How to include your dog in your wedding

Dogs are not just pets; they’re family. Just like any other family member, you want to be able to have them there for your big day.  Incorporating them into your ceremony is a great way to do that.  Dogs are increasingly popular as ring bearers, and why not as they make for adorable pictures. Although beware, as they can be real scene stealers. If you are considering having your beloved pet in your ceremony, there are many things to consider to ensure the process is successful and enjoyable for you, your guests, and your pet.  Dogs are animals and can be a little unpredictable, so there are a couple precautionary measures to take in order for the dog to feel both comfortable and on their best behavior. Listed below are a few steps you can take to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly for all.

Check that your venue allows animals.

This is the first and most important step to including your dog in your big day. Especially for indoor venues, you want to make sure that dogs are permitted on the premises. Your venue most likely has specific rules when it comes to having your animals, including where they are able to be kept and how long they are able to stay on site. It is integral to acquire all of these details so you can come up with the proper game plan for your pet.

Make sure you consider your dog’s temperament.

We know how much you love your pets, but it is important to consider others as well. If your dog tends to be aggressive, be wary that the amount of people and busy environment that is often created on wedding may not be suitable for your fur baby. The same goes for dogs with high anxiety.  If you feel that your dog will be okay in this setting, consider that they have simple commands down, not just from you, but from others. It is very important that dogs be on their best behavior so you are not stressed or worrying if they are okay; you have enough to worry about on the big day!

Who will get them to the venue/be their chaperon?

Our suggestion is to designate one or two people to be your dog handlers for the day. Assigning specific people to this duty will ensure that your dog is also being cared for and watched. Make sure that this person is trusted by the dog and knows his/her temperament as well. Bonus Tip: Have whoever is handling the pet keep a dog survival kit on them including treats, water, and doggy bags to ease the care of the dog.

Who will escort them down the aisle?

We have seen this a couple different ways, the most popular ways being by a groomsman/bridesmaid, trusted friend, or family member. We recommend that the person walking your dog down the aisle be an adult; however, if the dog trusts a certain child and doesn’t pull them, it is certainly adorable! As we mentioned previously, dogs often take the place of the ring bearer, but we caution in thinking that they will make it down the aisle on their own.  They are in an unfamiliar space with lots of unfamiliar faces, and may often need some coaxing.  Another key component of the dog’s trip down the aisle is if the dog is willing to leave the bride’s side as they will typically proceed down the aisle first.

 Plan for the weather

Outdoor summer weddings typically have a lot of sun and heat. If you plan to involve your dog in your wedding, during summer especially, make sure that water is readily available for them to avoid overheating and dehydration, as well as shade.  If the ceremony space doesn’t have trees, provide an umbrella.

Who will take the dog back to the house? How many photos do you want them in?

While some venues allow dogs to stay for the entirety of the event, we do not recommend it. With the amount of people and moving parts that are in a wedding, a dog being present the whole night tends to add stress to the event. We recommend assigning someone who will take your dog back to the house or hotel before dinner service or hiring a pet sitter. Most of the photos take place before the ceremony and during cocktail hour, which allows time for your dog to be included in your wedding memories.  Be sure to let your photographer know when filling out your shot list what photos you want your pup included in.

Bonus tip– If possible, bring the dog to the venue the day before so they can become familiarized with the space, resulting in them being more comfortable on your wedding day.

Still not sure if having your dog in your wedding is a good idea?  Talk to your wedding planner and venue as they can offer additional advice and direction.  Happy Planning!