For anyone who is planning to tie the knot with their significant other, you know you want to have everyone in your life who matters there for the big event.
For us, in August 2019, that meant having a ceremony with Shadow (this was life pre-Peaches) attending as the Best Dog, Dog of Honor and our witness at a small, intimate wedding in Seattle along the Elliot Bay Trail.
Incorporating your dog in your wedding can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. Below is a list of ideas about how to get your four-legged best furriend involved in one of the most important days of all of your lives.
6 Ways to Include Your Dog (or Pet) in Your Wedding
- Have the cutest ring bearer of all time.
What better way to announce how important your dog is in your life than giving them the responsibility of holding on to the ring. It will give you and your significant other the opportunity to have some laughs as you try to get that precious sign of your love off of his or her collar or a ring pillow on their back. For those dogs that can pull a sled like our Huskies, it might be the most important haul they ever carry.
- Have a show stopping walk down the aisle.
Yes, you walk them all the time but why not give them a walk you and your guests will never forget with your dog walking down the aisle. No matter who your dog is walking with, they’ll be able to steal the show with their big smile, prideful strut and maybe an occasional bit of drool.
- Incorporate your dog as a member of the wedding party.
You shouldn’t expect a big speech and you may need to make sure they use the bathroom beforehand, but your dog as a member of the wedding party means they’ll be with you when you both say “I do.” And who better than your dog to be a witness to the big event!
- Dress your dog to impress.
No matter what role your dog takes at the wedding, and even if that’s just as an attendee in the back of the room, you can get them dressed up with a tuxedo or a formal gown or something simple, such as a green wreath, a flower collar or crown or a wedding-themed leash. You know your dog best so dress them up as much or as little as you like.
- Dance like nobody’s watching (everyone will!).
YouTube may be filled with coordinated wedding party dances and special moments between the newly married couple but why not include another four legs on the dance floor? Yes, it may seem a little bit over the top, but your dog may love to be a part of your dance routine.
- Photos, photos and even more photos.
If you’re reading this blog, you’re likely already sharing photos of your furbaby across the Internet. Your wedding shouldn’t be an exception!
Here’s a couple of times to capture the memories:- Engagement photos: Yes, if you choose to get some engagement photos, you should get a few with your dog, especially if they’ll be at the wedding. At the end of the day, you’ll love to see photos of your entire family!
- Getting ready: Your significant other and you may get ready separately, but that doesn’t mean you get some candid photos with the four-legged member of your family.
- At the wedding: Your dog can be involved as much or as little as you want, just tell whoever is capturing the big moments on your big day includes at least a few photos of an important portion of your pack.
- The reception: Who wouldn’t want a photo of the dog wolfing down the appetizers or falling asleep on your parents’ lap?
- The afterparty: If you’re not including your pawty animal in the after party, did it even happen?!
What should you do if your dog can’t attend?
We all know that depending upon the wedding venue or due to other considerations, you may not be able to have them directly be a part of your big event. That being said, there are still LOTS of ways to have them be remembered and not forgotten.
- A dog-themed wedding invite: Just because your dog isn’t able to be there in-person doesn’t mean they can’t be the theme at your wedding. Think of them as a graphic design element in your wedding invite or a part of the pictures you send everyone to get them to come to your event.
- Incorporate your dog in stationary, party favors, menus and table place settings: As you and all of your guests sit down at your wedding, they can see your dog’s smiling face staring back at them. Whether that is from the wedding menu, cocktail napkins, a place setting, your wedding arch, cake topper or your wedding program is all up to you.
- Accessories that are just pawtastic: Whether it is your cufflinks, a pocket square or an embroidered design on your dress or the bottom of your shoe, your dog’s likeness can serve as the pawfect reminder of how important the dog is to you and your significant other.
- Zoom is real and it can be spectacular: Need a moment to catch up with your four-legged furriend? Having whoever is babysitting your dog that day FaceTime, Zoom or video chat with you before or after your wedding gives them a chance to see how happy you are and how this new change to your pack only means there is more love to go around for all.
If you’re planning a wedding, keep your dog in mind as there are lots of ways for them to be included. And if they are able to attend, just remember to bring some treats!
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