Releasing doves for a wedding: why birds are released, what they symbolize, how to properly organize the release of white doves and a photo shoot with them

The release of doves by newlyweds is one of the most romantic rituals at a wedding. Each marriage is the story of a separate family born. And all the newlyweds want to make this day the most memorable and bright, so that the guests will remember the fun competitions, feasts and unusual traditions and rituals for a long time. Launching white doves gives the holiday a special solemnity, an atmosphere of love and peace.

Newlyweds with wedding doves

Symbols and signs

The tradition of releasing doves on a wedding day appeared in sunny Italy. Leaving her parents' house, the young bride gave freedom to a gentle white-winged bird, symbolizing love, tenderness and fidelity. This was a sign that the girl was now free from the care of her mother and father and was ready to start a new family. Idea! Instead of doves, butterflies or ordinary balloons are also released into the sky.
All guests of the holiday are waiting for the moment when the newlyweds release snow-white birds into the sky. This is not only a beautiful sight. A number of signs are associated with the ritual:

If the dove took off first and broke away from her partner, then it was assumed that the bride would be the main one in the house;
Another version of the superstition says that a more efficient dove is a sign that a girl will appear first in the family. But if the male gets ahead of his girlfriend , then the first-born will be a boy;
Pigeons scattered in different directions symbolize a troubled family life;
Birds flying quickly and high were considered a good sign and promised the young couple the fulfillment of a wish that the heroes of the occasion had made before the ceremony;
If a pair of birds flutters in the sky for a long time and inseparably , the newlyweds will have a happy life;
If a bird stains the newlywed's outfit , then there will be prosperity and wealth in the family.

To distinguish in height which of the doves belongs to the bride and which to the groom, red and blue ribbons are tied to the birds’ legs. Not everyone adheres to this tradition, fearing for the safety of pigeons. After all, ropes can get tangled in branches or wires.

How to prepare a pigeon for “work”?

In large cities there are too many factories, factories and cars that pollute the air. These exhausts affect the beauty, shine and quality of birds' feathers. To make pigeons look presentable and have shiny plumage, you should sometimes give them baths.

How to properly wash a bird?

To get rid of unattractive coating on the feathers, pigeons need to be prepared.

Step 1. The bird is given a steam or water bath. To do this, in a cage with a lattice bottom, the bird is kept high enough above boiling water to avoid burns and to allow the pigeon to breathe normally. You can simply place the birds in clean water heated to 30 degrees.

Step 2.

The procedure for washing the bird will only be effective if the feathers are completely wet. After this, the birds are moved to another basin with slightly soapy warm water (it is better to use rainwater). Wash the pigeons by lightly fingering the feathers with your fingers; you can use a soft sponge. Finish washing by rinsing with warm water and wrapping the birds in a towel.

Step 3. Then the birds are placed in a box, the floor of which is covered with fresh sawdust or straw. Make sure that there is no draft in the room where the birds are located. It is advisable that the room be dark. The bird's legs can be lubricated with Vaseline, and the wax eyelids with oil (necessarily unsalted!), after wiping with cool water. However, you should not wash your birds too often.

Launch: where and when?

The ceremony does not require a mandatory time and place. Usually the pigeons are released into the sky after the painting. After leaving the registry office, the ceremony symbolizes the birth of a new family and loyalty to each other.

It is not so important whether this happens immediately after leaving the registry office, during the traditional walk of the newlyweds or in the middle of the banquet. Sometimes, as a sign of farewell to single life, a ceremony with birds is organized before the painting - at a bachelor or bachelorette party.

The flight of birds looks most impressive in open areas, where trees and buildings do not interfere with enjoying the beautiful spectacle and observing the behavior of pigeons. Often the ceremony is held outside the city or in a park.

It is also important not to delay the ceremony, since no one will be able to observe and evaluate the flight of birds in the dark. Birds should be released during daylight hours.

Breeding pigeons

The mating period for pigeons begins in the spring. It is better to prepare for it in advance: do the genealogy in the dovecote, arrange a nesting area (a base of branches, flat wooden boxes with low sides and a mixture of gypsum and sawdust in the corners).

