Ideas on How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding

You want to include your dog in the wedding but don’t know where to start. Here are some creative ideas that may inspire you.

Engagement

You can incorporate your fur babies into an epic engagement in several ways. One way is to have them be part of the big moment. Ideas can be: tying a ring to their collar or training them to bring you a box. Or let them carry a little blackboard with a cute proposal message. Think about something precious and memorable and, of course, something that will seal the deal.

Engagement Announcement/ Save the date cards

Once you have said ‘yes,’ the fun part of wedding planning begins. If you are a dog lover like us, you might want to consider having your dog/s or cat there for the engagement pictures you will use on the wedding website. Or have them pose for your save-the-date cards. There is nothing cuter than your dog inviting people to come to the big day- it will be a wedding your friends and family cannot miss.

Getting ready photos

When it comes to your big day, there are so many ways you can include your furbabies. Most of the time your photographer will join you and take pictures of you while you are getting your makeup on or getting dressed in your wedding outfit. This is a great opportunity to take some pictures with those furchildren that might be a little too hyper for the general crowd and for your dress. You can even add those pets (dogs, cats, birds, rabbits etc…) that might not be a good fit for the ceremony. We have seen some adorable photos.

First Look with your dog

First looks have become a staple in the modern wedding, slowly turning what was once unheard of into a tradition. Many couples prefer seeing each other beforehand and having a memorable intimate moment with their significant other. This often emotional moment has created some beautiful and candid photographers. In addition, it’s excellent for those that have pre-wedding jitters.
Having a first look with your dog can be a great way to capture some fun candids and some great footage. It also allows your furbaby to sniff you or maybe only one of you before making their big entrance down the aisle. After all, isn’t this day what special moments are about?

Dog Greeter when guests arrive

If your wedding has a reception, consider having your dog greet guests at the entrance. Ensure someone responsible is available to supervise and manage interactions.

Down the Aisle with Your Dog

Ring Bearer:

Train your dog to carry the wedding rings down the aisle. Attach the rings securely to a decorative pillow or a small pouch tied around their collar.

Flower Dog:

Dress your dog in a floral collar or harness and have them walk down the aisle, scattering flower petals or holding a flower arrangement in their mouth.

Surprise Entrance

Having your dog run down the aisle to bring the rings can be an adorable and memorable moment in your wedding. Remember to start training in advance to ensure that they are comfortable and confident. Make sure they are not runners and practice. Having a wedding dog handler there to help for the big moment is essential. In case your Fido runs after a squirrel the handler will be the one ready to run and catch the squirrel chaser. Most important let the photo and video team know so they are ready to capture the moment of having your dog run down the aisle at your wedding. Having a pet friendly vendor team is essential to make everything run smoothly.

Remember, it’s essential to prioritize your dog’s safety and well-being throughout the process. If your dog becomes overly stressed or uncomfortable during training or the actual event, it may be best to give them another important role.

Canine Attendant

Canine Attendant: If your dog is well-behaved and comfortable around people, they can act as an honorary attendant, accompanying a member of the bridal party or walking alongside you during the ceremony.

Having your dog walk or run down the aisle will always be a hit. It’s not your pup’s fault that they are so adorable. With so many different ways, the options are endless. It all depends on their size, temperament, training, and preference. No matter if you them walk, run, drive or even skip the consequences are always smiles and laughter.

Consider Surprising Your Fiancee with Your Dog at the Wedding

Many couples exchange thoughtful gifts with each other on their wedding day. As a token of appreciation and affection. Who doesn’t love something meaningful and sweet? Here is an idea! Does your significant other have a special bond with their dog but for some reason, Fido is not included in the wedding? Consider surprising your fiancé with something they will never forget-surprise them by having their dog come for pictures or a ceremony. It is one of the cutest things we have seen.

Feature them in your Bridal Party Photos

Including your dog in the wedding is a personal decision; as we always reiterate, it depends on your dog too. Whatever the case, one of the things that always happens is wedding photos with your best furriend. Of course, a couple of pictures is a must, but also consider group photos. You can take these snapshots before or after the ceremony. The perk is that you will not have difficulty choosing which group shots you will pick for your wedding album. And you will have fun getting a lot of attention. Unfortunately, the day passes by so quickly and what you will have left are memories and photos. These photos will be worth all their money in gold.

Photo by Gambol Photography, Outfit by Anna Happy Dog

Pictures with the pup’s parents

Including the dog completes the family portrait on your wedding day. Just as you and your partner are coming together as a couple, the presence of your dog represents the larger family unit that includes your beloved pets. Including your furbaby in your wedding photos adds a unique and personal touch. It sets your wedding album apart and makes it truly representative of your family and the special relationships you have with them. There are so many fun photo poses that you can do with your dog on your wedding day.

Dog Signs Marriage License

Did you know that in some states you do not need a witness to sign your marriage license. The good news is that in those states your dog or cat could sing the license. Get their paws ready as they have a very important job to do.

Including your Dogs In the First Dance

Last but not least, is including your dog in the first dance. We know this may sound a little crazy but hear me out. It can be one of the most unforgettable moments for your guests. We have seen couples starting their dance alone and adding their pupper at the last minute.
It is always a surprise and a great start to a pawsome party! After all, weddings are about fun and laughter and everything ever after, no?

Some helpful information before considering adding your dog to your wedding:

Incorporating your dog in your wedding can be easy. However, it would be best if you made sure of a few things:

• Make sure your venue is pet friendly (or will allow bridal dogs)
• Think about your pupster’s character. Will your pet enjoy it? How do they do with strangers?
• Would you want them to wear an outfit? Plan this ahead of time, as last-minute costumes can add to the wedding planning stress.
• Will the person walking them down the aisle be able to control them on the leash?
• Do they require extra TLC to ensure they are happy and always have a tail wag?
• Do they have walking problems? And will you need to climb stairs at the venue?

Incorporating your dog in your dog can be a great decision. But, you need the right helping hand. We at Furever Us have helped many couples and their fur babies have a blissful day or evening. We make sure those a little shy have as much fun as those more extroverted and those energetic ones their energy out before going down the aisle.

Hiring a wedding dog handler

We are one of the gears that provide support on your big day. A pet is often one of the most important family members in a couple’s life. Knowing your dog has their doggie butler and being taken care of like a VID (Very Important Dog) can reduce stress. So why would you hire someone that is not an expert in dog behavior? A person that does not know the importance of timing when it comes to the wedding day. Not someone who may be involved in the wedding and want to enjoy it with you rather than be with your fur baby. Leave that job up to us. We do what we do because we love it. The best present is when our couples tell us what a great idea it was to hire us and have even admitted to us; that we are the best vendor (shhh, don’t tell other vendors though, we believe we are all equally important).

Interested in knowing more? Check our our pawsome packages and see how we can help you create Furever memories.

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