You and your partner have countless memories with your dog, and now that your wedding is approaching, you want your fur baby to be a part of it. As a significant milestone, your special day wouldn’t feel complete without your best friend. But planning a full-scale event is already a handful, so if you’re worried about bringing your pet into the mix, rest assured there are many fun and easy ways to make it happen.

To start the process, consider your dog’s personality and comfort level in social environments. Are they well-behaved around crowds? How do they react to strangers? Will they feel anxious in a new setting? The answers will help you determine whether or not it’s suitable for them to engage in the festivities.

A groom and bride holding custom cupcakes featuring photos of their dogs

After determining this factor, check with your venue about animal requirements or restrictions. If you get the green light, you’ll want to hire a professional pet handler to manage your dog during your celebration. A pro will care for your pup’s needs and help them participate, so you can enjoy making memories without the stress of coordination.

Here are some fun ways to incorporate your furry friend into your wedding day and make it even more special!

Getting ready

While preparing for your celebration, you’ll want to be surrounded by your favorite people and your pup. Having your dog beside you during the getting-ready stage is an easy way of including them. Plus, they will make a cute addition to your photos.
You can provide the royal treatment by creating a dog-friendly space in your getting-ready suite. All you need is a blanket, water bowl, snacks, toys, and a dog bed. If you anticipate a busy morning, let your dog sitter take care of them, so they can still get plenty of love and attention.

In addition, set aside quality time with your fluffy companion to make your morning more memorable. Here, you can play with them, give them belly rubs, or take them on a short walk if time permits. Spending time with your fur baby will allow you to be more present and calm for the day ahead.

Ceremony

Do you want your dog to make an appearance at your ceremony? If so, consider having them walk down the aisle as part of your procession. It’s a cute spin on tradition! Add your statement flower to their collar, or dress them in a mini tuxedo to complete the look. Then, you can assign one of your bridesmaids or a professional handler to guide them to the altar.
And when it comes time to share your vows, you can shout out your furry friend as you reminisce on your relationship with your partner. But, by far, the best part of including your dog at your event is the adorable snapshots of them with your loved ones. It doesn’t get any sweeter than that.

Small details

If your four-legged companion can’t attend, that’s okay! They can still be there in spirit through the details. You can honor them by naming a cocktail after them, featuring pictures of your family in the centerpieces, adding their custom initials to your napkins, and sharing stories about them in your toasts.
Many couples include slideshows during their reception, so if you like this idea, you can sprinkle in some cute images of your pup and the life you’ve built together. Adding personal touches is an excellent way to infuse your personality into your celebration and show some love to your best friend. As the saying goes, it’s all in the details.

A couple sitting in a red convertible kissing while holding their dog — Couple photos

As newlyweds, you’ll have plenty of photo ops, so why not turn it into a family affair? Allow your dog to pose beside you in your wedding day portraits. You can even include them in formal pictures with your wedding party, where they can sit front and center. Then, when you look over your album, you can feel happy knowing your family is truly represented.

When it comes to animals and food, you may not think of putting the two together, but they make a fun combination. For instance, you can get creative with mini figurine cake toppers, paw print accents on your cake, and dog-themed treats. Guests will have a blast with your unique take on tradition, and you can celebrate in style. If you’re feeling inspired, explore Pinterest for more ideas.

Now that you have some direction, you can plan your romantic day with your fur baby in mind. Whether you include them in your ceremony or highlight them through your décor, you can look back fondly on your wedding day and know that your guest list was complete.

If you need support incorporating dog-inspired ideas, schedule a consultation with us today! Our team is passionate about delivering unforgettable moments representing you, your relationship, and your pet.