Reproduction of pigeons usually occurs in several ways:

Random mating - occurs in the period March-April; as a result of such mating, not the best offspring may be obtained;
inbreeding - mating of purebred pigeons with their direct relatives in order to improve the qualities of the breed and preserve its properties;
line breeding - precise determination of the consequences of mating and inheritance of qualities by birds;
mating of birds of different breeds with similar external parameters;
mating of unrelated birds.

Pigeons hatch eggs (of which there are usually 2) alternately, replacing each other. The male usually looks for material for the nest (twigs, twigs, etc.) while the female builds the nest. On average, eggs hatch for about a month. It is not worth disturbing the birds in vain and actively checking the nesting areas these days. The nest is checked in the absence of birds.

How to hold and let go?

Pigeons are delicate and fragile birds. You need to be able to hold them correctly so as not to injure them. To do this, the wings of the birds are carefully pressed to the body, and the paws are fixed between the fingers. This way the birds will not break free ahead of time.

When the moment comes to release the pigeons into the sky, it is advised to slightly push the birds upward. You should not make sudden movements. It is important that the birds are released at the same time, so the bride and groom should agree in advance. You can, for example, launch birds on the count of three.

In order for the photographer to take several successful shots, you should not suddenly let go of the pigeons. At the same time, the bride and groom must have time to pose for the camera both with birds in their hands and against the backdrop of birds soaring in the sky.

Pros and cons of tradition

Flying doves is one of the rituals that has many benefits.

A young couple can receive additional positive emotions.
The release of doves into the sky impresses not only the bride and groom, but also guests and passers-by.
Beautiful photographs will remain as a keepsake.

But there are also disadvantages to such a tradition. Not all people will be able to hold pigeons in their hands. For some, this causes fear and fear that the bird will peck on the hand. Some people are allergic to the birds themselves. Therefore, all this must be taken into account when planning a wedding.

Peculiarities

Today, not only the bride, but also her betrothed takes part in the ceremony. The newlyweds release the doves into the sky together. There are two versions of the ritual. The first case involves two birds, which the bride and groom hold in their hands. The second option involves the participation of a flock of birds, which at a certain stage of the ceremony soar into the sky. It turns out to be a kind of “live fireworks”.

Birds, as mentioned earlier, are released before or after painting. In some cases the ceremony is performed twice. It all depends on the preferences of the couple.

At the appointed time, the birds are brought to the young in a beautiful wedding cage. It can be only two doves for the bride and groom or several birds at once. If desired, they are also presented to witnesses and guests of the holiday.

Before releasing the birds into the wild, it is important to arrange a short photo session. The ceremony footage looks spectacular and romantic in the photographs.

When the birds are in the sky, the guests and heroes of the occasion watch the flight and remember the signs associated with the ceremony.

How to properly keep purebred decorative pigeons?

If you plan to keep several representatives of different breeds, it is better to arrange separate rooms for the birds. Also provide a quarantine room. In addition, it is worth remembering that timely cleaning several times a week will protect pigeons from many diseases. Once a season, it is necessary to carry out a general cleaning of the premises and thoroughly disinfect it (especially after the end of the molting period).

Pigeons are fed mainly with special mixtures, the main component of which is barley grain. Birds are also very willing to eat grated fruits and vegetables. Birds can receive vitamins by adding chalk and fine sand to their diet. You can also simply purchase special nutritious fortified mixtures at pet stores. There should always be clean water in drinking bowls. It is better to feed the birds according to a schedule, but in sufficient quantities - then after flying and walking they will fly back to the “nest”, that is, the dovecote. An adult pigeon can eat about 50 grams of feed mixture per day.

peacock pigeon

Where can I get it and how much do they cost?

Pigeons are unusual birds. They are used for wedding ceremonies not only because of their beauty and tenderness. Birds symbolize peace, love and fidelity.

Renting birds for a wedding ceremony is easy. You can contact bird breeders or special nurseries. Here, for a particularly elegant wedding, newlyweds can order pigeons with a pedigree.

