How to Include Pets in Your Big Day

Is your dog your best friend? Did you and your partner adopt a cat you just can’t imagine not including in your big day? Read our tips and tricks for making sure everyone has fun — humans and pets alike.

It’s getting more popular to include a four-legged friend in your big day, and it can be a ton of fun. Before signing fido up to be your ring bearer, however, there are a few things you should think about. 

Things to Consider

Always think about your pet’s personality and whether including them would be a fun experience for them. If they love people and stay calm and well-behaved even in crowded places, they’ll probably be fine. But if they’re the type that runs and hides any time you have guests over, you should rethink including them.

When you look at venues, be sure you discuss whether you can have animals on site. Depending where you’re getting married, you may not be able to have your pet take part, and that’s not something you want to find out minutes before you intend to have them walk down the aisle. If the venue is cool with it, see if you can bring your furry friend to visit before the wedding so they can get used to it. Being in a new place for the first time with a bunch of strangers is uncomfortable for anyone, but it may make your pet panic. 

Chat with your photographer about your four-legged friend and what photos you’d like them to be in. Be sure they’re okay with it — you never know if they’re scared of dogs or allergic to pet hair — and also see if they’re up for meeting your pet. In the same way your venue is a strange place, your photographer is a new person, and meeting them beforehand means your pet is more likely to warm up to them for pictures. Discussing with your photographer in advance means they might also have fun ideas to include pets in your big day, especially if they’ve photographed animals before.

If everyone is on board with pets taking part, consider the logistics for getting them to and from the wedding. Are they participating in only the ceremony or sticking around for the reception? If they’re only making a brief appearance, you’ll want to either be close to home or have somewhere safe for them to be nearby. If they’re going to be there all day, make sure you have a plan for food, water, and bathroom needs. Also try to have a quiet space for them at the venue in case they get overwhelmed and need some time to calm down.

Finally, it’s always good to let your guests know there will be a pet at the wedding. You might not be aware of pet allergies or other issues that might affect your guests, so giving them a heads up allows them to plan ahead. 

Fun Ways to Include Pets

Once you have settled all the logistics, it’s time to think about the fun part: what role is your pet playing in the wedding?

The most common choice is to have them be part of the bridal party. Who can resist a perfectly tailored tuxedo on a dog? Not us! If they’re into the tuxedo, great! If not, a cute bow on their collar or leash is also a fun way to go. Have one of your groomsmen or bridesmaids carry or walk your furry friend on a leash down the aisle.

If you don’t have someone walking you down the aisle, letting your pet have the honor is also a touching way to include them. They’re your best friend who’s been there through thick and thin; why not take them on one of the most important walks of your life? Letting your pet be the ring bearer is also fun — but be sure they won’t run off or shake the rings loose, or give the real rings to your maid of honor to hold and have the pet carry fake ones. 

If the main event isn’t your pet’s forte, consider having them around just for pictures. This is especially easy if you’re doing a first look, since there will be fewer people around to stress finicky pets. Doing pictures lets them be part of your day and part of the memories without as much hassle (or manners) required as for the ceremony and reception. 

If your venue doesn’t allow animals, but you still want to include them, there are fun ways to do it. Include their photos or likeness on your stationery, or even in your decor or table decorations. Some couples even have a cardboard cutout made that gets its own seat at the head table — it’s a great time to get creative!

FEATURED PHOTO COURTESY OF R. BECKER CREATIVE