The proposal has worked out well for you! Now, your big day is one to be shared with friends, family, and loved ones. That means all your loved ones should be there right?! Your dog is more than family and deserves to share this special day with you.

For many people, their dogs are more than just pets, they’re part of their family. So it’s natural to want to include them in the wedding festivities. After all, the lifetime commitment you make on that day also affects the love you already share with your dog.

Whether it belongs to both you and your partner or just you, you’ll want to make it known that your heart belonged to your dog first!

There are many ways to make your pet part of your celebration, from giving them a role to play to including them in your wedding photos. So as you get ready to bid “I do,” make sure all the necessary to-do’s to include your dog have been taken care of.

Decide on the Role

You know your canine friend best, and know what they can and can’t handle. So if you’re choosing to have them be a part of the ceremony, then it means you know it’s trained to handle crowds.

Depending on your dog’s personality, size, and cutest dog breeds, you could decide what role you want to play. These could range from:

• Pup of Honor 

You could have it join you down the aisle as part of the wedding party and sit with them during the ceremony. Make sure they’re on a leash though and make it a wedding-themed one. If you don’t own a high-quality leash already, you can find one easily on sites like Neewa. This ensures your furry friend is part of the celebration while staying safe and well-behaved. Don’t forget to include their essentials—like food, water, toys, and cleanup bags—on your list of prewedding packing tips so nothing gets left behind. With a little preparation, your pet can have just as much fun as the rest of the wedding party!

 

• Flower Dog

Have it drag a bouquet basket (non-poisonous) as the flower girl tosses the petals.

• Ring Bearer

Get creative here. Though there aren’t any “hands” to hold the rings for you, you could have the box safely tied to their bowtie or a pocket if they’re wearing a tux.

• Guest of Honor 

If you’d rather have your dog occupy a less performative role, you could make them an honored guest. Find someone familiar with your dog to sit somewhere with them where they can share your special day without risking any accidents.

Arrange a Sitter

Since you and your spouse will likely be busy on the day and can’t have your dog on a leash all day, consider getting a wedding dog attendant to care for it for you.

Your dog sitter needs to be someone who’s already acquainted with your baby beforehand. This will make it easier for your dog to be relaxed and the carer to know how to handle the dog. It’ll also give you peace of mind.

After playing their role, your dog and the sitter can take a walk and provide a safe shelter where they won’t get agitated.

At the wedding rehearsal, make sure there’s a slot to prepare with your dog what it’ll be expected to do. Let them sniff, per, and get comfortable in that environment.

Practice with your canine what role they’ll play to make sure it’s something they can handle.

Dress Them Up

If your wedding is themed, it’ll be the perfect opportunity to have your little (or big) baby dressed up with the rest of the bridal party. Have him as the designated Best Man and put him in a tux with the rest of the guys!

If she’s a little princess, don’t be afraid to go wild. Fit her with a little dog wedding dress, and match her with your own gown. If it’s not used to being dressed, then a wedding-themed leash or ribbon will do. Make sure it’s comfortable, but there’s no need to miss out on the fun!

As you and your crew get dressed, have your dog with you to share those moments leading up to your big moment. Let your little guy or girl tag along in the changing room. You could even sneak in a few selfies while you’re in there.

Wedding Photos

Make sure your photographer captures a portrait with the three of you! Seal your union and make sure your BFF is part of it. 

Even before the day arrives, have a pre-wedding shoot and Include your canine friend. That way, they’ll truly feel like they were part of the journey all the way through.

You could also use his adorable face in your save-the-date cards, and wedding invitations.

Consider Your Venue

Find out before the big day if the venue that’ll be hosting you allows pets. It’d be sad to do all the planning and find out on the day that you can’t get your dream wedding.

Based on your dog’s temperament, particularly around crowds, you’ll have to decide which part of the big celebration you want them to be in. The music, dancing, and food at the reception may cause him to act out, so you may want to exclude them from that.

Your guests may be tempted to give him treats, or he’s enticed by the food served and end up making a scene. The last thing you need to be worrying about is having it make a “mess” on the floor and make things awkward for everyone.

Also, take care to let everyone coming, guests, DJs, and caterers know that there’ll be a canine around so they know what to expect.

Dog Accessories

If your baby can’t make it to the wedding, you can make thoughtful gestures instead and honor them in their absence.

You could make dog-themed thank-you notes, or have a family photo with them on it. Everyone will understand that they’re a part of your union.

Alternatively, you could incorporate jewelry that reminds you of it, like cufflinks or a hairpin. Make creative “doggie bags” to give to your guests and have canine-themed threats.

If you want to take up a notch higher, you could even have your dog’s photo as a table number or place card. Your guests will love joining in on the love.

Final Thoughts

Expect the unforeseen. With all the unfamiliar faces and loud music and laughter at the ceremony, your canine BFF may get overwhelmed. 

Dogs, like all animals, are unpredictable, no matter how much you love them.

It may get excited when it sees you at the end of the aisle and forget to walk slowly but leap on you instead. Whatever happens, remember to make the best of your day, anything that happens will make a great story to tell one day.