Important! Renting birds from a nursery is a guarantee of safety, because birds are carriers of a number of diseases. You need to be sure that the pigeon infection will not be transmitted to the bride and groom.

Sometimes birds are offered for rent right outside the registry office. This service is convenient because you don’t even have to prepare for the ceremony in advance. However, when choosing pigeons from the registry office, you cannot be sure that they are properly prepared to participate in the celebration. The advantage of this service is its low cost.

Carrier pigeons are used for the ceremony. They are able to travel long distances and will always find their way home. By renting such birds, you don’t have to worry about their safety.

The cost of the service is affordable to everyone. A pair of birds will cost an average of 1000-1500 rubles. Thoroughbred individuals are somewhat more expensive - approximately 2000 rubles each.

Where to order doves for a wedding

Renting wedding doves costs little money, so every couple can have a joyful ceremony of releasing these birds. The price varies depending on who the pigeon supplier is.

If you order birds from a professional dovecote, you will need to pick them up yourself, which will require additional costs. On average, the cost will cost from 1500 to 1800 rubles for a pigeon and dove.

You can also buy pigeons near the registry office ; this option will cost the least - about 800-100 rubles per pair. Considering that the pigeons will be accepted from non-professionals, there is a risk that they will stain the outfits, because they can be fed directly on the wedding day.

For the same reason, some newlyweds refuse a beautiful tradition, fearing to spoil their wedding dresses. Therefore, it is better to order birds from specialized companies . To avoid embarrassment, the pigeons will not be fed before the specified date.

Wedding agencies often offer a service for renting wedding doves. This is very convenient, since a company employee will deliver the birds exactly at the time when they need to be released. This service will cost a little more – 1800-2000 rubles, but will allow you to do it without any extra hassle.

Also, before releasing the birds, a representative of the agency can instruct the newlyweds on how to behave properly with the birds so that everything goes smoothly

Many people worry whether pigeons return to their former place after a wedding. Professionals rent out only trained birds for the holiday, who know their dovecote and always return to it.

Photos of wedding doves

Photo session with white doves

A photo shoot is one of the most important elements of a wedding celebration. An experienced photographer will take photographs that will remind you of an important event many years later. He will not forget about several shots with pigeons.

Spectacular wedding shots are obtained with pigeons in a cage. But the birdhouse must be beautiful and match the event. The groom is asked to lift the cage and the bride to look at the birds.

Photos in which newlyweds carefully hold doves and look at each other or at the birds look especially tender. Surely guests will also want to take photos with the birds. It is important to capture the moment of flight. To do this, you will need professional equipment, which is in the specialist’s arsenal. It is extremely difficult to film all stages of the ceremony with a regular camera or smartphone camera.

The photo session must be held in an open area. The better the overview, the better the shots you will get.

Where to begin?

A dovecote can be built both by the owners of a private house and in a small corner of a city yard.

It is better if the site has sandy-clayey soil. The entrance to the dovecote is best located on the south or east side. The design of the bird house will depend on the breed you choose. Experienced pigeon breeders strongly recommend abandoning the idea of breeding pigeons in a city apartment.

The area of the building is calculated based on the number of pigeons and their size. You can find ready-made dovecote projects on the Internet.

Some general useful tips for new pigeon breeders:

It is better if the dovecote is built of brick or wood. Preference is usually given to smooth boards - such a structure is easier to plaster.
The building must have small windows - this way the dovecote will be provided with a sufficient amount of light and not let in the cold.
It is necessary to pay special attention to the arrangement of the floor in the room - make sure that there is no dampness and that heat is well retained. In order to ensure proper heat resistance and the correct degree of drying, the floor line must be located at least 30 cm from the ground.
Ventilation of the room should be carried out through hatches on the roof or on the floor - drafts must be completely eliminated, since birds are very susceptible to colds, especially during periods of seasonal molting. A good option might be to install a dovecote in the attic of a private house.

The main decorative breeds that may interest you:

white Iranian,
Chelyabinsk white,
Oryol white tumblers,
peacock pigeons,
Jacobins (wig pigeons).

