night and ship your butterflies ‘asleep’ until you are ready to wake them for your release.

One hour before the time of your actual release, remove your butterflies from their envelopes and place the butterflies immediately into your release box. Transfer them in a small room before allowing them to warm up to room temperature. They will be less active and will be easier to transfer.

After they are transferred, keep your release box in a warm area out of direct sun or direct heat. If your butterflies are stored in a cold room, they will not be as willing to fly when the release box is opened.

When you are ready to release your butterflies simply lift the lid of your box.

Some butterflies will fly immediately while others will wait and pose for photographs before flying. If you wish to hurry these camera-hams simply slip your finger under the legs of the posing butterflies and lift them into the air. (If you listen, you'll hear them say,'turn out the light, I was sleeping'.) Butterflies are naturally dormant on cloudy days and at night.

Accordion Release Box:

Your butterflies will arrive pre-packaged in your Accordion Release Box.

DO NOT open the actual release box until time for your butterfly release.

Two hours prior to your release, take the butterfly release box out of the foam container and place it in a safe place outside your refrigerator. It is very important for the butterflies to warm prior to release.

Do NOT leave the box in direct sun or excessive heat.

When it is time for your butterfly release, lift the lid quickly and gently. Your butterflies are packaged between folds of wide ribbon. As the ribbon unfolds, your butterflies will fly.

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