Calling all fur baby parents! I’ve compiled a list of ways you can include your fav furry friend on your wedding day… From styling and jobs they can have, to safety and practicality of it.
Let’s get into it.
FIRST THING’S FIRST
Before you set your heart on your dog being your ring bearer, the first thing you need to do is check with your venue! How gutting would it be to have it all planned out, just to find out your venue doesn’t allow animals onsite?
After getting the go-ahead with your venue, you might want to do a sweeping check that none of your guests are severely allergic to your four legged pal. The last thing you want on your wedding day is a guest going into anaphylactic shock from your dog at your wedding.
Once you’ve checked these important deets, you can start planning your dog being in your wedding!
Always let your photographer know if you’re planning to include your dog in your wedding day, too. This will mean they can plan for special photos, and know what’s coming!
If you can’t have your dog at your wedding, but really want to include them in some way… Keep reading! We’ve got tips for you too.
HAVING YOUR DOG IN YOUR WEDDING
Okay, so HOW can you have your dog in your wedding? A popular position for dogs in weddings is a ring bearer! This is a fairly easy one, as most dogs will toddle down the aisle to their owners at the end without a hitch.
Even if they get a little distracted and excited by all the guests, it’ll just add to the adorable moment!
I’d recommend a groomsperson having a treat at the ready at the end of the aisle, to get your doggo down there and reward them for their good job! Another way to include your dog in your ceremony is to have them as a flower dog.
Or, you can simply have your dog at your wedding to be included in some of your photos!
STYLISH PUPS
Your dog obviously needs some sort of special garm, just like you and all your guests. There is sooo much you can buy now for dogs in weddings! It’s amazing!
Special floral collars, personalised bandanas, bowties, even little suits and dresses! Etsy is great for bits like this – try searching ‘dog of honour’!
LOGISTICS
I’d definitely recommend a trusted friend who your dog is familiar with to be the allocated dog wrangler for the day. Your pup will need someone to keep an eye on them, and get them where they need to be at the right time.
This will really take the stress out for you, worrying about where your dog is and what they’re up to all day. Having a trusted and responsible friend or family member on the job will put you (and your dog) at ease!
You’ll also need to work out how your dog will get back home, or to a doggy daycare, if they’re not staying the entire day.
INCLUDING YOUR DOG IN YOUR WEDDING DAY WITHOUT THEM THERE
If your venue won’t allow animals at your wedding day, there are still plenty of ways you can include them.
Your dog’s collar tag as a bouquet charm, pictures of your pup in the venue or on the tables, signature drinks named after your dog, or signage with your four legged friend on!
IN CONCLUSION…
Dogs are the best. I love it when couples include their beloved pets in their wedding day, especially when they get to be there in person (or in kanine? soz.)
I’d love to hear if you have plans for your dog in your wedding day, or did have them there! How did you involve them? What did they wear? Hit me up! 🖤