Pigeon of the Ural Monk breed

curly pigeon

Of course, your pigeons must be trained to return to the dovecote or directly to your hands. Healthy, beautiful individuals are suitable for business.

Recommendations

Organizing a wedding ceremony with doves is very simple if you keep in mind some recommendations:

Before implementing the idea, it is important to find out whether the heroes of the occasion have an allergic reaction to feathers . Otherwise, the wedding banquet will be ruined;
To prevent pigeons from soiling their outfits with feces, which the bride and groom are often afraid of, the birds are not fed a day before the event ;
If one of the newlyweds has a dislike for birds or is afraid of them, then it is better to refuse such a ceremony. Pigeons can be replaced with butterflies or glowing lanterns ;
To be sure that birds will not become a source of infection, it is better to rent them from special nurseries;
White doves will look great at a wedding celebration. It is better to avoid variegated breeds ;
Photo sessions with birds are trusted only to experienced photographers with professional equipment;
Don't take the signs associated with the ceremony too seriously. Even if the birds fly away, the main thing in family life is to rely on yourself. Perhaps the birds simply did not like each other.

Idea! You can complement the launch of pigeons into the sky with balloons or the smoke of colored bombs. This action looks colorful and solemn.

How to choose a healthy, beautiful individual

You can turn to experienced pigeon breeders for help. It is also worth carefully studying all the parameters that a representative of a particular breed must meet. A healthy young individual has clean feathers, a well-groomed appearance, they are fit and slender. The bird should not be overly aggressive, but excessive lethargy indicates illness. Carefully check the feathers of the individual in the light: there should be no holes in the feathers, which are usually left by skin parasites. The anus and beak should also be examined. It is best to purchase a pair of pigeons. Birds are monogamous, but they tolerate changing partners quite easily. In a pair, the male coos, the turtledove fluffs up his feathers in response. In the spring, breeders set the highest prices - it is more profitable to purchase birds in the fall.

Satinettes

Jacobins

10 birds - 1900 rubles; 50 birds - 8300 rubles; 100 birds - 17,500 rub.

Happy holiday to everyone. We bring to your attention some really good and very good birds from our nursery with delivery. Nowadays, they have begun to treat the release of pigeons more carefully and even with some caution, since not all birds are suitable for such a crucial moment. The quality of the flight is visible even to every little first-grader. If a pigeon sits next to you on the path and does not fly, then today everyone understands what this means. If once it was completely nothing for many and even unnoticeable, today from such a bird there will be no joy from the action even by mutual agreement. True, the case with fluffy plumage is not considered, there are other matters. If the tail is fanned out, then it is clear that it will not rush towards the clouds. But what a ponytail! By tradition, even today the launch of white birds into the sky does not go unnoticed at important events. I would like to make my holiday unforgettable and joyful by adding something special to it. Not for fun, but for fun. Summer, summer - hooray! However, let us ask for your attention for a moment. It’s too early to rejoice too much. We are, of course, serious people and have been dealing with the bird issue for a very long time. A pigeon there needs to be trained for more than one generation, and preferably a cross between certain desired breeds. We don’t know how to tell beautiful words, but we offer a really beautiful flying bird for the holiday. No matter how much you look, the Stone Age is quietly approaching us every year. And ancient rituals are increasingly gaining popularity, bringing us closer to the wonderful past every day. This wonderful innovation did not bypass wedding celebrations. The best and most colorful rituals of our grandparents become an indispensable component of any event. And they are really beautiful. So let us not deny ourselves the beauty. As it should be, festive events are held according to a pre-prepared program, taking into account all the wishes of those gathered on this memorable day. Here, the preferences of the groom are important, and the mood of the bride is taken into account. And the holiday program will be rich and bright, as will the future life together of the newlyweds. Making your dreams come true is our job, which we love very much.

Probably, no extra words are needed to understand all the charm and beauty of this solemn moment. The flight of snow-white birds to the sky is like poetry of the soul, airy music, giving the holiday a special atmosphere of peace. But you should remember that not every white domestic bird is capable of rushing from your hands straight to the clouds. Trust the performance of your little miracle only to professional performers with many years of experience working at special events, and then it will be truly bright, interesting and joyful.

