RECENT EVENTS

Cherie Blair, Jade Jagger, Helena & Laura Pankhurst, June Sarpong and Pattie Boulaye amongst a group of celebrities releasing our doves of peace on the Millennium Bridge on International Women's Day 8th March 2012.

INSTANT QUOTE FAMED EVENTS GALLERY

FAQ Location & Release Times Our Clients

About Us

The White Dove Company was founded in 1991 and is the longest standing company of its kind in the UK.

Over the past two decades The White Dove Company has provided doves for release at thousands of individual events, as well as high profile celebrations and tributes.

Our beautiful doves have marked some of the most publicised events of the century – Joyful memorable occasions such as the release of 100 doves for The Queen Mother’s birthday celebrations at Horse Guards’ Parade. The 60th National Anniversary of the end of World War Two. The release of 80 doves booked by Bono of U2 at the Live Aid concert in Hyde Park, to heart filled sadness for Sarah Payne’s memorial at Guildford Cathedral.

The White Dove Company was the first full time business to offer homing doves for release on a professional basis and is now the established market leader and operates throughout London, Greater London and the surrounding Counties – an area stretching far in to Kent, West Sussex, Berkshire and up to Northamptonshire.

Up to 100 doves can be released on any given occasion; the numbers are typically between one and twelve.

The White Dove Company is a member of the NAFD (The National Association of Funeral Directors) and SAIF (The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors).

Our clients include a wide array of independent and multiple owned Funeral Directors based within a 75 mile radius of Loughton, Essex. All of these companies will, be happy to organise your booking directly with us on your behalf.

The White Dove Company is listed in over 100 top wedding venues as a recommended supplier. We work with some of the country’s top wedding co-ordinators who can arrange your booking with us.

We are used by well known media, event, press and publishing companies for the opening of live events, still photography, film shoots and TV advertising.

For more information about booking a dove release for any event or production please contact us on 020 8508 1414 or info@thewhitedovecompany.co.uk.

FAQ’s

1. Do the doves return home?

Yes they do. Each of our doves undergo many months of intensive training to allow them to navigate home once they are released. Their ability to home depends on their breeding, health and a knowledgeable manager. Our more experienced, older doves can travel a distance of 150 miles – at speeds between 35mph – 75mph all the way home!

2. Where do the doves live?

In modern lofts divided into sections for nursery birds, yearlings, 2 year olds and over. They are fed a diet according to their work and training schedule, pretty much the same as a top athlete.

3. Will the doves mess on the person holding them or onlookers?

It is highly unlikely and practically impossible. Doves like to perch before they mess – in flight or just before take off a dove’s instinct to fly is prevalent. To date none of our clients have experienced this.

4. At what point during the occasion should the birds be released?

This is entirely up to you! There can be a lot of creativity in the timing and location of your dove release. We will endeavour to accommodate your ideas.

5. How far in advance do I have to book the birds?

We would suggest as soon as you have decided on having doves. However we do appreciate that not all bookings can be planned and we will endeavour to meet your requirements at short notice, subject to availability.

6. How much does a dove release cost?

This depends on the number of birds and where the event is taking place – we calculate an individual cost for each release – by doing this, it ‘will’ save you money. You can contact us at info@thewhitedovecompany.co.uk for an instant quote.

7. Are the doves pure white? Can they be coloured?

Yes the doves are pure white. The birds can be dyed safely to any colour. This dye cannot be washed out, however the birds moult yearly and will regain their natural white feathers. If you would like to enquire about coloured birds for your special event please contact us on 020 8508 1414 or info@thewhitedovecompany.co.uk

8. How many doves can be released at once?

You can release from one to one hundred birds.

9. What equipment are the doves released from?

The birds can be released from baskets, cages or carriers. These are traditionally white but can be decorated with floral arrangements and coloured ribbon to match the event.

10. What time of day is best for your dove release?

The specific time of the day is very flexible, but we must allow the doves enough time to return home before dusk.
UNDER CERTAIN WEATHER CONDITIONS IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO RELEASE OUR DOVES AND ENSURE THEIR SAFE RETURN, E.G. FOG, HEAVY RAIN, STORMS, BLIZZARDS, GALES and sub zero temperatures.

11. How do the doves arrive at my chosen venue?

The doves are transported in special traveling baskets, the floor is lined with hessian for the birds to hold on to whilst traveling, together with clean pine wood shavings. The welfare of our doves is paramount to us. It is essential you are as accurate about the booking time as possible. The doves will be placed in the release basket, carrier or cage ready for release at the agreed time. We understand unforeseen delays occur but our doves can only be temporarily stored in the release baskets.

12. Why use us?

We have had 40 years of experience looking after and caring for birds and our knowledge of how to achieve the best dove releases is extensive. The White Dove Company is a member of NAFD (The National Association of Funeral Directors) and The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors SAIF. Your assurance of care and trust. Both these organisations adhere to a strict code of practice approved by the Office of Fair Trading. We also have valid Public Liability Insurance required by most places of release.

Be Aware – DIY dove releases – Don’t try this yourself!

There are other so called ‘dove release’ companies and individuals who use untrained birds. These birds cannot find their way home. Should you decide NOT to use The White Dove Company please be absolutely sure that you do your homework for your own sake and ultimately for the sake of the birds – They will ALL tell you that their doves return home to them once released – this simply isn’t the case!