Including your dog on the wedding day

Is your dog your favorite person? Or at least second favorite after the person you’re about to marry? Well, you can absolutely include your pup at the wedding! I love seeing a Dog of Honor or Best Dog celebrating with the couple!

Weddings are a celebration with those we love the most, and for dog people, that includes your dog. So, whether your dog walks down the aisle with you, pops by for photos, or simply makes a cameo on the invitations, there are many ways to include your dog on the wedding day!

Ways to include your dog on the wedding day:

1. Hanging out with you while you’re getting ready: So easy if you’re getting ready at home or a pet friendly location. The getting ready suites are a fun atmosphere for a dog to relax with your and your VIPs. You’ll just need to have someone to take them home or to daycare if they aren’t staying for more of the day. See more about having an attendant for your pup below.

2. Participating in the ceremony: I’ve seen many ring bearing dogs. Just below, Mookie has the rings in that pouch on her collar. It’s fun to give your wedding dog some florals or dressy collars too.

3. Joining in group photos: your wedding party consists of your best friends right? So get your dog in there to be part of the fun!

4. Third-wheeling your couple portraits: ADORABLE

5. Hitting the dance floor (only for the most chill/obedient furry friends): to be fair to the vast majority of dogs I’ve met, I’ve only seen this happen once. Maggie & Fabian’s border collies are incredibly well-behaved agility competitors and made appearances at the party!

Tips for including your dog on the wedding day

If your dog is going to be around the entire day, give them their own attendant and make sure there’s a quiet space set aside where they can eat, drink, and chill away from crowds.

If they can’t handle being around the entire day, but you do want them for some photo opportunities, I recommend hiring a pet concierge for your bestie. Just one example is Dogs Like Ash. If you already have a trusted dog sitter/walker though, that’s a great place to start. Definitely have your pup’s handler bring their favorite toys/treats so we can keep their attention for photos. Christelle from Dogs Like Ash is below doing her thing.

Dog can’t make the wedding?

I get it, weddings can be overwhelming! If your pup is too easily overwhelmed or rambunctious to come to the wedding, you can still incorporate them!!

Include your dog in your engagement photos and display photos at the wedding. You can also include photos/art of your pets in wedding decor.

Examples of ways I’ve seen pets included at weddings without actually being present:

• Signage
• Drink names
• Cake toppers
• Cocktail napkins
• Photos
• Cardboard cutouts
• Shoutouts in speeches