We all understand well that it costs almost nothing to take the first pigeon you come across from a regular market, and any scoundrel can do it. It won't fly anywhere. Too much of a domestic pet, he doesn’t want to fly in an unfamiliar place. They can assure you that he flies well and is quite good himself. Unfortunately, such birds will never produce a truly solemn, impressive flight. In fact, they are just chickens, which will immediately affect its too short flight. Probably very close to you. At many holidays, the launching of birds looks especially symbolic and touching. And the entire result of our event depends on how beautiful and professional it will look. We know our bird well and it will not deceive you. Our snow whites will not let you down if you entrust them with this small but so important event. Our animals love and appreciate you. The holiday has its unforgettable moments, which are pleasant to remember and should not be forgotten. Know that a simple white dove from a yard dovecote is just a domestic chicken, which will not rush anywhere away from its home, since it is too domestic and does not understand such treatment of itself.

We treat our work with respect and are always happy to do our best for you. All our snow-white birds are of a special breed, and each one always flies back to its home. Serious birds for a demonstrative ceremonial launch and a rapid upward flight literally to the clouds, and not at all to make students laugh and then search for birds in the nearest bushes. In terms of the quality of their straight upward flight and their majestic appearance, our birds always meet our proposal and the hopes you place in them. We promise that you won’t look so stupid with our pets. We will not be ashamed of them. And from the photographs, the grandchildren will never say that grandma was stupid. Ordinary white birds immediately land on the nearest bushes, because they do not know where to fly next in a strange, unfamiliar area. This is their nature. A bird to order is for a serious holiday and everything connected with it, and not for the yard children as entertainment. Our birds are worth their money, as you will see for yourself. This won’t happen to you, your bird will be just as it should be. She must not be weak. Now you understand.

For many people, pigeon farming was a recreational and idle activity, although it required a lot of time and effort. We hold festive events in an interesting and fun way. Today, like many years ago, people honor and do not forget the good, useful traditions that left us with the good memory of past centuries about our wonderful holidays and their traditional celebration. Both in the countryside and in big cities, among the population, good omens and beliefs are still honored today, adding even more solemnity to the event and evoking joyful approval of what is happening among the guests. Brides deserve a gorgeous bouquet, and husbands deserve a wonderful bird - so says the old proverb. However, nowadays this approach to the main issue has changed somewhat due to the realization that a young wife also has all the advantages of caressing a snow-white bird by the tail and stroking its snow-white plumage. Now the pigeons are delivered to the place in pairs, which causes even more applause and joyful delight from all participants. When leaving the wedding palace, the newlyweds, in accordance with accepted traditions, actively take part in the continuation of the holiday. The husband holds the bride in his arms, and the happy wife holds her husband with one hand, and with the other she shows all the guests a beautiful bouquet of flowers of extraordinary beauty. But allow yourself to make a small holiday souvenir and relax a little, especially since there is a good reason for this. Launching white birds at this solemn moment will not only be a symbolic and beautiful action, but will also go down in the history of your family as extraordinary photographs. Each nation has its own religion, ideals, principles and traditions. So it is with wedding traditions - each society has its own rituals, beliefs, and preferences. In our country there is a beautiful ceremony associated with snow-white birds. The spectacle is truly unforgettable. If these amazing, gentle animals are present at the celebration, the delight of the guests, especially children, is guaranteed. And for the newlyweds this event will be remembered for many years.

How is a snow-white miracle born? Poultry farmers keep their pets in a special house - a dovecote. It is protected on all sides by a net to prevent unwanted shaggy predators from sneaking inside. In winter, birds are kept at natural air temperatures and do not require heating. Inside there is a place for walking, as well as perches and nests for each resident. Everything you need - feeders with food and drinking bowls - must be present at all times. Sometimes for those pigeons that need periodic flights, a way out is opened - they are released through the door. Birds do not fly far and always return to their home - this quality was not so long ago used to convey messages.

