Thank you so much to the Butterfly Release Company for an amazing experience. Their (Murphy's) professionalism stood out immediately--every step was explained clearly, timelines were respected, and the team was courteous and knowledgeable throughout. She also handled everything with great care, which gave me so much confidence. The butterfly release was beautiful, and the professionalism behind it made the moment even more special. We're truly grateful! Forever grateful, Holly L. Woolridge Oakland, CA read more

Butterfly Release Company - My Butterfly Release Mother's Day Brunch - Event Planning & Services Near Me

I'm a little disappointed I can only rate Butterfly Release Company three out of five stars at best. Objectively speaking, I thought our butterfly release was a bit of a downer. I know it's the thought that counts, but I was hoping for a better release, especially after being part of an awesome butterfly release at my sister's wedding in California. This release was at our friend's memorial in North Carolina. My wife purchased two dozen painted lady butterflies ($98) in a decorator box ($10) for mass release (all butterflies released at once as opposed to individually). Delivery was $60 for a total cost of $168. I liked that we got to choose the ribbon color for the box. We chose blue, our friend's favorite color. We carefully followed the care and release instructions, even waking up in the middle of the night before the day of the release, to make sure our replaced ice pack was still frozen/cold. We let the butterflies warm up to room temperature about one hour before release. We could hear them moving around inside the box, which was encouraging. When it came time to release the butterflies in front of everyone, most of the butterflies stayed inside the box. It was like they were still dormant or sleeping. We gently shook the box and several butterflies just fell to the ground or flew only a few feet off the ground to nearby landing spots (e.g., plants, bushes). I gently touched a couple butterflies, one on the ground and one on a person's shoe, and they eventually flew into some plants nearby. Bottom line, it wasn't a "grand" release or anything like that. That's how the butterfly release was at my sister's wedding. It was more magical. We looked up into the sky to see butterflies flying away. At this memorial, the release was more of an anticlimactic whimper, I'm sad to say. The company's guarantee stated, "you will receive live vibrant farm raised butterflies." All of the butterflies were alive, but they were definitely not vibrant. Per the guarantee fine print, we did release correctly during daylight hours with sunlight, no rain, and temperature in the low 70s. Humidity was high, though, probably around 90%. It rained earlier in the day. I'm not sure how much of a factor that was or what went "wrong." We had no issues with shipping or delivery. The butterflies were delivered on time via FedEx. They were shipped on Friday, delivered on Saturday, and released on Sunday. read more

It's a double edged sword that I am well versed in funerals and Celebrations of Life. I think about the loss that needed to take place in order to give me what I need to be who I needed for those that have lost someone now and it takes me back to my own loss. Grief is a wonderous thing. No matter how much time has passed I think of someone I held dear to my heart and their passing and my throat closes up and it takes effort to fight back the tears. Which is why when I see someone lose their loved one and am asked to help prepare for their send off I take it personal. My mind goes full coordinator mode and I fill in where I am needed. I know how important it is to try to do all that I can to honor the blessing of being of help. I know how much work it takes to do the person who has passed on justice and honor them in a way they deserve. So recently a good friend of mine lost her mother. I had the honor of getting to know her mother on a personal level and for that I will forever me grateful. So it wasn't too hard to suggest and/or implement little details here and there that would would make this celebration of life what it needed to be. Over the years I have seen people release balloons...doves..lanterns..and butterflies. Nana loved her garden it's where you would almost always find her. Sitting in her garden...in her glider...kindle in hand. So butterflies it had to be. I suggested it to my friend and she didn't hesitate. So I went online and stubbled upon this company. Their site was user friendly. Their explantation of how it worked was clear. The only thing I wanted to ensure was that I would receive them in time and that since I am in California and they are in Florida it could be done. I emailed and received a response right away. Great customer service! So I ordered...12 painted lady butterflies. With shipping I received 12 butterflies, each in their own envelope (color of my choice, so chose purple as it was her fave) with an inscription of my choice for $105. I was told my package would be sent via Fedex and it would be delivered the day before. We received the package in the a.m. Butterflies were kept safe in a box that was lined with styrofoam and packaged in ice packets. With the package came lengthy, straight to the point, easy flow directions. The day of the ceremony I allowed the package to sit on a counter minus the ice for about an hour and a half. Then once it was time, each envelope was opened and each butterfly fluttered about and off. It was beautiful...emotional...and lent such a sweet sentitment no one expected. Hours later we even had one come back to visit. I think it was Nana, thanking us for such a beautiful send off....I'd like to think so. read more

