More people own pets now than ever before. A whopping 70% or 90.5 million of American households own one, with 69 million of those households owning a dog. If you’re one of these 69 million dog owners, it probably goes without saying that you treat them like family. As such, it makes perfect sense to honor and include your furry companion on a day as special as your wedding day. Keep reading for six paw-some ways to incorporate your pup into your big day.
Have your dog attend the ceremony.
What better way to include your dog in your wedding than to have them actually be there! Your dog could accompany you down the aisle or act as your ring bearer or flower girl. If your dog is smaller, the flower girl or ring bearer could pull your pet in a wagon down the aisle. Some couples opt to have their pooch included as one the bridesmaids or groomsmen, or even making them the Dog of Honor/Best Dog. If you do include them in the ceremony, make it even more special by dressing them up. Think bow-ties and tuxedos for boys and floral collars and tutus for girls. But before you commit to having your dog present at the ceremony, consider their personality. Some dogs are just too rambunctious, feisty, or socially anxious to be physically present at a wedding. And that’s okay! There are still plenty of ways to honor your fur baby on your special day.
Take dog-friendly photos together.
Include your best furry friend by having them be a part of one (or all!) of your wedding-oriented photo sessions. Consider having your dog accompany you and your future spouse to your engagement photo session. Dog-themed save-the-date cards are another too-cute idea. You could also get ready together on the big day and ask the photographer to include your precious pup in some of the pictures. And if your dog will be present at the ceremony, include them in the family wedding party pics.
Place photos of your pup throughout the venue.
There are plenty of fun and innovative ways to incorporate pics of your dog into your wedding. This is an especially great idea if he or she can’t be there. Ideas include:
- Put your photogenic pooch on display in a framed photo on the welcome table.
- Put the numerous photos you have of your dog to good use by showcasing them as your table numbers.
- Have a large cutout of your dog’s face made into an adorably fun prop for the wedding day photo booth.
Add them to your cake topper.
Make no bones about it, your dog will make an adorable addition to a bride and groom figurine cake topper. Topping your cake with something that represents both your love as a couple and your love for your pup is a creatively sweet idea. Etsy is a great place to find custom-made pet cake toppers.
Dedicate your signature cocktail to your dog.
One of the most unique ways to include your dog in your wedding is letting them inspire your signature cocktail. Give your drink of choice the same name as your dog and then display it on a custom-created cocktail menu. Have it include your pup’s name, a list of the drink ingredients, and then either a photo of your dog or a chalkboard illustration.
Use dog-themed accessories.
Show how important your dog is to you in subtle yet thoughtful ways with dog-themed wedding accessories. From paw-print confetti or candles to dog-shaped photo holders, the fun ideas are endless, so let your imagination run wild! Brides can attach a photo charm with a pic of their pet to their bouquet. Grooms can carry a personalized pocket square with the dog’s silhouette or have customized cufflinks made with a photo or paw print.
Bonus Tip: Plan Ahead
Ensure that all the necessary parties know that your dog will be included in any photo sessions or at your ceremony. The photographer and wedding planner should have a heads up, and you’ll definitely want to run it by the venue to make sure that it’s pet-friendly. Many venues have a no pets policy. It’s also a good idea to inform your bridesmaids or groomsmen of your intentions before the day. Many people are allergic to dogs, so letting them know ahead of time will give them a chance to prep if they do suffer from allergies. Last but not least, rehearse with your dog a few times, so he or she will feel comfortable in their ceremony role and environment.
Have a Paw-sitively Amazing Wedding
When your dog is considered a part of the family, it only makes sense to include them on such an important day. Whether they’re at the celebration in person or just there in spirit, there are so many meaningful ways to make them a part of the festivities. You won’t regret making the decision to include your dog in your wedding!