In the dovecote, the birds find a mate, and an exciting courtship process takes place. The male, cooing, circles around his bride, and she, in turn, bows her head in front of him, showing her location, they “kiss”, feed each other, and clean each other’s feathers. The dove can lay no more than two eggs, and the offspring that appear after 20 days are fed by both parents. While the female is incubating the eggs, the male regularly brings her food and blades of grass to repair the nest. Usually, at a gala event in Moscow, people take pictures with pigeons and launch them into the sky. Before giving graceful and fragile birds into the hands of the newlyweds, they are told how to handle them correctly, hold them, what they can and cannot do. It turns out that in order for them not to break free and behave calmly in their hands, they need to lightly press their paws to their tail. Holding it this way, you can take many interesting pictures. After the photo shoot, the birds are released, slightly tossing them up; it will be beautiful if you do this at the same time. At this time, the photographer takes a number of more photographs, so that later he can select the most successful shots with doves flying into the sky.

The most beautiful breeds of pigeons currently bred are decorative ones with peacock tails, funny forelocks and feathered legs. Birds of decorative breeds practically do not fly, they are not created for flight, they are created for aesthetics. They make wedding photos especially enchanting. A pair of lovebirds looking at each other resembles a young couple in love - the bride and groom. Birds seem to personify, symbolize harmony, devotion and reverent attitude towards their chosen one. You have already ordered somewhere, but they simply don’t come to you. This is no longer news. Not only the photographs evoke a storm of emotions, but also the interesting, talented, musical performance performed by professional actors and birds performing simple tricks create a sensation at the ceremony. The actors appear before the audience in stage costumes; all their equipment - ladders, rings, balls, baskets - is better if they are decorated and combined with each other. During the performance, music is played on a given theme, namely weddings, the vows of the newlyweds of fidelity to each other and eternal love. The performance is held in Moscow with decorative breeds of pigeons that fly poorly and have difficulty and have undergone at least minimal training. Like any circus or stage performance, it is rehearsed in advance and only a small part of it can be impromptu. Every movement of the birds is graceful - the flapping of wings, reminiscent of the fluttering of butterflies, the tiny steps of small paws, the tilt or turn of the head. Even when the birds just sit in a luxurious basket and do nothing, they are magnificent; their graceful posture, combined with the atmosphere of celebration, resembles a picture from some fairy tale. It seems that the main characters here are the snow-white symbols of love. To each their own and each has their own romance. Some people want a white wedding limousine, others want a carriage drawn by white horses straight from Moscow, and others will be happy with small, gentle, white cooing doves.

The ending of almost any Russian fairy tale in which lovers participate is a wedding and a feast for half the kingdom with rich treats. And since all girls want a fairy tale, many turn their wedding celebration into it. I must say that not much is needed for this: beautiful outfits, lots of flowers, an originally decorated hall and white doves. These cute birds are believed to bring happiness to young families. In Russian folk tales, pigeons are not invited to weddings and are not mentioned. And yet these birds can be called the most fabulous and mysterious of all. Those who watched the cooing couples noticed how kindly they treated each other, how tenderly they showed care. Both the mother and the male are equal in a pair; they have a partnership relationship. Surprisingly, these birds choose a mate for life. Every spring, both of them diligently build their nest, and then move into it and at the same time coo loudly, joyfully, thus celebrating either another wedding or a housewarming. After a simple ceremony, an egg appears in the family, which the birds hatch in turn. The distribution of responsibilities in the pigeon family is ideal: while she is resting, he patiently watches over the house, carefully straightening the twigs and straws in its “walls.” When the expectant mother has had some fun, she will definitely return to her dear friend. At night, both pigeons sit side by side in the nest and always have a nice “talk” about how the day went.

