Learn how to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding

Pet parents know just how vital their furry friends are to them. For a lot of, these animals are like family, and the concept of including them in your wedding day is just one other step you’ll be able to take to make your celebration truly yours. While we all know that many–especially those hosting a marriage removed from home–can’t bring them along to have fun, we also know that increasingly couples are opting to include them into the large day in a roundabout way, shape, or form. 

Junebug has an intensive vendor directory full of execs who see weddings day in and day trip. So, we thought it might be price asking them the best way to include your dog in your wedding. Jamie of Brisbane Celebrants and Brisbane Wedding Decorators kindly put together ten tricks to be sure that bringing Fido into your wedding goes as easily as possible!

Learn how to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding

1. Groom them

Likelihood is you and your partner spend quite a while preparing for the marriage–your pets should do the identical. When creating your to-do list for the week leading as much as the large day, include an expert cut and bath to your pet. This manner, they’re freshly groomed and smell good on the large day.

2. Assign a dog concierge for the day

You’re going to be pulled in 100 different directions in your wedding day, and the very last thing you need to do is add more stress to your plate. While pets don’t require an excessive amount of attention at home, they will need constant attention when at a special event. That’s where a dog concierge is available in.

Your dog concierge is liable for watching and caring to your pet throughout the day. For some, this will be a member of the family or friend. We understand, though, that for some, you might not need to add that work to the one you love’s plate. That’s when you might want to contemplate hiring an expert pet wedding assistant who solely focuses on the animals. Not only will this allow your mates and family to enjoy your big day, but an expert can even be sure that your pet is returned home safely after the ceremony.

We understand that finding an expert you trust could also be difficult, so when you’re unsure where to look, ask your officiant for recommendations. 

3. Dress to impress

As we mentioned earlier, we’re going to bet that you simply spend quite a lot of money and time looking your best in your wedding day. Your dog deserves that very same treatment. We’re not saying you want to spend tons of of dollars on an outfit. Nonetheless, consider a flower crown, lei, mini dress, bow tie collar, or a full-on ‘black tie’ tuxedo. You will discover quite a couple of outfit ideas for pets on Etsy.

Image by Light Sky Photography

4. Organize transportation

You’re going to have your hands full from sunrise to the top of the day, which is why it’s smart to arrange transportation to your pup. In fact, that is about selecting who’s going to drive them. However it’s also vital to contemplate whether or not you wish them in a crate, booster seat, etc., when within the automobile. 

5. Keep essentials readily available

Though dogs aren’t going to require too many necessities, there are a couple of things to have readily available to assist the show run easily. Ensure whoever is watching your furry friend is well equipped with a leash, water bowl, a big water bottle (you’ll most definitely have the option to get water from the venue for them; nonetheless, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared), some wipes to scrub their paws should they need to say hi to guests, and in fact, some treats to reward them for being so good.

6. Select a dog-friendly ceremony venue

In the event you know early on in the marriage planning process that you need to include your dog in your wedding, it’s vital to set yourself up from the very starting. When touring venues, remember to ask whether or not they’re dog-friendly. Even when you are unsure whether or not it’s something you need to include, you’re higher off asking ahead of time versus checking out it’s not an option closer to the large day. 

7. Maintain your dogs routine

Dogs will be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to maintain them glad and relaxed as much as possible.  Maintain their current routine as much as you’ll be able to, including meal times, walks (particularly pre-ceremony), etc. This helps keep them on their best behavior and reduces the prospect of an unscheduled bathroom break. 

Image by Sergio Alcala Photography

8. Make sure the florals are protected

In the event you’re including florals to your pup or you realize that they’re going to be spending a while near your decor, it’s essential that you simply research how “dog protected” your selected blooms are. Many flowers will be highly toxic and dangerous for dogs to ingest, so err on the side of caution. Let your florist, planner, and/or designer know that you simply might be including your dog, so their health is a priority to your florals. 

If the flowers you’re dreaming of including are toxic to pets, you’ll need to discuss this along with your pet concierge or whoever is liable for watching your dog on the large day to be sure that they’re not entering into something potentially life-threatening. This will likely require the petsitter to maintain a fair closer eye on them.

9. Learn how to include your dog because the ring bearer

In the event you’ve decided to incorporate your pup because the ring bearer, Jamie has found that the safest technique to include them is as follows: 

The officiant will ask, “Can [dog’s name] please present the rings?” The petsitter then walks the dog as much as the couple, and the couple gives the dog a pat, hug, or kiss on the top. The dog concierge hands over the rings, or the couple unties the rings from the dog’s collar. 

This makes for some pretty incredible photos that we all know you’ll cherish for years to come back.

10. Include them in your wedding photos

Lastly, profit from having your dog present by bringing them into a few of your wedding photos. While you must get a few of you and your pet with just your partner, it’s also quite a lot of fun to incorporate them in group shots along with your wedding party. Talk along with your photographer beforehand to let her know that these are some must-have photos for you, they usually can be certain that to seek out the perfect location and include it of their shot list. 

With the assistance of the appropriate vendor team, including your furry friend in your big day is a straightforward technique to personalize your ceremony and create memories that you simply’ll have for a lifetime. To assist them dress to the nines, we’ve rounded up a few of the best wedding dog attire and accessories on Etsy!  

Image by Mary Costa Photography