Bubbles
Bubbles are probably the most popular of the releases for weddings. The more bubbles the merrier. One warning about bubbles is to be aware of the surface of the floor. If your party is blowing bubbles indoors, the floor surface is usually hard and smooth. This presents a slipping hazard. The soap from the bubbles is very slick. Your usually safer outdoors with a rough concrete surface. The photographer and videographer must check & clean their lenses after the bubbles.
Balloons
Balloons released into the sky makes it beautiful for pictures. The photographer & videographer must be warned and ready. The release is very quick and easily missed, if not prepped. Some people say that balloons are a hazard to the environment. The average balloon is made out of latex, which is biodegradable. Three hours after the balloon is released, it rises approximately five miles into the atmosphere. It then freezes and shatters into small spaghetti-like pieces. When it falls back down to earth, ground gases and microorganisms attack the latex. The shiny balloons are not biodegradable.
Birds
Birds released at wedding are usually doves. What’s hard to believe and quite fascinating is that the doves, after the release will beat the owner home. The doves could be hundred miles away and still they find their way home. Its important that the photographer uses a fast shutter speed to capture the grace of the doves. Otherwise it’s a white blur.
Butterflies
Butterflies released are beautiful as they flutter by. What is not beautiful, is when the butterflies are given to the guests in little cardboard containers. The butterflies seem to suffocate in the containers. When released they just hit the ground, looking stunned. Its actually disgusting to watch. The best way to release butterflies is by birdcages. They are free to fly, when the door is opened. Having the flower girl or ring bearer open the door adds an extra touch.
Rice
There is an urban legend that if birds eat the rice, the birds will explode. The thinking comes from the fact that white rice is dehydrated. When ingested by the bird, the rice will begin absorbing water upon entering the moist gizzard. So the rice supposed to actually make the bird insides swell up not explode. However, that is not true either. In fact, birds safely eat wild rice as well as other grains such as wheat and barley that expand in moisture equal to white rice. So don’t worry about the birds. Worry about the people instead. The floor surface is very important. People could slip if the surface is too smooth. Don’t forget the clean up and the rice in your hair. The last problem is the people, that still believe the birds will explode are going to restrict you from using rice. Here is a link that explains the bird and rice issue in more detail. http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/birds/a/wedding_rice.htm
Rose Pedals
Rose pedals are pretty trouble free. There is no slipping or biohazards and rose pedals are easy to get out of your hair. You need plenty of quality rose pedals for some beautiful pictures.
Silly String
Cans of silly string is colorful fun release on the bride & groom. People love it, especially kids. However, make sure there are no flames present. Silly string is very flammable. When ignited, it puts out a toxic gas.
