What we do

Magical Beginnings is dedicated to helping couples create the most memorable wedding possible. To achieve this goal we supply you with beautiful, fully grown, live Monarch and Painted Lady butterflies.

We sell the Monarch butterfly which is one of the strongest, friendliest, and most graceful butterflies in North America. Our Monarch butterflies are easy to release. All you have to do is open the package and watch them fly, because they are already hatched and fully-grown prior to shipment.

We also offer the elegant smaller Painted Lady butterfly. The Painted Lady shows well with an average wingspan of 2½ - 3"  Both species are no fuss at all because they are already full-grown and ready to fly!

Why do it?

A butterfly release is a unique experience, and it looks truly fantastic both on video and in photos. This new tradition is fun, ecologically sound, and enhances the environment. It is an alternative to throwing rice or birdseed confetti. In fact, many churches, rental halls, and wedding chapels no longer permit the use of those items. Butterflies are symbols of the spirit of freedom and happiness. Your guests will surely appreciate this unusual opportunity to participate in the creation of your own Magical Beginning!

How it works

It's very simple. Your live butterflies are air expressed to you overnight, to arrive the day before the wedding. Our butterflies are delivered individually packaged in our specially designed triangular cardstock release boxes. The natural dark and cool condition keeps the butterflies in a comfortable resting state until the day of release. The butterflies come to you fed and content, so they require no special attention. Once the packages are opened at the event natural heat and light will awaken these sleeping beauties and inspire them to take flight.

We also offer an elegant mass release release basket which can comfortably hold 5-6 dozen butterflies.  The release basket idea makes for great video or photo opportunities.  Imagine mom or mother-in-law holding this elegant release basket, someone reads the American Indian Legend. As the bride then unties the pretty ribbon and lifts the veil; these majestic butterflies will surround the bride and groom with their fluttering beauty.

How to order

You have several options. You can call us toll free at 1-888-639-9995 during normal business hours (6am - 6pm PST) and speak with our expert sales representatives. You can order online with your credit card.  Or if sending a check, please write it for a minimum of 50% of the cost of your order as a down payment. The balance of your payment is due at least two weeks prior to the wedding.

In order to guarantee availability, we recommend that you send your reservation form and deposit as soon as possible because there is a limited supply of butterflies available each season.

What they cost

Our butterflies are sold by the dozen. Special Requests are always welcome to meet your special needs and budget.

Monarch Butterflies 1 - 2 Dozen  $95 per dozen 3 - 7 Dozen  $90 per dozen 8+    Dozen  $85 per dozen Average wing span 4 - 4 1/2" With any order of 4 dozen or more we offer a free release basket ($29.99 value) Mixed Selection 1 - 2 Dozen  $85 per dozen 3 - 7 Dozen  $80 per dozen 8+    Dozen  $75 per dozen Temperature MUST be at least 72F or warmer With any order of 4 dozen or more we offer a free release basket ($29.99 value) All orders are shipped priority overnight.  Shipping and  handling cost is $49, with an additional cost of $15.00 for Sunday weddings due to Saturday delivery surcharges. Click here to view our butterfly accessory store

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on butterfly releases and upcoming specials?

How are they shipped

Each butterfly is hand fed and carefully inspected before delivery to ensure a perfect release on your wedding day.

We place one butterfly in it's own specially designed triangular cardstock box. All of the special packets are placed into a protective box. The protective box is then safely packaged with ice into an overnight shipping box, which keeps it well insulated. The butterflies are perfectly safe and content, so they require no special attention. The natural dark and cool condition keeps the butterflies in a comfortable resting state until the day of release.

Your live butterflies will be air expressed to you overnight, to arrive the day before the wedding. You simply keep the shipping box in a safe place, away from heat, until the day of the wedding. We have been providing butterflies for many years without any problems.

* If you are to receive one of elegantly designed release baskets, this will arrive several days if not weeks before the arrival of the butterflies.  

Frequently Asked Questions Click Here  

Our Guarantee Click Here

Internet alert!
Because of the increase in demand for butterfly releases at weddings and special events, we want to caution you that there are several companies on the internet, that have recently jumped into the business, that do not have the proper facilities to produce strong healthy butterflies. Many of these companies try to get you to buy from them at a much reduced cost. Unfortunately, because of their lack of knowledge and experience, they are often unable to deliver your order or, even worse, be out of business before your wedding day.  For your own piece of mind, please ask how long they've been in business.  You also might consider asking for customer references or even a copy of their business license.