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We ordered online. No problem. Delivered as promised with clear, helpful instructions about care and release of butterflies. They make it clear that the butterflies probably won't release like an explosion of fireworks but in variance: some take off into the sky, some have to be nudged out of box and some like it just fine on your finger! They were all happy and healthy. It was a special ending to the memorial service for a friend! Thanks! read more

My experience with this company was 100% wonderful. I ordered butterflies for my mom's celebration of life. I was kept in the loop about delivery and they arrived right on schedule. We followed the very clear directions and release went very well. Many of the butterflies stayed on the fingers of the "releasers" for a short while and we got some wonderful pictures. This was a highlight of our celebration and the children especially will remember their great grandmother's burial because of this. I was totally happy with the company and their customer service. read more

The butterflies I received were very very tiny. It's disheartening. Definitely go with Mr Butterflies! Was my second choice. Should have known better! read more

My cousin passed away. When I asked his Mom (also my cousin) if there was anything I could do to help with his services she said she wanted to release butterflies after his Mass/service. I searched the Internet for a Butterfly release service/vendor. One company said they were sold out. My second call was to "Butterfly Release Company". I called to confirm they had inventory and could in fact ship to Southern California as needed. After our conversation I placed my order online via their Website. Within minutes I received an order confirmation with the delivery date, address and a note stating they'd include butterfly handling instructions with the butterflies and the box I ordered. The order was to ship directly to my cousin the day before the Mass/services (due to the time of Mass and release). The butterflies were delivered on time. All the butterflies released as expected. I did not receive permission from everyone who was photographed during the actual release. I am unable to post a photograph without violating their privacy. I recommend this service provider for those who may be interested in this type of service. read more

We ordered butterflies, which we needed for an event on a Tuesday. We ordered and within minutes, realized that the butterflies wouldn't be delivered in time for out event. We attempted to cancel, and even though it was within a short period of time, they charged us 3%. We had been clients for almost a decade. We will not use their business again. read more

I would give this company negative 5 stars if I could.   1.  I tried to order on their website twice.  It did not go through but my card had two holds for $127 each.  I call Murphy on a Thursday and she told me call her back on Tuesday. 2.  I called her back on Tuesday and she said she promised they would have my order by Friday for the celebration of life ceremony.  We were to release them on the pier. 3.  Murphy told me I didn't order some type of box and told me that I had to pay another $10.  No problem, Paid. 4. Butterflies were to arrive on Friday.  No butterflies. 5.  Called Murphy on Saturday the day of the even and she told me two stories.  1 she said there were supposed to arrive on Friday and she had called and called.  Then she changed and got rude and said what do you expect me to do about it and how about I give her suggestions. 6.  She called me back and then said she would give me free butterflies for a year and this has never happened etc.  She then said my order was never placed.  I could see had I not spoken with her over the phone but we spoke twice and she promised me.   This lady is a nut job.  Give her your money if you want and good luck on getting your butterflies.  She said she only sees the $10 charge. Guess what, I never got that back either.   To be this insensitive for a special even if horrendous. I have never dealt with such a horrible company.  Go somewhere else. read more

I received the fedex package today. We have been looking forward to a memorial release honoring our departed. After using the webpage and making the order with an attached message for the envelopes, it was my understanding that the butterflies would come in that inscribed envelope. After I saw the message was not on the envelopes or anywhere in the package, I called (politely) to inquire what happened. The woman I spoke to claimed she contacted "someone" regarding the issue to inform us that when using a release cage, the butterflies do not come in the same envelopes with written message. She was dismissive, rude, and clearly irritated by what she referred to as my complaining. Given it was my misunderstanding and some misleading directions on the site, all of this would have been fine had she handled it better. Here we are the day before remembering a lost love with a celebration we trusted this company to be a part of, and yet there was no kindness, curtesy, or consideration regarding the difficulties and sadness are such an event. I'm sure the butterflies will be wonderful and beautiful, but I would never recommend using this vendor to anyone for the lack of professionalism, sensitivity, and customer appreciation. read more

I ordered two dozen painted lady butterflies to release at my friend's memorial service. I was nervous as they would be shipped on Friday, arrive on Saturday, and not be released until Sunday evening. Murphy spoke to me and gave me instructions to ensure that the butterflies would stay dormant until ready to fly. It was a great success! All 24 butterflies made it into the sky safely, and everyone thought it was so beautiful. I will definitely be using them again in the future. Thanks for such a great experience! read more