By Chris O’Malley, Civil Celebrant

Symbolic actions – Butterfly release

According to Native American folk lore if you catch a butterfly, make a wish and then release the butterfly the Great Spirit will hear your wish and grant it.

The butterfly is a symbol of change, joy and colour.

There are specialist companies who will provide butterflies for ceremonies.

I would advise only releasing native butterflies at a time of year when they would normally be active.

On the same theme you could also consider releasing doves.

White Doves are a symbol of purity. When release by a couple they can be a visual representation of the new journey on which the couple are embarking, leaving behind the past and moving into the future.

The doves are trained to return to their owner. They are are delivered to the ceremony either in a decorative cage or basket which can be opened at the appropriate time.


Which would you prefer at your wedding? Tell us

To find out more about Chris, please visit her listing on Tie The Knot Wedding Directory here https://tietheknotwedding.co.uk/listings/christine-omalley-civil-celebrant

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