The baby is also fed and raised together, as equals. There are never quarrels or insults in a pigeon family. Isn’t this the kind of relationship that all newlyweds dream of? Thus, doves are taken to a wedding as a symbol of peace and love in the future family. By releasing them into the wild, the newlyweds perform a ritual that will provide the newly-made family with partnership, fidelity and love for life. The fabulousness that emanates from white doves is also explained by the fact that the image of this bird is mentioned more than once in the Bible. In the Old Testament, a feathered messenger brings an olive branch to Noah's ark, thereby telling that land areas have already appeared on earth, and that now a new, happy life awaits all passengers on the ark. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descends on Jesus Christ after his baptism in the waters of the Jordan, notifying people of the beginning of new times. Since biblical times, these birds have been treated with special honor. It is believed that pigeons will fly to a big Moscow holiday, and there will definitely be a wedding there - the heavens themselves will bless the marriage. The ritual of releasing doves looks especially beautiful and symbolic after the wedding of the newlyweds in the church. At such a moment, a pair of birds is associated with the guardian angels of the bride and groom. When they soar upward and gradually disappear from the view of everyone present at the wedding somewhere over the horizon, the impression of some kind of sacrament is created: it seems that these messengers are carrying news from the earth about the creation of a new family to the Almighty Himself, asking him to protect the couple from all sorts of adversity... After this The wedding is already turning into an unusual, mysterious holiday. All participants understand it: somewhere in heaven, an important council of higher powers is now taking place, as a result of which a personal protector will be appointed especially for the young family. The moment of communication between a young couple and birds is unusually sentimental and fabulous. In the photographs depicting him, the bride and groom look magical: it seems that they are whispering their cherished desires to the smart birds. As a rule, such pictures turn out to be the most beautiful and mesmerizing. And therein lies some kind of mystery. Of course, the secret to a wedding fairy tale is not a couple of cooing white-winged doves. Its most important secret is the power of love between young people. It is this power that brings them to the altar and makes them believe that the birds are angels. At the same time, the doves seem to strengthen and protect this fragile, young feeling, carry it away from earthly squabbles and troubles, help it become winged and immortal. Therefore, we can say that hand-made pigeons for a wedding are not a simple tribute to modern fashion. Regardless of the scale of the holiday, this ritual gives any celebration a touch of sublimity and romance, which we so lack in our hectic lives.

Pigeons... Only a completely indifferent and unemotional person can consider them ordinary backyard flyers, something between a tit and a crow. Why then is it not the crow that is considered the bird of the world? And why is the woman they love called “my dove”? Because pigeons are a special caste in the bird kingdom. It’s not for nothing that they are given many human qualities.

And the bride and groom releasing doves for their wedding can be compared to a pair of these interesting and beautiful birds. Look how handsome pigeons seduce the doves, trying to please them, attracting them with the beauty of their plumage and cooing something of their own, very gentle. Isn’t that how the groom once courted his charming bride, constantly making it clear that he was the best?

Therefore, it is very symbolic when newlyweds in love release a pair of doves at their wedding, sparkling white like snow, like clouds, like the bride’s dress. And this whiteness reminds others of purity of thoughts, kindness to those near and far, of peace and happiness.

Ah, this wedding... the one that sang and danced... And also had fun, organized competitions and had fun from the heart! And the happy groom, trying to look respectable and serious, although he can’t hide his joyful smile. And a beautiful bride in an airy dress, reminiscent of a delicate white dove. And mothers and fathers on both sides, happy that their pets are doing well, and already slowly trying on the roles of grandparents.

And what about a wedding without traditions? And those that have been observed from time immemorial, and those that came to us from other countries, taken from other nations for their originality, beauty or sentimentality. For example, a wedding procession. Today these are dozens of decorated cars. And it all began with a wedding chariot, on which the ancient Greeks rode for their beloved Greek women. And the Romans follow the Romans. And there the Slavs took over the tradition. Only they didn’t make do with the chariot - it was too modest. A wedding train of carriages and carts - after all, the broad Slavic soul yearns for scope!

But celebrating in a large restaurant, enjoying great music and having an additional performance with trained animals in stock is a more modern tradition. The Slavs have been releasing birds on holidays for centuries. The ritual with wedding doves, namely white ones, migrated to us from Italy through America. Yes, it took root, it’s very touching. But, however, it has transformed a little. Initially, the lovebirds were released by the Italian bride without the participation of the groom. And not from the hands, but from the cage. This meant that the dove-daughter had flown away from her birth nest. But our newlyweds preferred to perform this ceremony together, which gave it more soulfulness.

