wording for butterfly memorial for grandmother

#1 theandigirl

Newbie

Group: Registered users
Posts: 2

I have read many of the postings about honoring deceased loved ones during ceremonies. I am going to have a butterfly release during my ceremony to honor my grandmother. This will include my mother myself and my fiance. We will each release one butterfly and then my mother will return to her seat. Butterflies represent my grandmother to my mother and I. However I need some way to explain all of this to my guests so they understand what is taking place. The ceremony is outdoors, very casual, and very none traditional. Any suggestions?? Please help

Thanks so much, Andi

#2 Guest_expertplanner_*

Group: Guest users

All you need to do to let guests know that the butterfly release is happening is to include it in the order of your ceremony program. The personal reasons for why you are having the butterfly release are just that and don't necessarily have to be shared in the ceremony program.

#3 RevSusanna

Interfaith Wedding Minister

Group: Moderators of any forum
Posts: 376
Gender:Female
Location:New York City

If I were doing your ceremony, here is something I might say:

“To our bride and her mother, butterflies represent ______, the bride's beloved grandmother who passed on. Native American legend states that if you capture a butterfly and whisper a wish to it, she will carry that wish to the heavens and it will be granted. Therefore, in honor of Grandmother _____, our bride, her groom and the bride's mother will each release a butterfly along with their silent prayers. ”

I know grandma will be smiling!

Love and Blessings,

Rev. Susanna

#4 Wedding Queen and MOG

Forum Moderator & Wedding Expert

Group: Root Admin
Posts: 7,514
Gender:Female

Also, butterflies signify rebirth so you might include something about how rebirth relates to you, your family members and your wedding day.

#5 theandigirl

Newbie

Group: Registered users
Posts: 2

I thought about printing it in the programs. However due to cost, how small the wedding party is (Only 1 attendant each), and the fact that there is no readings or music performed, we are not printing programs. So I have to have something said during the ceremony.
I really like the suggestions you guys have, but we are not using the terms bride and groom anywhere in the ceremony, We have chosen instead to use only our first names for everything. It sounds great for all other parts, but when I use names in the butterfly part it gets a little bit much. Also I really want to recognize that my fiance is doing this with me as a part of the "family" And finally I know the native american legend, but butterflies specifically remind my mother and I of my grandmother. My mother even collects butterfly things in honor of her. Thanks for all your help,

Andi