Avian Joy of Saratoga

White doves symbolize peace, innocence, gentleness, and love. Releasing doves is now the newest addition to weddings in the Bay Area, but it comes from an old European custom.

Doves are usually released at the end of the ceremony as the wedding party and guests exit the church. If the wedding is outdoors, the release is immediately following "the first kiss as husband and wife". A typical release may begin by handing the bride and groom a dove each.

You may wish to use your own imagination in planning how you would like to release the doves at your wedding. Some possibilities include having members of the wedding party or family members release the flock. We can also release the doves at the reception site rather than at the ceremony.

On occasion, we have simply displayed a pair of doves in our enchanting, decorative "cathedral" cage at the reception. Please feel free to explore your creative ideas with us as we assist you with your wedding plans.

Releasing doves here in California is not only a unique and exciting way to conclude a wedding ceremony, but it provides an alternative to the custom of throwing rice which tends to sting, and can be harmful to wildlife if eaten.