How To Include Your Dog In Your Wedding

Your wedding day is undeniably one of the most significant and cherished moments of your life. It's a day filled with love, laughter, and a promise of lifelong companionship. As you embark on this new journey, it's only natural to want all your loved ones by your side, including your furry best friend. After all, for many couples, dogs are not just pets; they're family. Integrating your dog into your wedding adds warmth and uniqueness to your celebration and allows you to share this special milestone with your loyal companion.

In this blog, we will guide you through the different ways you could include your dog in your wedding festivities. You'll find practical tips, creative ideas for their roles and outfits, and important considerations to ensure the comfort and safety of all your two- and four-legged guests. Whether your furry friend is ready to take on a starring role or you prefer a subtle yet sweet nod to your pet in the celebrations, we've got you covered.

They could be your ring bearer

At the wedding ceremony, nothing matters more than the wedding rings, so why not have your dog be the star of the show and act as your ring bearer? Your guests will love the addition, and it will make for great photos! Your furry friend could be involved in the ritual by carrying a basket in its mouth or wearing a cushion on their collar with the rings on. This could be a lighthearted and heartwarming addition to the main event.

Have them walk down the aisle with you

Why not have your dog accompany you or a member of your bridal party down the aisle if you don't feel comfortable having them carry the rings on their own (we know some dogs can be a little "spirited"!)? You may even want to dress them in a cute outfit for the special event! It's a given that your guests will appreciate the unusual touch to the day and that your furry pet will receive a lot of admiration. Nothing could be more cute than your beloved pet and flower girl walking down the aisle together!

Let them join you at the alter

Marriage is undoubtedly a family affair, and often couples choose to take their vows with their dog or children alongside them. It guarantees beautiful photos and memories and adds an even more special touch to the event. However, it may be advised to have someone close by on hand if your pooch isn't feeling up to it on the day. That way they can quickly and seamlessly take them out of the limelight if need be without slowing down proceedings. Let's be honest, no one likes a yappy dog do they? Especially during the vows!

Add them to your stationery

If it's not practical to have your dog attend on the big day itself, a great way to include them is to have an illustration or photo portrayed in your wedding stationery. To make your wedding invitations really stand out, you could even plan an engagement shoot (pooch and all!) and use the images for your save the date cards and have their adorable furry faces featured on them too. This a fantastic way to include your dog without having to take care of them on the big day.

Have them feature in the wedding decor

There are lots more pet wedding ideas where you can have your dogs feature throughout the day and not necessarily have to have them there at the venue. You could feature an illustration of them printed on napkins, or wooden cocktail stirrers, or even have a cocktail named after them. You could have some photos printed out of them that you put up at the reception venue or even have a cardboard cut-out made; this could then be used as a great photo booth prop!

Get them to feature in your photographs

Your wedding photos, which capture all those wonderful moments taken during the day, are one of the most lasting mementoes you will have. If your dog is like family to you, arrange to have pictures of you and your wedding party taken and have them feature in the line-up. This will make for a wonderful memory you will treasure for years to come!

Just remember to speak to your wedding photographer beforehand to let them know your dog will be there and that you'd like to include them in certain photos. They will be well versed in having pooches feature in weddings, but there's nothing like being prepared.

Let them feature on your cake

Cake toppers add a distinctive touch to your wedding cake and come in a variety of styles. Why not feature your dog with you and your significant other in the top spot? To capture your dog's personality, have your wedding cake supplier create an icing version or commission a wooden or clay replica. Either way, a wedding cake topper including your dog will undoubtedly spark conversation on the big day and will be a gorgeous keepsake.

Allow them to join you at the reception venue

On the big day, guests eagerly anticipate the reception; after all, who doesn't love a wedding disco? After all, once the formalities are over, everyone is free to relax! To ensure that your dog can join in on the wedding celebration, why not ask a friend, relative, or dog sitter to bring them to the reception and join in on the festivities? They may be by your side as you cut the cake, or you could incorporate them into your first dance! It goes without saying that if you choose to have them with you at the reception, and your dog loves to be around lots of people, it's advised to have someone take them away after a couple of hours. Weddings are tiring for the best of us!

A few considerations

As exciting as it may be to want to have your furry friends be with you on your wedding day, make sure they are the kind of dog who will actually want to be there. Are they good with large crowds? Will they sit quietly during the vows? Do they mind loud music? Of course, the first thing you need to do is check that your wedding venue is pet friendly and, out of courtesy, let your wedding guests know beforehand that they will be there just in case of any allergies.

In an ideal world, you will have a pet sitter who will look after your dog throughout the day, so you don't need to worry about them. This way you can plan a sensible time for them to be taken home so you can relax and continue to enjoy your wedding day, knowing they are in safe hands.