Butterfly Release & Grow Kit FAQs
Planning a release starts with your wedding date, location, and the people taking part. These answers can help you choose what to ask before ordering. For advice about your event, contact us or call 407-366-8299.
Buying butterflies for a wedding
Where can I buy butterflies for a wedding?
You can buy live Painted Lady butterflies through our wedding release packages. Review the quantity and release options on the product page, then check availability and delivery arrangements for your date. Contact us before ordering if your wedding is close or you need help confirming the destination.
How much does a butterfly release for a wedding cost?
Our 36 Painted Lady wedding package displayed a $110 base price on October 20, 2026. Your total will reflect the product and options selected, the shipping cost confirmed for your order, and any applicable taxes. That dated base price is not a delivered quote or a promise of future pricing. Check the current product price and confirm the full amount before purchasing.
Can I release butterflies at my wedding?
Confirm permission with your venue before ordering. Ask about the exact outdoor location you plan to use, rather than assuming permission for the wedding covers a live butterfly release. Contact us with your destination and event details to discuss order eligibility and release arrangements. Check any applicable requirements with the relevant authorities; a product listing does not establish permission for a particular venue or location. Plan for an outdoor, daylight release and follow the instructions supplied with your order.
What is the best month to release butterflies?
There is no single month we can recommend for every wedding location. Ask us about the expected conditions at your destination and planned release time before choosing a date around the release. Butterflies cannot be released in the rain. The release time temperatures need to be at least 65 degrees or warmer for a successful release. Follow the instructions supplied with your order and contact us for advice if the forecast changes. Do not assume a spring or summer wedding automatically has suitable release conditions.
How much do butterflies cost to buy?
Our Customize Your Own Package starts at $55 for a dozen Painted Ladies in individual envelopes, or $60 in a release box. Compare the current product details with a wedding package before choosing. That starting price does not include your confirmed shipping cost, selected option charges, or any applicable taxes. Ask us to clarify the total if you are comparing different quantities or containers.
Shipping and receiving your order
When should I order, and when will the butterflies arrive?
Contact us early with your wedding date and delivery address. Confirm availability, the scheduled delivery day, and who will receive the shipment before placing your order. If your event is close, speak with us first rather than assuming a delivery option will fit your date. Do not plan around an exact arrival time without discussing the arrangements with us.
Is shipping included in the butterfly price?
Treat the displayed base butterfly price separately from shipping. Confirm the shipping charge for your destination and event date, together with any selected options and applicable taxes. Use the confirmed order total for your wedding budget.
Weather, care, and changes to your plans
What should we do if the forecast changes?
Contact us with your order details and planned release location. Follow the instructions supplied with your order and ask for advice specific to the conditions. Discuss a ceremony alternative with your planner; ask us what to do with the butterflies if the planned release cannot take place. Do not assume a change in the forecast makes a refund, date change, or replacement available.
How should we care for the butterflies before the wedding?
Choose one responsible adult to receive the shipment, read the instructions supplied with the order, and contact us with any questions. It will be necessary to have a reusable frozen ice pack ready when the butterflies arrive. You will simply remove our ice pack from the shipping cooler and put your frozen one in its place. Do NOT place your butterflies in the refrigerator. If advice you have read elsewhere differs from the supplied instructions, call us for clarification before acting.
What if I need to change or cancel my order?
Contact us promptly with your order number, event date, and the change you need. Review the terms and conditions and ask us to confirm how they apply to your situation, including weather concerns, before purchasing. Do not assume that a requested change or refund has been accepted until we confirm it.
Releases
Where can I buy butterflies to release?
You can buy butterflies to release from Clearwater Butterfly. A butterfly farm that follows ethical practices, we offer a variety of Painted Lady butterfly release packages for events, including individual and mass release options. Visit our release packages to explore packages and delivery options.
How do you release the butterflies?
We provide live butterflies, carefully packaged and ready to create lasting memories at your event. Shipped to arrive the day before your celebration, each order includes easy-to-follow care and release instructions to ensure your butterflies are vibrant and ready to take flight.
Choose from two butterfly release options to suit your vision:
- Individual Butterfly Release: Each butterfly is shipped in its own envelope, making it easy to share with your guests.
- Mass Butterfly Release: For a grand and dramatic display, the butterflies come together in a decorative mass release container.
Is it okay to release butterflies into the environment?
Yes! We only ship butterflies to areas where native populations exist. Painted Lady butterflies naturally occur in every state across the Continental U.S. and Alaska. We comply with USDA regulations and hold all necessary shipping permits.
What happens to butterflies after the release?
Released butterflies often stay near the release area for several hours. Some may remain for weeks if the environment includes their host plants. Because we only ship to states with native populations, our butterflies are naturally adapted to the local environment.
Are butterfly releases ethical?
Butterfly releases can be ethical when done responsibly. At Clearwater Butterfly, all butterflies are raised on our Florida farm under sustainable practices, rather than being taken from the wild. This protects local ecosystems and supports conservation efforts.
Grow Kits
Where can I buy a butterfly growing kit?
You can purchase butterfly grow kits from Clearwater Butterfly. We offer kits with 5, 10, or 33 live caterpillars, perfect for classrooms, families, or nature enthusiasts. Visit our Butterfly Grow Kits page for more details.
How long does it take for a butterfly to hatch?
After a caterpillar forms a chrysalis, it typically takes about 7-10 days for the butterfly to emerge. This can vary slightly depending on species and environmental conditions. Clearwater Butterfly offers grow kits to observe this transformation up close.
Ordering
How do you ship your butterflies?
Your butterflies are shipped via overnight express with FedEx, arriving fresh the day before your event in a specially designed insulated cooler. The cool environment naturally keeps them calm and protected. Every butterfly is fed and flight-tested before shipping.
When should I place my order?
We recommend placing your order at least 10 days in advance, especially during summer. If ordering with less than 3 days' notice, call 407-366-8299 to confirm availability.
How do I order my butterflies for release?
Order easily through our online shop with automatic discounts at checkout. Questions? Email info@clearwaterbutterfly.com or call 407-366-8299.
How many butterflies should I order?
Mass Release: 1 Monarch per 3 guests or 1 Painted Lady per 2 guests.
Individual Releases: 1 butterfly per guest. Most people order around 4 dozen on average.
What if I need to modify my order?
We're happy to help with changes!
- Shipping Address Updates: Must be submitted at least 48 hours before shipment via phone and email.
- Order Modifications: Must be requested at least 7 days before your release date via phone and email.
When will I receive my butterflies?
Butterflies ship to arrive the day before your event (Wednesday–Sunday releases). For Monday or Tuesday events, contact us before placing your order. We recommend having someone available to receive the package.
What locations do you ship to?
Painted Ladies can be shipped anywhere in the Continental United States, including Alaska. Monarchs cannot be shipped west of the Continental Divide due to environmental regulations.
Why do Monarch butterflies cost more?
Monarch butterflies are harder to breed, increasing cost in materials, labor, and time. Painted Lady butterflies are very similar in color and tend to stick around longer after release. For more butterfly facts, click here.