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On your wedding day, it’s natural to want to be surrounded by friends and loved ones, and who’s more beloved than your dog? These days, when millennials are the largest segment of pet owners, many couples want to include their pets in their weddings. After all, when dog owners promise to share their lives together, they’re already sharing their lives with a four-legged friend.
There are lots of ways to include your dog in your wedding, from giving them an important role to letting them make cameo appearances, or celebrating them in photos on your invites, save-the-date, and other wedding communications. So, before you say “I do,” be prepared with all of the to-do steps to make your pet a memorable part of your special day.
Start with honestly considering your dog’s temperament and personality. Are they happy to meet and greet anyone and everyone? Do they have at least a few commands nailed down, especially important ones like “sit,” “stay,” and “down“? Does the sight of a crowd have them whirling in a frenzy? Or is your pet shyer, more reserved, or frightened around strangers? It’s important to know what your dog will or will not enjoy. Dogs with anxiety or socialization issues should probably RSVP “no.”
Decide the dog’s role. Depending on their obedience level and personality, you have lots of options.
- Pup of Honor — They can walk down the aisle with the wedding party and then sit alongside them for the ceremony. It may be best to keep your dog on a leash. You can get creative and decorate the leash to fit your wedding theme.
- Flower Dog — They can carry a basket of flowers in their mouth, as the flower girl spreads the petals. Be sure the flowers are safe and nontoxic for dogs, in case they decide to sneak a taste.
- Ring Bearer — Naturally, your dog doesn’t have opposable thumbs or pockets, but you can tie the rings to their collar with a ribbon or find a custom-made ring holder.
- Honored Guest — If your dog is better suited to a calmer, more restrained role, give them pride of place in the front row, sitting with someone they’re familiar with.
Decide whether the dog will attend the reception. All of the activity, food, music, and noise may be too much for them, and they might be better off going home. The food may be too great a temptation, too. Your dog might sneak the filet off the table, or guests may be tempted to feed them treats, including some, such as chocolate, that are harmful to dogs.
Check with the venue. If you’re having the ceremony at a church or synagogue, dogs may not be allowed. If it’s an event venue, especially outdoors, many are amenable to a canine guest. Also, make sure any vendors—including caterers, the band or DJ, florists, etc.—are aware of your plans.
Let your guests and wedding party know a dog will be present, so that those with allergies or a fear of dogs can plan accordingly.
Arrange for a dog sitter or handler, preferably someone your dog is already comfortable with. You will be pretty busy getting married, and your dog needs someone to help keep them calm, engaged, and out of trouble. The sitter can also take your pet somewhere quiet after their starring role and provide water, food, and potty breaks. After all, wedding etiquette is not usually part of obedience school.
Choose your dog’s wedding attire. If yours is used to being dressed up, go ahead and choose a wedding-themed outfit. Make sure it’s comfortable and that the dog can go about their business in it. If your dog prefers to be au naturel, consider decorating his collar with a bow tie, ribbons, or (nontoxic) flowers.
Bring your dog to the venue before the wedding day to let them explore, sniff, and pee on everything at their leisure. They’ll be more comfortable on the big day if they’re familiar with the terrain.
Rehearse your dog’s role, both at home and at the venue, as much as you can. You’ve wisely chosen a role that your dog can handle, right? Include them (and their sitter) in the rehearsal, so everyone knows the who, what, when, and where.
Include your dog in photos (as if you’d leave them out!). Make sure the photographer you choose has experience photographing animals and that they know what you expect.
Prepare a go-bag for your dog, with treats, a water bottle, toys, food, and anything else you think they’ll need.
If your dog won’t be attending the wedding, there are lots of opportunities to show how important they are to you.
- Include them in a photo on your save-the-date card, invitation, and website.
- Find a wedding-cake topper that displays a dog, along with the happy couple.
- Use dog-themed accessories, like place cards, photo holders, or paw-print confetti.
- Send thank-you notes from all three of you, with a family photo.
- Wear a piece of jewelry celebrating your dog’s breed.
Expect the unexpected. In your perfect wedding scenario, your canine BFF is beautifully groomed, decked out, well-behaved, and adored by all.
Now let’s get real. The tips here are meant to make it easier to include your dog in this meaningful day. But dogs are dogs. Maybe yours bolts instead of making it down the aisle. Or needs a pee just before getting to the altar. Or jumps on you with less-than-immaculate paws.
Take a deep breath, then take it in stride with a sense of humor. If nothing else, it will be a source of great stories for years to come.