Having your dog at your wedding...
ARTICLE BY TOGETHER FUREVER WEDDINGS
You’ve spent months organising the biggest day of your life, booked the venue, sent out the invites, ordered the cake, photographer and flowers and said ‘yes to the dress’ but yet something important is missing.. your beloved furry best friend… who will look after them? Everyone that normally looks after them will be at the wedding so what can you do? You would really like them to be part of the day but how could this be possible?
Why wouldn’t your pet be present on your wedding day? Your pup isn’t just a pet; they’re a cherished part of your family Including them in your celebration highlights all the milestones you've shared together.
You may have already considered it but logistically how could it work, you’re going to be too busy to look after them and all of the people you would trust to look after them are actually with you so you resign yourself to celebrate the day without them, however this also could cause extra stress and anxiety as Kennels or boarders may not be an option and you would spend your day worrying about them, taking your mind off of the best day of your lives.
Have you considered a Dog Chaperone? they eliminate all that worry and stress and make your day even more pawfect meaning you can relax and enjoy every part of your Furry Tail Wedding celebrations.
As someone who has helped many couples include dogs in their weddings, I have quite a few practical insights to share that will help you decide if including your furry friend in your big day is the right option for you.
Important Considerations
Venues
The first part of your wedding planning would normally be choosing a venue, this can also affect whether your furry friend can be involved in your big day or not!
Unfortunately, not all venues are pet-friendly, and those that are often have specific rules and guidelines that you must follow.
If you’ve not selected a venue yet, then you can check with them and ask questions prior to booking. Here are some questions I would recommend asking:
Are dogs allowed in all areas of the venue, or are there restrictions?
Is there a quiet space where a dog can relax and calm down if needed?
Are there spaces outdoors for toilet breaks and exercise during the day?
Are there dog friendly rooms if the venue has accommodation
These questions will help you choose if the venue is the one for you and will help you to plan more effectively, ensuring that your four-legged friend will be a welcome part of the celebrations.
Dog Role
There are so many ways to include your dog in your wedding day. Defining a clear role for your pup makes sure that their presence really enhances your big day! Some things to consider when deciding on your dog’s role include their personality, temperament, and how they interact with other people, are they sociable and love people or are they shy and anxious?
·Their roles can include, greeting the guests as they arrive, mingling with them prior to the ceremony, its important to let guests know this is happening to identify if anyone has an allergy or is fearful of dogs. In my experience guests really enjoy seeing them but also if the dog becomes overwhelmed, we can take them out for a stroll.
· Taking part in a ‘first look photograph’ (ideal if you are using a Dog Chaperone as they can ensure there is no jumping, or paw prints on the dress).
·As the Dog of honour, Best Dog, Flower Dog or a ring bearer, they can be walked down by someone in your wedding party, your chaperone can walk them down or they can be ‘released’ to run down on their own, again using a chaperone can ensure their safety so there is no running away!
·They can walk through the confetti aisle with you, this is obviously quite over stimulating so only ok for those dogs used to loud noises, cheering etc
They can take part in the photographs including your pup guarantees that your wedding album will be filled with heartwarming, unforgettable moments. Be sure to update your photographer with the photos you would like them to take part in.
·Thinking about adding a little wedding appropriate attire, a bow tie, tux, or flowers, try this on your dog and let them get used to it prior to the wedding. If your dog isn’t used to dressing up then a small bow tie or flower or bandana may be best, you can even have a flower collar if your dog is more used to wearing things around the neck, If you are choosing real flowers as a collar, please make sure these are pet friendly as some plants and foliage are poisonous.
We have lots of experience with this so please ask for recommendations, again your dog’s comfort is the upmost priority.
At Together Furever Weddings we offer a highly individual, personalised wedding Dog Chaperone service so your family pet can be included in every celebration and let us look after them like they were part of our family. We are a recommended supplier in many venues across the south west
We are proud to have won The Best Dog Chaperone in the South West award at the South West Wedding Awards 2024-2025.
ARTICLE BY TOGETHER FUREVER WEDDINGS
This article can be found in Issue 6 of The Big Southwest Wedding Magazine