Owls As Ring Bearers: Cost And Care

Owls are increasingly being used as ring bearers at weddings. The cost of hiring an owl ring bearer varies depending on the company and the services included. Some companies charge a flat fee, such as £350, while others charge a base fee plus additional costs for specific birds or services. For example, West Coast Falconry charges $500 as a non-refundable deposit to book the event and an additional $100 per bird or feature.

Owl ring bearers can add a unique and memorable touch to a wedding. The soft, silent flight of a trained owl can make the delivery of the wedding rings a special moment for the couple and their guests. Owls can be trained to deliver the rings to the gloved hand of the best man, groom, or nominated person. After the ceremony, the owl may be available for guests to interact with and take photographs.

Barn Owl Ring Bearer costs

For example, Barn Owl Ring Bearer, a UK-based company, offers a barn owl ring bearer service that includes delivery of the wedding rings by a trained barn owl. They recommend keeping the owl's presence a surprise for guests, creating a dramatic effect when the owl suddenly appears to deliver the rings. The company arrives one hour before the ceremony to train the designated person, usually the best man, and remains hidden until the rings are flown to the altar. After the ceremony, the owl is available for guest interactions and photographs for an additional hour.

Bird on the Hand is another provider that offers a similar service with a barn owl ring bearer. They guarantee a memorable and surprising entrance as their barn owl gracefully lands on a white-gloved hand to deliver the rings. Following the ceremony, the owl stays for photographs and guest interactions.

West Coast Falconry, based in the United States, provides a wedding ring delivery service by falcon but also offers the option of including other birds, such as a Eurasian Eagle Owl or a Screech Owl, for an additional cost of $100 per bird. They also offer falconer appearances in medieval or Renaissance costumes. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to book their services.

It is important to note that the cost of hiring a barn owl ring bearer may vary based on location, the experience of the handlers, and any additional services requested. Couples interested in incorporating a barn owl into their wedding ceremony should contact multiple providers to compare pricing and services offered to find the best fit for their special day.

Surprise element for guests

Owls are becoming an increasingly popular choice as ring bearers at weddings, especially in the UK. A barn owl ring bearer service can cost anywhere between $400 to $600 in Britain.

If you're looking to create a magical experience and truly surprise your guests, keeping the owl's presence a secret until the ring delivery is a great way to do it. Here are some ways to ensure that the owl's appearance is a success and creates a memorable moment for your guests:

Timing and Discretion:

Arranging for the owl handlers to arrive about an hour before the ceremony is ideal. This gives them enough time to set up discreetly and train the designated ring receiver (usually the best man) without attracting attention. During this time, the handlers can remain hidden, ensuring that everything appears normal until the rings are about to be exchanged.

The Grand Entrance:

The element of surprise is crucial. When it's time for the rings to be delivered, the owl will suddenly fly out of nowhere, creating a dramatic and enchanting moment. The soft, silent flight of a trained barn owl adds to the magic, ensuring a unique and special ring delivery.

Interactive Experience:

After the ceremony, the owl can be made available for guests to interact with and take photographs. This provides an opportunity for guests of all ages, especially children, to get up close and personal with these beautiful birds. It adds an educational and entertaining element to your wedding, creating lasting memories for your guests.

Capturing the Moment:

While it may be challenging to capture the owl's surprise entrance on camera, it is possible to get creative. Consider setting up a practice session with the owl beforehand to get some stunning photos and videos. You can also encourage guests to capture their own unique perspectives, resulting in candid and spontaneous shots that showcase the owl's appearance from different angles.

Safety and Courtesy:

While owl ring bearers are a unique touch, it's important to prioritize safety and courtesy. Always ensure that the owl handlers are licensed and experienced. Inform your wedding venue in advance about the owl's presence, and be mindful of any guests who may have bird-related phobias or allergies, offering them prior notice as well.

By following these suggestions, you can create a surprise element that will leave your guests in awe, providing them with a magical and memorable experience they will cherish long after your special day.

Pre-ceremony training

The soft, silent flight of a trained barn owl delivering your wedding rings can make your special day truly unique and memorable. The owl will carry both rings to the gloved hand of the best man, groom, or nominated person.

