How to Include Your Dog, Cat, or Pet on Your Wedding Day: A Guide to Making Your Furry Friend a Part of Your Big Day
Your wedding day is one of the most memorable moments of your life, and for many pet owners, their furry friends are considered family members. Including your dog, cat, or other pet in your wedding festivities can add a unique and personal touch to your celebration. Here’s how to make sure your beloved pet is a special part of your big day:
1. Plan Ahead
Including a pet in your wedding requires thoughtful planning. Begin by discussing your plans with your partner and your wedding planner. Ensure that the venue allows pets and that you have all the necessary permissions.
2. Consider Your Pet’s Personality
Think about your pet’s temperament and behavior. If they’re easily stressed or not very sociable, it might be best to involve them in a limited capacity. For more laid-back pets, there are plenty of creative ways to integrate them into your wedding.
3. Choose the Right Role
Decide on your pet’s role in the wedding. Here are a few popular options:
- Ring Bearer: Dress your dog in a cute ring bearer outfit and attach the rings to their collar or a specially designed ring pillow.
- Flower Petal Pusher: Have your pet carry a basket of flower petals down the aisle, or let them wear a flower crown for a charming touch.
- Guest of Honor: If your pet isn’t quite ready for a starring role, have them attend the wedding as a guest, perhaps sitting with a friend or family member during the ceremony.
4. Prepare a Pet-friendly Attire
Make sure your pet’s outfit is comfortable and fits well. Opt for breathable fabrics and avoid anything that might restrict movement or cause discomfort. For dogs, consider accessories like bowties, floral collars, or custom-made vests. Cats can also wear simple, comfortable collars or bows. If you can match your pet’s outfit to your Wedding Party, it is definitely adorable!
5. Coordinate with Your Photographer
Discuss your plans with your photographer ahead of time to ensure they capture your pet’s special moments. I’ve had several Couples that had a relative drop their dog off for 30 minutes just for a quick photo session on Wedding Day and others that chose to just include their animals in the Engagement Session instead.
6. Arrange for Pet Care
Assign a trusted friend or family member to take care of your pet on the wedding day. They can help with transportation, ensure your pet’s needs are met, and manage any potential distractions. Most major cities you can look up “Wedding Pet Sitter” and find Wedding specific pet care that can bring your pet to the Ceremony (if needed) and/or pet sit during the duration you are gone for your Wedding.
7. Have a Backup Plan
Things don’t always go as planned, so have a backup plan in place. Prepare for any potential issues by having a pet-friendly area where your furry friend can retreat if they become overwhelmed.
8. Incorporate Pet Elements in Your Decor
If your pet can’t be there in person, you can still include them in your wedding. Incorporate their likeness into your wedding decor with custom cake toppers, photo displays, signage, or even themed wedding favors. I’ve had some Couples do custom drinks incorporating their Pet’s names.
9. Include your Pet in your Engagement Session
Engagement sessions are the PERFECT time to include your pets, especially if they are not joining you on Wedding Day. If you don’t want to add the stress of bringing you pet to your Wedding, including them in your Engagement session might just be the best solution.
I usually start Engagement Sessions with pets at home so the pets are more comfortable and then head out with my Couple after an outfit change.
Including your dogs, cats or other well behaved pets on Wedding Day isn’t difficult with a little pre-planning.
10. Book an After Wedding Portrait Session to include your pets
I love this for Cat loving Couples. Get all dolled up a few days or weeks after your Wedding for more portraits and include your pets. This is great for Couples who can’t have their animals present on Wedding Day but still want portraits in Wedding attire with their pets.
As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed the joy and connection that pets can bring to a Wedding. By embracing the presence of your pets, you’re not just capturing the beauty of the day, but also the essence of your shared life and love. So, let your pets be a part of your wedding story in whichever way is most comfortable with you.
