5 Tips To Include Your Dog in Your Wedding
Our furever friends are so important to us, so it only makes sense that we’d want to include them in our wedding day! Not having your dog there can feel like you’re missing a family member. Luckily, there are so many ways to include your dog in your wedding. Even if you can’t actually have your furry friend there that day, there are still ways to honor them!
Photography: KPhoto
Including your dog in your paw-ty
We’ve come up with a list of some of our favorite ways to have your dog join the paw-ty.
Favors
First, you can always donate to an animal rescue organization in lieu of favors, but you can also offer an additional sweet treat for guests to take home! These can be treats for dogs or humans. You can even make it more fun by putting that treat into a dog-themed favor bag!
For example, there are these cute doggie treat bags from Zazzle that you can purchase in bulk! The first bag is here while the second is here.
Walk down the aisle with your best fur friend
If your venue will allow it, one way to include your dog is to have them walk you down the aisle! They can come in a bit earlier to participate in photos and strut their stuff. Plus, there are tons of ways to dress your dog up. We love when couples incorporate floral collars or greenery around the leashes. We’ve seen pups in dresses, bow ties, and even tuxedos! However, if this is your plan, we do have a few tips.
Photography: Dean Michaels Studio
Make sure your venue allows it
Like we mentioned, it’s important that your venue actually allow you to do this. Most venues with an outdoor option will be fine with your pup at least participating in photos, and you may be able to walk them down the aisle if there is someone there to look after them.
Check with your other vendors
You’ll want to make sure that your photographer, videographer, and officiant don’t have a severe allergy to dogs beforehand. While you’re at it, checking with your wedding party is also a good idea.
Photography: Sarah Canning
Hire someone to take care of your furry friend during the wedding
There are people who do this kind of thing for you! If you’re going to include your dog, hiring someone to take care of them will take away all the stress. They know how to handle fur friends and will even handle transport for you! They can also get your dog’s energy out prior to coming so that they aren’t overwhelmed and overly energetic when they arrive. We personally recommend Furever and Fur Always!
Plan ahead
Be sure to have plenty of treats on hand and know the proper areas where your dog can relieve themselves!
Cocktail Napkins
This is a great way to include your dog if your pup can’t actually be there! We love creative and personal touches throughout a wedding, and this is one of our favorites!
We found some great napkins already for you! Our favorites from Etsy are below. You can find the first one here and the second one here.
Signature Drinks
Include your dog by honoring them with a signature cocktail! You can name your signature cocktail based on your pup. There’s nothing more fun than a signature cocktail, especially when it has a fun theme. You can even create custom signage to go along with it! We love The Jess Press for all custom design and calligraphy!
Photography: Peach Photography
There are so many ways to include your dog or honor your dog at your wedding. Other custom items you can use to feature your furry friend include a custom pocket square for the groom, cake toppers, photo booth props, or even a photo attached to the bouquet!
We’re always happy to brainstorm with our clients and help them incorporate those unique details! If you’re planning your fun wedding, we’d love to hear from you!
Photography: Weddings with Verve
