Creature feature
Bernadette Duncan
Who’s the life of the wed-ding party? At more and more weddings these days, it’s the birds released at the end of the ceremony.
Outside the church or synagogue, above the beach or backyard (or just about any outdoor location a wedding takes place), guests gather in avian awe to watch the release of one or more doves take flight at an appointed time - usually followed by 12 or more of their feathered friends.
“If done properly, a dove release is awesome,” says Kevin Moore, founder of the White Dove Release Professionals. “Mates for life, they’re the perfect symbol for a wedding, and a new life together,” he adds.
What can you expect? After the ceremony, guests and family members gather around the bride and groom who release one or two birds by hand or from a small basket. The birds soar to the sky, often circling overhead four or five times, before heading back home. “Often they are joined by an additional 12 or more released by a bridal party member or bird coordinator,” Moore says.
According to 29-year-old Holly of Tuscon, Arizona, “They also provide a great photo opportunity and even some comic relief. I was pretty calm handling the birds, but from the look on my husband’s face, you could see he was not!”
Whether or not the birds are nervous, it’s hard to find out. They’re up and out so fast – about 65 mph – that “they usually beat me home,” says Moore.
Another plus about a bird release? They’re more often accepted by the wedding site than other grand finales. According to Holly, “At so many locations you can no longer throw rice or confetti. I considered bubbles as a fun sendoff but didn’t think that would photograph very well. So I chose a bird release — and it was spectacular.”
The birds are actually white homing pigeons. Like athletes, they rigorously train about five or six months. “They’re bred especially for this purpose,” says Moore, as opposed to ring neck doves sold in pet stores that usually can’t fly. “When not working, they live in a loft where they are fed and exercised every day,” says Moore. “Each has its own individual perch.”
These feathered adventurers can fly as much as 300 miles - but most ceremonies take place within a 100-mile distance from the birds’ home.
Other conditions may prevail. Birds are not released after sunset – that’s because they don’t see well in the dark. For the safety of the birds, the release also depends on the weather. “If the bride can stand in it, we can release in it,” says Moore. In other words, heavy rain or other extreme weather may cancel the flight.
The cost for a dove release will vary depending on the number of birds, the distance and the package. Call your local release coordinator for his or her policy of payment and refund