How’s this for a statistic… Over half of our couples opt into incorporating their pup into their wedding day and it’s no coincidence. We ADORE your entire family being a part of the fun and offer many suggestions on how to do so.
For my own wedding, Kyle and I had the recurring ‘theme’ of our dogs through the full duration of the day, even the moments that they couldn’t physically be with us. And as your planner/coordinator we prep our emergency kits with pup treats and pooey-bags. To say the least, we are set!
That said, here are a few things that you might need for your fur kiddo on wedding day.
how to include your dog in your wedding
- Desired apparel (ties, bows, ‘clothes’)
- Leash (perhaps a nicer one for the day)
- Collar (perhaps one that matches wedding party, think about your florist adding to it)
- Familiar treats
- A blanket (for them to rest on during wedding day AND during transport in someone else’s car to minimize fur
- A towel (in case of rain)
- Water + food bowls
- Necessary food for the day
- Poop bags
- Carrier(?)
Regardless of where or how you may include them, make sure to seek permission from your venue, hotel, etc that you are interested in having your critter join you. Also understand that if their response is ‘no’ that it is likely due to health code regulations– it’s not that they wouldn’t enjoy the presence of your pooch.
Getting Ready
A super low key option. Let your pet feel like a part of the wedding party by allowing their presence while you’re getting ready.
First Look
This might have been one of my favorite things we did at our own wedding. After we did a first look with one another, we did a first look with our corgis. Note that it might be helpful to have a third person present to contain any excitement pup may have!
Greeter
Other than your unity, people will be most excited about your doggo greeting them at the door. It’ll make them feel so important too!
Go on a ‘Walk’ down the aisle
It’s oftentimes similar to having a flower girl or ring bearer where we might need to bribe with treats. We also urge you to remember that this may be considered comic relief if they aren’t the most receptive to this walk with a wedding party member they may be unfamiliar with. Hang in there though, it’s worth it!
We highly discourage you to have the *real* rings on any pet in case it were to fall off during the walk down the aisle. Eek!
Know where you want your pup to go after they are at the end of the aisle.
Will they stand with someone? Have a blanket to go to? Need a bully stick to distract them?
Pops of the Pups
Too stressful to have the puppers there on the actual day of celebration? Venue prohibitions? Incorporate them into your wedding decor! Think about spots that your guests will look such as welcome signs, cake toppers, signature cocktails, etc. When Kyle and I didn’t want to do the traditional bouquet and garter toss, we decided to each toss corgi stuffed animals instead! Who wouldn’t want to catch that?
We have some friends in the industry who give your pets the true VIP status that they deserve:
- Wags & Garland will handle your sweet pet from start to finish including getting them dressed for wedding day, bringing them place-to-place, engaging with them on wedding day however you might like, taking them home for the evening, AND will even post through the day on social media so you can see the day from their eyes. There’s few things that make my heart feel more full!
- Rover will so kindly schedule to pick up your pup from your celebration once the initial festivities are complete and care for them for the evening. Your pup will be EXHAUSTED after cocktail hour and want a good rest off the property.
Have you been a guest at any weddings that incorporated dogs? You can’t deny… It’s pretty dang cute.
