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One terrific idea for decorating with butterflies
How many times have you been to a wedding where you were completely in awe of the table decorations?
Many receptions' table decorations are pretty mundane, with a centerpiece of flowers, or party favors, or disposable cameras.
Once the reception is over, the guests have forgotten what was displayed, either on their individual tables or in a special area.
How about a beautiful, see-through "cage" that encloses fluttering butterflies, nectaring delicately on a bouquet of flowers?
This can happen at your customers' wedding receptions, whether it is held outdoors or indoors. The guests will be mesmerized!
The mechanics of putting together such a display are very easy once you know how to handle the butterflies.
Here's the scenario:
Your bride has ordered several dozen butterflies through you, the wedding consultant. She has decided to display one large container filled
with monarchs, which will be placed in a very conspicuous spot. The cage can either be purchased or rented from the butterfly farmer,
or can be made by hand. A pretty basket can be used, or even a bird cage, wrapped in tulle, and tied at the top with a ribbon.
Inside the cage will be flowers, placed in a short vase. You will want to make sure that the flowers have not been sprayed with any pesticides.
You can also spray them with a sugar/water solution (1 part sugar to 4 parts water). This will allow the butterflies to nectar while they
are admired by the guests.
After the flowers are in place, wrap the basket or cage with tulle. Black tulle allows the butterflies to be seen more readily,
but you can also use white tulle. Tie it at the top with a pretty ribbon. If you are using a cage purchased from your butterfly
farmer, you can omit this step. Each butterfly can be removed from its envelope, with wings closed over its body and placed into the container,
slipping them through where the two sides of the tulle overlap. Soon, they will become active, fluttering about, charming the guests.
It is recommended not to place the container in direct sunlight, for the butterflies will overheat.
Someone should mist the butterflies once per hour to keep them hydrated. The butterflies can stay in the container for several hours before
it is time to release them. At that time, the bride and groom will untie the ribbon, allowing the butterflies to fly away!
Or, if using a two-piece cage, the top will simply be removed. This is the time for the photographer to take some terrific pictures.
*Some brides want one butterfly display on each table. A smaller cage is used on a 6-foot table, but the same principles apply.
*Wedding favors to complement the butterflies can be an assortment of flower seeds that attract butterflies, in communion cups, again tied with tulle.
Communion cups can be purchased from church supply stores.
Author: Linda Marchman
Social Butterflies
www.socialbtrflies.net
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