Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments in your life, filled with love, joy, and cherished memories. And who better to share this special day with than your loyal, four-legged companion? Including your dog (or dogs) in your wedding can add an extra touch of magic and create unforgettable moments for you, your partner, and your guests. So, if you’re considering having your furry friend join in the festivities, here’s everything you need to know to make it a paw-some experience!

Note: Planning your wedding day is stressful enough when taking into consideration all your human family. Don’t let including your furry family, your dogs, in your wedding stress you out as well. Having your dog in your wedding is not worth it if it is not fun and enjoyable for you and your dog.

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Know Your Pup

Before you decide how to include your dog in your wedding, it’s essential to consider their temperament, behavior, and comfort level in social settings. If your dog is outgoing, friendly, and well-behaved, they might be the perfect candidate for a starring role on your wedding day. However, if they’re shy, anxious, or easily overwhelmed, it might be best to find a different special way to incorporate them into your celebration.

Where will your dog be during the wedding?

The first step to figuring out what you want to do to include your pup, is deciding if your dog is going to be in attendance on the day of the wedding. This decision should be made based on several factors. Below are some of the main questions consider:

1. Do you want your dog at your wedding?
   The answer to this question does not mean you love your dog any less or more. Weddings are difficult to plan. Adding a dog to the day will also add stress. Even if your dog is perfectly behaved, having them there adds to your coordination.
2. Can your dog be at your wedding day?
   Whether or not your dog can logistically be in attendance is your next step. Does your venue allow dogs? If you’re staying at a hotel during your wedding, can your dog also stay with you? If you’re traveling to your wedding, can your dog handle the travel?
3. Can your dog handle your wedding day?
   Loving your dog is knowing your dog. While our pups may be perfect for us, that doesn’t mean every dog is perfect for attending a wedding. A few things to consider – How do they do around crowds? How are they around people they don’t know?
4. Who will watch your dog when they are not actively participating?
   The answer to this question is not yourself as the bride or groom. You want to make sure your dog is comfortable with them, and they are comfortable with your dog. The best option is often a professional pet sitter. If the route you’re taking, make sure to include the cost in your budget.

Including Your Dog at Your Wedding

You have reviewed the above questions and decide having your pup alongside of you on the day of the wedding is the right choice for you and them. Now on to the planning:

Choose the right role

There are plenty of roles your dog can play in your wedding ceremony. Consider their personality and obedience level when selecting the perfect role for them.

• Groomsman/Bridesmaid or even better: Dog of Honor or Best Dog: Your dog can walk down the aisle as a member of the wedding party then stand by your side as you promise your lives to each other
• Ring Bearer: For a very trustworthy dog, attach a special ring pillow to their collar or go high class with a custom leather ring pouch and let them carry your rings down the aisle
• Greeter: A role where your pup doesn’t need to do anything specific other than welcome guests as they arrive at the venue.
• Officiant Assistant: If acceptable by your officiant, have your dog stand (or sit) and assist in the vows. A sweet way to let them help make your marriage official.
• Honored Guest: If you don’t want to worry about giving your dog any role but still want your best bud in attendance, consider just assigning a seat next to their favorite of your humans. Another option is to bring a bed for them to relax and watch during the ceremony.
• Flower Dog: If your dog can carry something in their mouth, this could be the role for them. Give them a basket of flowers to walk down the aisle. This is especially fitting for a kid friendly dog so the kid can take petals from the basket and spread them around. While one of the trickier roles, this is a sure to be memorable role for you and your guests.

Dress to Impress

Just like the rest of your bridal party, your dog deserves to look their best on your wedding day! Whether it’s a dapper bow tie that matches your colors, a flower wreath collar, a tuxedo bandana or a custom-made outfit to match your wedding theme, there are endless options for dressing up your furry friend. Just be sure to choose attire that is comfortable and safe for them to wear throughout the day. And don’t forget to snap plenty of photos of your stylish pup!

Practice Makes Perfect

To ensure that your dog is comfortable and confident on the big day, it’s essential to practice their role in advance. Take them to the venue for a rehearsal, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the surroundings and any unfamiliar sounds or smells. Practice walking down the aisle together, rewarding them with treats and praise for their good behavior. The more prepared your dog is, the smoother their performance will be on the day of the wedding.

Assign a Handler

While you and your partner will have your hands full on the wedding day, it’s essential to designate a trusted friend or family member to serve as your dog’s handler. This person can be responsible for walking your pup down the aisle, keeping them calm and entertained throughout the day, and ensuring they have everything they need to be happy and comfortable. Having a dedicated handler will give you peace of mind knowing that your furry friend is in good hands.

Confirm with the Venue

While you should have confirmed the allowance of dogs at your venue in the prior step, be sure to communicate with your venue coordinator. Discuss any rules or guidelines for bringing your dog to the wedding such as leash policies or designated areas for them to relieve themselves.

Prepare for the Unexpected

No matter how well you plan, there’s always the possibility of unforeseen circumstances arising on your wedding day. From unexpected weather changes to last-minute emergencies, it’s essential to have a backup plan in place for your dog’s involvement in the celebration. This could involve having a designated indoor area for them to retreat to if needed or arranging for a pet sitter to take over their care if you’re unable to attend to them. If out of town, you may want to confirm a doggy day care in the area just in case something comes up last minute and your pup can’t attend.

Capture the Moments

Your dog’s participation in your wedding is sure to create some of the most heartwarming and memorable moments of the day. Enlist the help of a friend to capture your dog’s precious moments, from their grand entrance down the aisle to their adorable antics on the dance floor. These photos will serve as treasured mementos of your special day for years to come.

Show Gratitude

Lastly, don’t forget to show your appreciation to your furry friend for being a part of your wedding celebration. Whether it’s with extra treats, belly rubs, or their favorite toy, take the time to thank them for their unconditional love and support. After all, your dog is not just a pet but a beloved member of your family, and including them in your wedding is a beautiful way to honor that bond.

Including your dog in your wedding can add a unique and heartwarming element to your special day, creating cherished memories that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. By considering your dog’s personality, choosing the right role for them, and taking the necessary steps to prepare them for the big day, you can ensure that their involvement is a paw-sitive experience for everyone involved. So, unleash the love and let your furry friend be a part of your wedding celebration!