The Logistics of Love: What to Expect During a Wedding Dove Release in Peoria
You’ve picked the perfect venue, the flowers are ordered, and the guest list is set. Now, you’re looking for that one "magic moment" that will define your ceremony. Using white doves for weddings has become a premier choice for couples in Peoria and the surrounding Central Illinois area who want a symbolic, breathtaking exit.
However, like any part of a wedding, there are logistics involved. If you’ve never seen a professional release in person, you might have questions: When do the birds fly? How are they handled? What happens if it rains? Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the logistics of love and what you can expect on your wedding day.
The Perfect Timing: When the Magic Happens
The most common question we receive is about the timing. To get the most impact from your white doves for weddings, the release typically happens at one of three moments:
The Grand Exit: As the newly married couple exits the church or outdoor ceremony site, the doves are released to symbolize the start of their journey together.
The "I Do" Kiss: For outdoor ceremonies, a release can be timed to coincide perfectly with the first kiss as a married couple.
During the Photography Session: Some couples prefer a private release during their "golden hour" photos to ensure the photographer captures the perfect shot without the distraction of a large crowd.
Professional Presentation and Handling
When you hire a professional service, you aren't just getting birds; you are getting a choreographed experience.
Attire: Our professional handlers arrive in attire that matches the formality of your event (typically a suit or tuxedo).
The Baskets: We provide beautifully decorated wicker baskets or specialized release cages adorned with white silk flowers and ribbons that complement your wedding colors.
The Release Method: You can choose a "basket release," where the lid is simply lifted, or a "hand release," where the bride and groom each hold a dove and release them together. We provide a brief, gentle coaching session right before the moment to ensure you feel comfortable.
Bird Safety and Professional Standards
It is a common misconception that "wedding doves" are the same as the small white birds found in pet stores. For the safety of the animals and the success of your event, we use highly trained Rock Doves (homing pigeons).
These birds have a powerful natural instinct to return to their home lofts. After they circle your venue a few times—providing a stunning visual for your guests—they fly straight back to their home in the Peoria area.
Important Logistics to Consider:
Weather: For the safety of our birds, we cannot release them in heavy rain, high winds, or fog. We monitor the Central Illinois weather closely and coordinate with you if a delay is necessary.
Daylight: Doves must be able to see to navigate home. Therefore, all releases must take place at least one hour before sunset.
Location: We serve venues throughout the Central Illinois region, from the Peoria riverfront to the rustic barns of Morton and Washington. We always scout the location virtually or in person to ensure there are no overhead hazards like power lines or heavy tree cover.
Booking Your Peoria Wedding Release
Because we only perform a limited number of releases per day to ensure our birds are well-rested and cared for, we recommend booking as early as possible—especially for the busy summer and fall wedding seasons in Peoria.
Adding a dove release is a seamless way to elevate your ceremony from "beautiful" to "unforgettable."
Ready to start planning?
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