Barks! Woof! Yes, you can include your dog in your wedding with these Simple Ways to Include your Dog In your Wedding.
Just imagine your perfect wedding day that includes having your dog in your wedding?
You want all your friends, family, and your beloved four-legged friend to be included.
How cute your dog will walk down the aisle in a covered leash, as ring bearer or giving you away.
Including a dog in your wedding requires some planning.
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Rent a Pet-friendly Venue
One of the biggest decisions you'll make in your life will be wher to get married. It's an important one, since it's one that'll impact your future happiness, so you need to think about finding the right place, especially when your dog will be joining the wedding.
As a dog owner, there are a few things you'll want to consider before picking your venue.
First, you'll want to know if you can bring your dog to the venue. Some places don't allow dog's at all, others only allow certain types or sizes of dogs.
Most venues are happy to include your pet. However, not all venues are receptive to including furry friends.
When choosing a venue, ask about their pet policy. Confirm that they allow a dog in your wedding.
Hire a Pet Sitter
In a strange place with food, lots of people and activity, you never know how the most well-behaved dog is going to react.
You'll want to make sure your dog will be happy spending the day celebrating with you and your guests.
- Hire or designate a person to be the pet sitter.
- A responsible pet sitter will have plenty of treats, food, and freshwater.
- The designated sitter's primary responsibility will care for your pets.
- Taking potty breaks, cleaning up after your pets and even taking them home during the reception.
Train your Dog to Walk down the Aisle
Have your dog sitter, flower girl and everyone who will handle your dog. Practice, practice, practice before the big day.
Teach your furry companion to be comfortable wearing his or her wedding attire before the wedding.
Whether it's a bow tie, dress, tutu or anything different from your dog is used to wearing daily.
- If it's a young puppy, expect that they cannot sit calmly for very long.
- Have a designated spot where your pet sitter can take your fur baby to relieve him or herself and to run and play. Or even take a nap.
Make sure your Guests are Comfortable around Dogs
When sending out your wedding announcements, let guests know there will be a dog at your wedding.
Include a one-line sentence, " Our dog, Ruby," will be attending the service and celebration."
This way any guests with allergies can make prior arrangements to sit in the back, near the exit.
Anyone afraid of dogs will have a heads up that there will be a dog taking part and to what degree.
Wedding Photos with your Dog
Photos with pets is a wonderful way to include your 4 legged friends in your wedding.
- Ask your photographer about their experience working with dogs.
- Bring treats to the photography session. Have the photographer hold the treats up to the camera.
- Taking photos at your dog's favorite park can make them feel more comfortable.
- Bring someone who can hold your puppy if he or she gets bored.
Expect and prepare for the Unexpected
Even the most obedient dog can become excited or stressed by having many people on the big day.
If your dog becomes rebellious, just take it in stride. Nothing ever goes as planned in a wedding. They'll always be a surprise.
Enjoy! And embrace having your best friend at your wedding.
Have the pet sitter front and center at your wedding. They can take over if needed.
25 Unique Ways to include your Dog in your Wedding
- Have them included in your Save the Date pictures.
- Get an awesome outfit for your dog
- Don't forget about a special leash.
- Don't let your dog carry the real rings down the aisle. Use fake rings.
- Have a designated area for your pet sitter and dog to sit.
- Place your pet's photo on the wedding table alongside the bride and grooms.
- Before walking your dog down the aisle. Take your pet potty.
- Included them in your engagement photo.
- Your wedding photos should include the entire family, fur friend included.
- Have a special sign made up that can be attached to them.
- Have them walk down the aisle with the flower girl.
- Use a decorated leash and collar. ( Use code: rubydoodle10 for a 10% discount).
- Have your pup hold the rings for the special occasion.
- Don't want flowers? Carry your dog down the aisle.
- Have the bride hold the leash and let them lead the way to give you away.
- Mention your dog in the vows.
- Have your cake designer include a pet as the cake topper.
- Have your guests donate money to a shelter or pet rescue in lieu of gifts.
- 'Let your pup give you away. Walk down the aisle ahead of the bride with a decorated leash. Transfer the leash from the bride to the groom as "giving away the bride."
- Have custom embroidered pocket squares with your dog's silhouette.
- Make doggie inspired place settings.
- For small dogs use a decorated wagon to pull down the aisle.
- Attach a floral bouquet around your dog's neck.
- Use doggie take-home treat bags like goodie bags.
- Take your dog out on the dance floor for the bride and groom dance.
Dressing your Dog to be in your Wedding
Decorated Leashes
Leashes come in an enormous variety. There are rope leashes, which can be decorated with a flower or are great by themselves.
- Pearl leashes for the girly girl pup.
- Flat plain white or colored leashes with attached bows or bow ties.
- Bling leather leashes for the stylish pup.
My Favorite Leash is from Sleepy Cotton.
Sleepy Cotton Leashes - These leashes come in a beautiful Beige leash that can easily be decorated to match your wedding. These leashes are up cycled cotton and look great for any wedding.
Want a color? No problem. They have all kinds of colors available.
Discount Code: Here's a gift: Use discount code for 10% off. Code: RUBYDOODLE10.
A Leash with some Bling?
Bling Leash - Want some bling for your dog's leash? This gorgeous, fancy, sparkly white rhinestone leash will do the trick.
Talk about a glam pup!
Decorated Collars
Your dog's collar should be comfortable for your pet.
If it dangles to their knees, as they are walking, they might become agitated.
You'll want it to match and color coordinate with the bridesmaids or groomsmen outfits.
Pearl Bead Dog Collar - This super cute pearl beaded collar will be the show stopper along with the bride at any wedding. It's stretchy so will work on any dog's neck size.
Tuxedo Boy Dog Collar - This adjustable collar will get some "ooh" and "ahhs" as your handsome dog walks down the aisle. Adorable!
Formal Bow Tie - Want something a little more formal? How about this great little formal bow tie. Your dog will be ready for every photo shoot, party and wedding.
Pearl and Crystal Necklace Collar - Sweetest little necklace collar full of a double set of pearls and a crystal heart.
Adorable, Clothes, Hats or Crown of Flowers
Dress your dog for your special occasion.
Make sure the outfit is comfortable for your furry friend.
Practice having your dog wear their wedding attire.
Cutest getting married bandanas - "My Humans are Getting Married" and "She said Yes" bandanas are perfect for those engagement photos, wedding photos or just to wear out and about.
Full Tuxedo Outfit for Dogs - You dog will feel like a prince in this full tuxedo outfit. Perfect for a formal wedding. Think of how cute this would come down the aisle. Adorbs!
Girls Flower Headband - This crown will make the flower girl the star of the show. It comes in all these wonderful colors and easy to wear.
Tutu Wedding Dress - A formal wedding dress for your dog! With lace, bling and a beautiful pearl design, the dog's wedding dress will make everyone swoon with delight.
Custom Cake Topper with a Dog
Why not include the entire family in a personalized custom cake topper.
Wedding Cake Topper with Dog - Do you have 1 dog? This topper includes a couple with a dog that will be a unique touch to the wedding cake.
Got 2 dogs? No problem! Check out this Cake Topper with 2 Dogs.
Weddings can be stressful and overwhelming.
One of the sweetest memories is your furry friend walking down the aisle.
Friends and family are guaranteed to ooh and ahh over the tail wagging cutely outfitted pup looking their best.
Congratulations and have the best time ever at your wedding with your four-legged companion.
Be sure and attach your favorite wedding photo in the comments.
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