Our pets are true members of the family! Could you ever imagine getting married without figuring out how to include your pet in your wedding? We asked the amazing team at Fairytail Pet Care for their best suggestions to make it possible for your fur babies to be a part of your special day.
1. Consider Your Pet’s Personality
Carefully consider your pet’s personality before deciding how to celebrate with them on the big day. Are they high energy & need a lot of exercise before they’ll settle down? How are they with kids or big crowds?
If they are anxious around strangers, the ceremony may be too overwhelming for them, but there are other ways that may be best suited for their personality!
You don’t want to have to worry about your pet come wedding day, so think about this ahead of time & make sure you have their best interest in mind.
2. Choose a Role for Your Pet
While we’re sure your pup will be happy with whatever role you choose for them, defining this ahead of time is a great way to make sure they do not get overlooked on the day of.
‘Dog of Honor’ and ‘Best Dog’ are great options for that extra special member of your bridal party. ‘Ring Barker’ is a favorite, even if they don’t actually carry the rings down the aisle.
Even choosing to have your dog as an escort to walk an important family or bridal party member down the aisle is a wonderful role for them.
3. Include Your Pet in Your Wedding Photos
Of course, you’re going to want some photos throughout the day, especially a family portrait now that things are official!
Work with your photographer & allow time for photos with your pet on your wedding day. If you’re doing a first look, this could be before the ceremony, or during formals after, or both! When it comes time to take bridal party photos, don’t forget your Dog of Honor or Best Dog!
4. Have Your Pet Attend Cocktail Hour
Allow your pet to mingle around at cocktail hour for a bit & we promise your guests will thank you! This is a fun way to include your pet & provide some extra entertainment while you are taking photos.
There will likely be family and friends that have never met your pet and may have only ever seen pictures, and they will be so excited to have the chance to say hello!
5. Have Your Pet Join You While You’re Getting Ready
You have likely been long anticipating your wedding day & now it is finally here. It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous or a bit anxious, it may be hard to completely relax. What better way to bring you back to the present moment than quality time with your pet!
This is also a great opportunity for a few photos capturing some of the sweetest moments before the day really gets started.
6. Inform Your Vendors that Your Pet Will Be in the Ceremony
This is a BIG one. Maybe even the biggest one. Your vendors are there to make sure you have the best day ever & they are extremely focused on the details. There is a lot that goes on behind-the-scenes & you never know what small adjustments they need to make once they know a dog (or pet) will be a part of your ceremony.
Before anything else, check with your venue to make sure they will allow your pet to be a part of your ceremony.
Your planner or coordinator should be next on this list. They may even handle informing your other vendors for you, but either way, they NEED to know your pet will be there.
Your photographer should be right up there, also. You’ll want photos of your pup’s happy face coming down the aisle & you want to make sure your photographer is prepared for this.
7. Wedding Day Pet Care
Your wedding vendors will need to focus on their duties and you want your guests & family to be able to remain completely present during this special day. Hiring a professional pet sitter for your wedding day means that you AND your pet will have the best day ever.
Their handler will be completely focused on them & their needs. This means you will be able to relax knowing your baby is in good hands. Not only that, but a professional will understand the ins & outs of the wedding logistics & will ensure your pet will be able to include your pet in your wedding ceremony without becoming a distraction at all.
8. If Your Pet Can’t Attend, Include Them in the Details
For a number of reasons, your pet may not be able to physically join in on the fun, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still incorporate them into the day!
You can name your Signature Cocktail after them, add a drawing of them to your wedding stationery or set up a “Doggie Bag” station with treats for guests to take home to their furry family members.
Learn more about FairyTail Pet Care
