Pets are part of the family! Many fur-parents dream of including their beloved pets in their wedding celebrations, but may not know where to begin. While some people may be able to physically have their pets at their wedding, others may not be able to, due to venue or location constraints.
To give you some inspiration, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite ideas on how to incorporate your furry friends into the big day, whether you can have them present or would prefer to honor them in a different way. Whichever route you choose to go, we know you’ll find the ideal way to pay homage to your pet on this special day!
A Paw-posal!
Before the big day, there is, of course, the proposal! We recommend trying to incorporate your pet into the proposal to make the surprise even more memorable! You could get your pet to wear a cute pet bandana and have them walk with you up to your fiancé! Or, (securely) attach your engagement ring in a box to your dog’s harness!
Include Them In The Ceremony
If you’ve gone ahead and checked with the venue, and are able to bring pets to the venue with you, you could have your pet present for your vows and reception, or even walk down the aisle with your furry companion! Many people choose to have their dog walk with the bridesmaids, stand with the groomsmen, or even be the ring bearer. To ensure your pet’s safety while still keeping them looking stylish, dress them up with a customized leash and collar. There can be room for all different types of pets at weddings – some people choose to have outdoor weddings and walk down the aisle on horseback, or feature their larger pets like llamas and sheep! If your pet likes to be center stage, why not include them in your first dance?
Include Them In Your Photoshoots & Stationery
If you think you’d prefer to keep your pets at home on your big day, there’s still many ways for you to honor them. One of the best ways to have your pet be a part of the wedding is to incorporate them into your photographs to use on your wedding invitations and save the date cards! A photoshoot is a much smaller window of time for your pet to be on their best behavior, and may be the ideal part to include them in. You’ll be sure to get lots of adorable, memorable shots that you can use for your wedding suite and keep for yourself! With our design tool, it’s never been easier to upload your personal imagery to create amazing, personalized wedding stationery that features your beloved pets. We also offer paw-some custom thank you stickers and beautiful custom envelopes, so you’ll be sure to find the perfect choice!
Dress Them To The Nines!
If you’ve decided to have your pets present on your wedding day, they’ll need to look the part! Give your pet a handsome bowtie to match the groomsmen, or attach a flower to their collar if they’re walking with the flower girls! Some people even choose to get special dog costumes like tuxedos or dresses, to really make their furry friends stand out. The possibilities are endless! And, of course, you could also dress your pets up for your wedding suite photoshoot!
Decorate The Dinner Table
Another fun way to incorporate your pets into the wedding festivities is to have them commemorated at the table! How about using a cute image of your pet, or an illustration in your pet’s likeness for the table number cards? Another great idea to showcase your furry friends at the wedding table is to create some custom wedding napkins featuring their image! Or, if you’re going for a custom signature drinks menu, why not name a delicious cocktail after your pet? We’ll toast to that!
Donations In Honor of Your Furry Friends
If you’re an adoptive fur-parent, or simply like to give back, you can honor your pets in a thoughtful and meaningful way by requesting donations to your favorite animal charity in lieu of traditional wedding presents. Or, include a donation box for your chosen animal charity on the big day for guests to donate if they wish. You could even include some information in your enclosure cards about why you chose this particular charity, and what the guest’s kind donations will do to help this important organization.
The Paw-fect Decision
But wait! Before you decide to make your pet or pets a physical part of your special day, make sure to carefully consider your pet’s unique personality and needs to see if they would be comfortable in the wedding environment. Also, it’s a good idea to check with your guests to see if there are any people with allergies to your pets, who may then be compromised on the day. It’s also important to consider who will look after your pets if you’re busy during the nuptials. If it’s not possible to have your furry friends present on your wedding day, book a trusted pet sitter, cattery, or kennel in advance, so you can have the peace of mind that they’ll be looked after properly as you celebrate.
However you choose to celebrate your wedding day, we hope that it’ll be the happiest day of your life, filled with memories and good times. We hope you enjoyed reading our ideas on how to incorporate your beloved four-legged friends into your special day. Feel free to share your pet wedding ideas in the comments of this article, because we’d love to hear them!
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in April 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Ella is a content specialist from Cork, Ireland. Her passions include spending time with her two energetic dogs, fashion, photography, and trying new vegan food!
