How to Include Your Furbabies in Your Big Day
Your wedding is about celebrating with the people you love most.
But for many couples, one very important member of the family happens to have four legs.
From walking down the aisle to appearing in wedding portraits, including your pet in your wedding can create some of the sweetest—and occasionally funniest—memories of the entire day.
If you can't imagine saying "I do" without your furry best friend nearby, here's how to make them part of your celebration while keeping the experience comfortable for everyone involved.
First, Consider Your Pet's Personality
Before ordering the miniature bow tie, ask yourself one important question:
Will my pet actually enjoy being there?
Some dogs love people, attention and new environments. Others can become anxious around crowds, loud music or unfamiliar places.
Think about how your pet normally reacts to:
Large groups of people
Children
Loud noises and music
New environments
Long car journeys
Other animals
Being away from home
Including your pet should be enjoyable for them too.
If attending the entire wedding would be overwhelming, they can still be included for a short part of the day.
Check That Your Venue Is Pet-Friendly
Before making plans, speak with your wedding venue.
Pet policies can vary considerably, particularly at restaurants, hotels, wineries and indoor venues.
Ask whether pets are permitted:
At the ceremony
Inside reception spaces
Throughout the gardens
During photography
In accommodation
Around food-service areas
It's much easier to understand the rules early than discover restrictions a week before your wedding.
Give Them a Special Role
If your pet is comfortable around guests, give them their own moment.
They could become your:
Ring Bearer
Attach the rings securely—or perhaps use decorative rings while the real ones remain safely with a human member of the wedding party.
Aisle Companion
Have your dog walk down the aisle with a bridesmaid, groomsman or family member.
Guest of Honour
Sometimes they don't need a job at all. A beautiful collar, bow tie or floral accessory and a front-row seat may be enough.
Photo Star
Bring your pet along specifically for portraits before or after the ceremony.
This is often the easiest option for couples who want their pet included without having them attend the entire celebration.
Nominate a Dedicated Pet Person
This is probably one of the most important things you can do.
On your wedding day, you shouldn't be worrying about feeding the dog, finding water or wondering where they've wandered off to.
Choose someone your pet already knows and trusts.
Alternatively, consider hiring a professional wedding pet attendant. Their responsibilities can include transporting your pet, walking them, providing food and water, helping during photographs and taking them home when they've had enough excitement.
You get to enjoy your wedding.
Your pet gets their own personal assistant.
Everyone wins.
Let Your Photographer Know
Tell your photographer beforehand that your pet will be attending.
That allows them to include extra time in the photography schedule and plan portraits accordingly.
Some beautiful ideas include:
Getting-ready photographs with your pet
Walking together before the ceremony
Your pet watching you get ready
A family portrait after the ceremony
Candid photographs during cocktail hour
A quiet portrait of just the couple and their pet
Don't worry about achieving the perfect pose.
Animals rarely follow a wedding photography brief—and that's often exactly what makes those photographs so special.
Keep Their Outfit Comfortable
Yes, your dog in a tiny tuxedo will probably be adorable.
But comfort comes first.
Consider simple accessories such as:
A bow tie
Decorative collar
Bandana
Floral collar
Small wedding lead
Avoid anything restrictive, heavy or unfamiliar that could make your pet uncomfortable.
And always make sure flowers or decorative plants used around your pet are safe for animals.
Create a Quiet Space
Weddings can be overwhelming even for sociable pets.
Provide somewhere quiet where they can retreat away from guests, speakers and activity.
Keep water readily available and maintain their normal feeding and toilet routine as much as possible.
You may also decide that your pet attends the ceremony and photographs before heading home prior to the reception.
They don't need to stay for eight hours to be an important part of your day.
What If Your Pet Can't Attend?
Not every venue allows animals, and not every pet will enjoy attending a wedding.
That doesn't mean they can't be included.
There are plenty of beautiful alternatives.
You could incorporate your pet through:
Custom wedding illustrations
Cocktail names inspired by them
Cake toppers
Wedding stationery
Table numbers
Welcome signage
Printed napkins
Photographs displayed at the reception
You could even arrange a private wedding-morning or pre-wedding photography session with them.
Your pet can still be part of the story without physically attending the celebration.
Expect the Unexpected
If you invite a pet to your wedding, perfection may need to leave the guest list.
Your dog might decide sitting isn't happening.
They may become fascinated by your bouquet.
They might walk in the completely wrong direction.
And yes, they could decide that the middle of your ceremony is the perfect time for a bathroom break.
That's part of the charm.
Some of the best wedding memories come from moments nobody could have planned.
For many couples, pets aren't simply pets.
They're family.
They've been there through ordinary mornings, difficult days, adventures, moving homes and perhaps even the beginning of your relationship. Including them in your wedding can therefore feel completely natural. Plan carefully, prioritise their comfort and don't expect everything to go perfectly.
Because years from now, the photograph of your dog looking in completely the wrong direction while everyone else smiles at the camera might just become your favourite wedding photo of all.
She's A Bride Magazine — Celebrating modern love, beautiful weddings, and the stories behind them.
Comments