“How many doves should I release for my event?”

Good question! In short, the answer depends on the symbolism that you’d like to attach to your dove release. For some events, the simplicity of one dove is best. For others, a whole flock will be more appropriate. Here is your chance to give your special event that last beautiful touch. 

Birthday Doves

Suppose you want a dove release as part of a special birthday party for a family member. Well, are several ideas: use your imagination and be creative! 

• Release one dove in honor of that one person.

• A dove for each year of his/her age.

• Have several family members or close friends each release a dove.

Wedding & Anniversary Doves

Dove releases at weddings are especially symbolic, with the doves’ association of lifetime partnership and commitment. At such happy events, your possibilities can be especially creative. Besides the usual two doves that are typically released by the bride and groom, consider the following:

• Release a flock of doves right after the bride and groom release their pair.

• Let each member of the bridal party release a dove. This makes for a spectacular photogenic opportunity!

• Have both families release doves to celebrate the new kinship created. The more the merrier!

Don’t forget that you can have a dove release for your anniversary as well and re-live the big day again.

Something special to do at a wedding dove release is let a dove go in memory of a loved one. It is not unheard of for a bride and groom to release a dove in memory of a loved one.

Funeral & Memorial Doves

Releasing white doves at a memorial is perhaps one of the most impactful last tributes. Here are a few considerations when deciding on the number of doves for a memorial for your loved one (besides the most common choice of three doves).

• One dove for each of the children.

• Doves for other close family members that have passed away.

• A dove for each year that person has lived.

While the last idea might be simple in the sad case of a child’s passing, what if the deceased enjoyed a long and happy 90 years? Here again, there are many ways to personalize. Think back through your loved one’s life and consider releasing a dove for every decade of the person’s life or for other milestone events. This is a beautiful tribute to the accomplishments and beauty of one’s time on earth and works well for Celebration of Life events and other such memorials.  

How Many Doves Will You Release?

While the general rule of thumb is “the more doves, the more spectacular the sight and effect,” in the end, the number of doves will be whatever is most meaningful to you and your special event. We all come with a variety of ideas and budgets and the dove company you choose will be happy to discuss the possibilities. Just choose a dove release company near you and go from there.

What are some of your ideas on how many doves to release? We’d love to hear from you!