To ensure the owl's ring-bearing entrance goes smoothly, it is important to coordinate with the owl handler and the person who will be receiving the owl during the ceremony. Here is a step-by-step guide to the pre-ceremony training:

• Arrival and Setup: The owl handler will typically arrive about an hour before the ceremony to set up and keep the owl's presence a surprise. They will need a discreet location to prepare the owl for its entrance, such as behind the scenes or in a nearby area.
• Introduction and Safety Briefing: The handler will introduce themselves and brief the designated receiver (usually the best man) on safety protocols and handling guidelines. This includes instructions on how to properly wear the glove and any necessary precautions to ensure the owl's comfort and security.
• Handling Practice: The designated receiver will be given the opportunity to practice holding and interacting with the owl. They will learn the correct way to position their arm and glove to receive the owl gracefully. This practice session helps build confidence and familiarity with the bird.
• Ring Placement: The receiver will be instructed on how to securely attach or place the wedding rings onto the owl's legs or a specialized carrier. This ensures that the rings remain safe and intact during the owl's flight to the altar.
• Flight Path and Timing: The handler will discuss and plan the owl's flight path, including any obstacles or considerations at the venue. They will coordinate the timing of the owl's entrance, ensuring it aligns with the ceremony's flow.
• Signal and Recall: The designated receiver will be taught a specific signal or cue to give the owl during its flight. This signal is used to guide the owl toward the receiver and ensure it lands accurately on the gloved hand. The handler will also explain how the owl will be recalled after delivering the rings.
• Emergency Protocols: While the owl is highly trained, the handler will brief the receiver on how to handle any unexpected situations. This includes protocols for ensuring guest safety and the well-being of the owl.
• Final Checks: Before the ceremony begins, the handler will perform any necessary last-minute checks. This includes ensuring the owl is comfortable, the rings are secure, and all equipment is in place.

By following these pre-ceremony training steps, you can ensure that the owl ring bearer adds a magical touch to your wedding day, creating unforgettable memories for you and your guests.

Post-ceremony photo ops

After the owl has delivered the rings, it will fly back out of sight to allow the ceremony to continue. However, the owl will be available for 1 hour after the ceremony to entertain guests and be part of photo ops.

The owl ring bearer can be included in wedding party pictures, with the bride and groom wearing gloves on which the owl can perch. These photos can be taken during the cocktail hour, creating a fun and educational experience for your guests as they interact with the owl and ask the falconer questions.

The owl can also be photographed with other guests, who can hold the bird and learn more about it from the falconer. These photos can be taken between the ceremony and the wedding breakfast, providing entertainment for your guests during the break between the two events.

The owl ring bearer service typically includes a practice session, and the owl will wear a GPS tag, just in case it gets spooked and takes off. However, this is rarely an issue, as the birds are trained to fly to and from a handler's glove.

Falconry experience

The Falconry Experience

Owl Ring Bearer

One unique way to incorporate falconry into a special event is by hiring an owl ring bearer for a wedding. This service typically involves a trained owl delivering the wedding rings to the designated person during the ceremony. The silent flight of the owl adds a magical and unexpected element to the occasion, creating a memorable experience for the couple and their guests.

Barn Owl Ring Bearer

Barn Owl Ring Bearer is a company specialising in this unique service. They were the first in the world to offer owl ring bearers and have over 20 years of experience. Their owls deliver the rings to the gloved hand of the best man, groom, or nominated person, creating a truly special moment. The company arrives one hour before the ceremony to train the recipient and keep the owl's presence a surprise. After the ceremony, the owl is available for guest interactions and photographs.

West Coast Falconry

West Coast Falconry also offers a wedding ring delivery service by falcon or owl. They provide a range of birds, from a show-stopping Eurasian Eagle Owl to a pint-sized Screech Owl. Falconers dressed in medieval or Renaissance costumes add to the atmosphere. West Coast Falconry also offers interactive experiences for guests during the cocktail hour, creating a fun and educational element to the celebration.

Frequently asked questions