When words aren’t enough, sometimes a gesture speaks louder. Families are finding that releasing white doves is one of the most moving ways to mark a life event, whether it’s saying goodbye to a loved one, remembering them in a memorial, or including the memory of someone special in a wedding day.

Bride and groom with wedding guests releasing white doves on the church steps in Glasgow, a touching moment to honour loved ones.

In this guide, I’ll explain how a dove release works, what it symbolises, and why it has become such a powerful part of so many families’ most important moments.

Why Choose a Dove Release

White doves have carried meaning for centuries. They are a symbol of peace, love, unity and hope, which is why families and couples often choose them for life’s most important moments.

At funerals and memorials, families often choose a release to represent their loved one. Some feel it is like angels guiding them home, others simply find comfort in the sight of the birds lifting into the sky. Many also choose to mark heavenly birthdays or anniversaries with a release at a resting place or special spot. In those quiet moments, watching doves soar upward can bring a deep sense of peace.

At weddings, a dove release is most often chosen in memory of loved ones who are no longer here. It gives couples a way to include them in the day and feel their presence as part of the celebration. As the doves take flight, it becomes a touching reminder that those we miss are still part of our happiest moments. Guests often describe it as one of the most moving parts of the day, a blend of joy and remembrance that lingers long after the wedding.

Wherever they take flight, doves bring more than beauty. They create a moment that feels personal, symbolic and unforgettable.

How a Dove Release Works

The first step is getting in touch. Families and couples usually contact me through my website, on Facebook, by phone, text or WhatsApp.

Once I know the date, I take the details of the release and we talk about what you’d like in your poem. I then go away and write it, sending a draft for you to read over. You’re always free to make tweaks so it feels just right before the day.

On the day itself, I always arrive early. This gives time for people to see the doves in their baskets and it’s often when I hear the first comments about how beautiful they are.

The release usually takes place just after the funeral, memorial or wedding service. I’ll show you how to hold your doves safely, or how to open the basket if that’s what you prefer. When everything is ready, I step back and read your poem aloud for everyone to hear. If it feels right, I also invite the crowd to join in with applause so the whole group can be part of the moment. That’s when you simply straighten your arms, open your hands, and your doves take flight into the sky.

Family and friends at a funeral releasing white doves by hand into the sunlight, a symbolic moment of remembrance and peace.

Throughout, I’m recording on two devices so nothing is missed. Not just the release itself, but also the little details like the piper, horses or balloons if they’re part of your day. Everyone then takes a quiet moment to watch as the doves soar off, and it’s always a sight that people talk about afterwards.

Before I leave, you’re given a small keepsake to hold onto in memory of the experience. Within 7 to 10 days you’ll also receive an edited video of the release, something you can keep and share with family and friends.

Behind the scenes I’m coordinating with celebrants, funeral directors or venue staff so that everything flows smoothly and you don’t have to worry about a thing.

The Emotional Impact

Every family reacts differently, but almost all say that the dove release becomes the part of the day they hold closest.

At funerals and memorials, the moment of release gives people something to focus on. Grief softens, if only briefly, as everyone lifts their eyes to follow the birds. Families often tell me it feels like sending their love into the sky. This is just as true when marking heavenly birthdays or anniversaries, when the release becomes a way of joining together in remembrance.

At weddings, the release is often described as the most heartfelt moment of the day. Couples find comfort in including those they have lost, and guests feel the blend of joy and remembrance that the release brings.

Personalising Your Release

Two white doves in a wicker basket decorated with pink and white flowers, ready for a dove release ceremony. — Every release is different, because every family and couple has their own story. Flowers, ribbons or colours can be added to the baskets, and poems or readings can be included as part of the release. Children and grandchildren often take part, making it a memory the whole family shares.

Planning a Dove Release in Glasgow, Lanarkshire or Paisley

If you’re considering a dove release locally, here are a few practical points to know:

Daylight Hours Only: Doves rely on sight to navigate home, so releases are held in daylight.
Locations: We can attend cemeteries, crematoriums, wedding venues, gardens, or any place that feels meaningful.
Packages: All releases include bespoke flowers on the basket, a personalised poem, a keepsake feather, and a professionally edited video.

I take care of everything so you can focus on the moment itself.

Final Thoughts

A dove release is far more than a beautiful photo opportunity. It’s a gesture filled with meaning:

a way to honour, to heal, and to celebrate. Whether you are remembering a loved one, marking a heavenly birthday or anniversary, or including the memory of someone special in a wedding, the sight of doves taking flight leaves an impression that lasts forever.

If you are in Glasgow, Lanarkshire or Paisley and would like to talk about arranging a dove release, please get in touch. I’d be honoured to help you create a moment of peace, love and hope.