Signs have already appeared associated with this tradition. It is believed that the friendly flight of a dove with a cheerful pink male promises the same friendly, cloudless life for the newlyweds. If the bird couple scatters in different directions, then the marriage may not work out for the young couple. But you shouldn’t put too much faith in this sign; everything depends only on the newlyweds themselves, on the strength of their feelings and desire to be together. Another sign is much more interesting: you need to watch whose bird flies higher. If the “groom’s” dove, then the future grandparents will be the first to nurse their grandson, and if the “bride’s” bird rises faster into the clouds, then the daughter will be born first.

True, some are not sure that they will be able to distinguish whose bird soared higher, so they mark them with ribbons of traditional colors - blue and pink. If you think carefully, it’s better not to do this, because pigeons can catch on a branch with these very ribbons. But they don’t know how to untie knots. Therefore, it is better to try to visually determine which of the snow-white couple rose higher. Moreover, this is still just a sign, and not a completely infallible prediction for the future. But there is a great opportunity to make a wish before the doves fly into the sky for the wedding. Many say that it is actually coming true. And how can a cherished wish made on such a day, at your own wedding, released into the sky along with delightfully graceful doves, bringing love, beauty and kindness to the world, not come true? You must definitely believe in this sign, and then it doesn’t matter whether the birds fly together or each of them has their own business.

How to beautifully come out with doves in a wedding photo?

To ensure your wedding photo shoot with doves is successful, follow these tips:

You don't have to wait until the beginning or end of the ceremony to release the birds. But be sure to find a beautiful, comfortable and picturesque place.
Dear brides, before you take the bird, put on gloves. The pigeon may get scared and scratch painfully.
To avoid injury to the bird, try not to squeeze it too hard; it is better to gently grab it by the area under the wings.
Don't let go as soon as you grab it! Give the birds time to get used to your hands, this will also give the wedding photographer time to take a couple of beautiful pictures.
Before releasing the pigeons, tell the photographer that you are ready.
Don't forget to smile and enjoy your day!

When to release wedding doves

Each newlywed couple chooses in which part of the wedding program to perform this ritual:

before or after registration;
after the wedding;
during a photo shoot;
at the banquet.

It is customary to release wedding doves in opposite-sex pairs - the dove symbolizes the bride, the dove symbolizes the groom. Birds have ribbons of different colors on their legs.

For weddings, slender, well-groomed and flexible pigeons with an even posture and snow-white color are selected. Most often - sporting or postal Russian or German breeds, characterized by good terrain orientation and high flight speed. Boutique Hotel MONA offers to use. The cost is 5,000 rubles (for two birds). Experts will tell the newlyweds how to handle birds and recommend the best angles for a photo shoot.

Home of tradition

Nowadays, pigeons are an obligatory attribute of almost every wedding, but this tradition originated in Italy. The bride released the dove into the sky, preparing to enter into an independent life and saying goodbye to her father's house. These days, similar rituals can be found at weddings around the world:

In Russia, pigeons have long brought good luck, were considered a symbol of peace and were revered by church ministers.
Among the Greeks, pigeons are messengers of the goddess of love Astarte.
Many European countries associate pigeons with chastity.
In Asia they believe that the dove is the oldest and purest bird, which is why it personifies marriage and the family hearth.

It doesn’t matter how many people are present at your event, what style the restaurant is decorated in, or what outfit the bride wears. Snow-white doves are an integral part of any wedding format.

Start-up capital

The main cost item will be the installation of a dovecote and the purchase of purebred birds.

Business expenses:

Purchasing individuals
installation and arrangement of a dovecote,
food and vitamins,
inventory,
rent of land for the construction of a dovecote.

You can offer your pigeons for special events for wedding agencies, event companies and other companies that organize leisure time for citizens.

Dove fireworks are an integral part of christenings, weddings, graduations, last calls and other holidays. It is better if your birds are trained, calm and not aggressive - then photo and video sessions will be especially successful. Filming your pets in videos, for example, in advertising, will be a good addition to your income.