Tips for Including Your Dog in Your Wedding
Your furry family member is a big part of your life, and many couples wish to include their fluffy best friend in life events and milestones. The question is, how do you go about including your dog in your wedding?
There are a few factors to consider when deciding how to involve your fluffy best friend in your special day, and make the day even more memorable!
Can I Have My Dog at My Wedding?
Planning ahead is an important part of including your dog in your wedding day; a number of factors should be considered to decide where and how your pup would be happiest, safest and most comfortable attending:
Is your pup able to travel by car to your wedding location?
Will the ceremony and reception spaces accommodate a pet? Do they have any restrictions on the type or size of the pet?
If you are not staying at home, does your accommodation allow pets?
Is your pet comfortable in new environments? Do they enjoy lots of activity, people and noise?
Is the wedding location secure? Is it close to a high-traffic road? Are there other animals or wildlife they might try to chase?
Are your flowers, decor and confetti pet-safe and non-toxic?
Will you be able to notify guests and venue staff who may have allergies that your pet will be attending (you may want to ask your bridesmaid or groomsmen to include a few allergy pills in their emergency kit, just in case)
Do you have someone who will be responsible for the safety and care of your pet during the celebrations?
Even if you did not say ‘yes’ to all of these questions, there are still many safe and fun ways to include your pets in the wedding celebrations!
Including your Dog in Your Wedding
Your four-legged friend can be part of your big day in many ways suited to their paw-sonality!
In a cute ‘Save the Date’ - If your pup is anxious in crowds, research a pet-friendly photographer and include them in a private ‘Save the Date’ photoshoot which will be sure to have your invitees smiling.
Get-Ready Assistant - If your dog enjoys the company of close family and friends at home, you can request your photographer snap a few lovely pictures of them as you get ready, ‘bringing’ the groom his shoes, helping the bride with her gown or a cute picture of the ring on their paw, if you trust them not to try to eat it. Just remember to use props rather than the real items to avoid unfortunate accidents.
Greeter - If your pup enjoys meeting family and friends one at a time, ask a friend or a Pet Wedding Attendant to stand by the entry with them and hand out happy wags with the wedding programme.
Flower Girl or Boy - Having your pup carry a basket of flowers and petals down the aisle as the ceremony begins is a sweet moment which will stay forever in your memories - make sure to check with your florist to ensure they are non-toxic to pets.
Ring Bearer - If you need a hand, or a paw, carrying the ring down the aisle, a little cushion with a replica ring can be affixed to your fluffy friend’s collar - while the real ring is kept in the groom or bride’s pocket for a sneaky switch-a-roo.
Videographer - A Go-Pro harness will allow you to capture creative footage of the day from the unique perspective of your pup!
As tempting as it may be to have your furry friend by your side for the whole day, it is always advisable to have your pup accompanied, on-lead and to have someone on standby to bring them home if they begin to show signs of being tuckered out.
Have a Pet Wedding Attendant
A puppy concierge is an excellent investment, allowing you and your guests to eat, drink and be merry, while your furry family member gets extra love, care and attention! A Pet Wedding Attendant will take care of a wide range of things for you so you and your pup can enjoy your day:
Meet & Greet - A meeting before your big day so you can go over your pet’s needs and your plans for your including your dog in your wedding on the big day
Pet Attire - Ensuring your pet remains clean and smelling nice, as well as fitting any attire they have safely so they are looking and feeling their best
Transportation - Safely bringing your dog to and from your venue or photoshoot location
Photography Assistance - Pet Minders are habituated to taking lots of pictures of the pets under their care, and know how to use a squeaky toy to get their attention for photos
Accompaniment - Guiding your pup down the aisle or to any location required on the day of the event
Daily Care - Ensuring your pup has walks, potty breaks, meals, water and of course, lots of attention
Pet Waste Pickup - Ensuring you and your guests have a continued pleasant experience
Picture Reports - Taking and sending you additional pictures of your Pup enjoying the celebrations
Honeymoon Services - Such as Overnight Stays or Dog Walks for the day or week after your wedding day!
Check out this cute Instagram Reel with Ethel and Agnes with their Happy Hounds Pet Wedding Attendant for their Paw-rent's wedding day! Your pup will thank you for including them in your wedding day, and for the opportunity to go home for a big nap while you dance the night away!
Tips & Tricks to Prepare your Pup for the Wedding
Wedding Attire - If your pup will be dressed to the nines, or even sporting a little bowtie or flower crown, make sure you do a few practice runs with lots of treats, to make sure their accessories are dog-safe and comfortable.
Venue Practice - Ask the venue manager if your pet can accompany you on your first visit if you plan to have them attend part of the wedding; this will help your pup familiarise themselves with the environment and will give the staff the opportunity to go over areas where your pup can go during the big day.
Puppy Kit - Make sure you pack a puppy kit with all the necessities such as food, water, treats, medication, a calming aid, squeaky toys, clean harness, lead and collar, and attire so it is all ready to go for the big day
Picture Paw-fect - Make sure to practice poses you might like to do with your pup so that the pup-arazzi sessions go smoothly on the day of
If you are interested in including your dog in your wedding, give us a ring or send us a message at Happy Hounds to see how we can help!