It is a common misconception that including your pet in your wedding day automatically means they will be in your wedding ceremony.
We always ask our couple to consider their pet’s personality when deciding how they will be a part of the day. If your dog is anxious or easily overwhelmed, the ceremony may be too much stimulation. Or perhaps they are very excitable & the ceremony would get them way too riled up. Your venue may not allow animals in the ceremony space & so it is not even an option.
Whatever the case, just because the ceremony may not be the right choice for them, does not mean that your dog (or pet) cannot be apart of your wedding day!
Here are our ideas & tips for including your pet in your wedding day, even if they are not in the ceremony.
Have Your Dog Greet Guests As They Arrive
Imagine arriving to a wedding, only to be greeted by tails wags & kisses!? This might be a great choice for those excitable pups that just LOVE everyone!
This is also a great option if your ceremony space is not pet friendly. Your dogs can welcome your guests from outside & celebrate with everyone when the ceremony is complete & it’s time to paw-ty!
2. Include Your Pet in Your Wedding Photos
Work with your photographer & allow time for photos with your pet on your wedding day. If you’re doing a first look, this could be before the ceremony, or during formals after, or both! When it comes time to take bridal party photos, don’t forget your Dog of Honor or Best Dog!
3. Have Your Pet Join You While You’re Getting Ready
You have likely been long anticipating your wedding day & now it is finally here. It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous or a bit anxious, it may be hard to completely relax. What better way to bring you back to the present moment than quality time with your pet!
This is also a great opportunity for a few photos as they are often times some of the most genuine & adorable moments.
4. Have Your Pet Attend Cocktail Hour
Allow your pet to mingle around cocktail hour for a bit & we promise your guests will thank you! This is a fun way to include your pet & provide some extra entertainment while you are taking photos.
There will likely be family and friends that have never met your pet, and may have only ever seen pictures, and they will be so excited to have the chance to say hello!
Photo by Caroline & Evan Photography at Nova 535 in St Pete, FL / Invitations by Sarah Bubarb Designs
5. Include Your Pet in the Details
It’s possible your pet simply cannot attend your wedding in any way, that does not mean that you cannot still pay tribute to this important family member. There are a lot of details that go into a wedding, and incorporating your pet into them can be a great way to still have them there with you!
Even if your pet will be at your wedding, you may still want to integrate their happy tails into the day even more.
Check out our post for ideas on how to incorporate your pet into your wedding details.
Once you’ve found the perfect way to include your pet in your wedding day, make sure to consider the logistics involved in these options. Most importantly, consider your pet’s needs on the day of & that you are doing your best to ensure they will be happy & comfortable. This will ensure you can relax on your wedding day, knowing your pet is going to be taken care of.
Have questions? Want help including your pet in your wedding day?
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate the pet lover in your life than with thoughtful gifts that celebrate their furry friends? Whether it's a cozy tee, a practical accessory, or a stylish tank top, we've curated a list that will bring joy to both pets and their devoted owners.