Here comes the…dog? Yep, you heard that right: More and more couples are including their furry family members in their nuptials. Including dogs is becoming a regular part of wedding venues and wedding planning services. Cat parents are also on the trend, including their feline family members in their weddings as well.
Whether it’s having someone in your wedding party walk your pet down the aisle, coordinating photos with your pet, or including them in your wedding decor, there are many ways to honour the special relationship you have with your pets on your wedding day.
Check out Rover’s top tips and tricks for incorporating your pets in your wedding and get ready to say “I do” with your pets in tow.
Tips for a pet-inclusive wedding:
1. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and has been recently groomed.
2. Ask your wedding photographer to capture photos of you and your pet together.
3. Dress up your pet in wedding attire, such as a tux or dress.
Pet parent on Rover spotlight
“Our dog’s are much loved family members and so it is only natural that we might want to include them in one of the most memorable days of our life. At my wedding day all three of my dogs had a special role. My two girls, Penny and Wren, were part of the bridesmaid crew (even holding their own dog friendly bouquets!) and my lovely old boy Yogi, who is sadly now no longer with us, was my ring bearer. I will cherish those memories forever!”
— Adem, Dog Parent and Pet People Panelist
4. Find a pet-friendly wedding venue: some venues allow certain pets in the outdoor areas but not inside and some allow pets in all spaces. Be sure to review this with the venue manager.
5. Have your florist create a wearable pet wreath, using nontoxic flowers, for an extra special touch.
6. Outfit your dog’s lead with wedding greenery to add some pizzazz to photos.
“There has definitely been an increase in couples including or honouring their pets on their wedding day. As pets tend to be “first children” they play a special role in a couple’s life and at times have even been a part of the couple’s meeting or the big proposal. Couples are waiting longer to get married than they were in years past, so by the time a wedding rolls around, there is likely a very strong bond with a pet. So it only makes sense to include an important family member on a very important day!” — Nora Sheils, Owner and Planner, Bridal Bliss
7. Dog or cat not a fan of clothes? Try a bow tie or a bow to dress up their look.
8. Include your pet in your rehearsal so everyone knows where to go. If you’re walking your dog or cat down the aisle, choose someone who’s comfortable walking with them. And don’t forget your pet in the seating arrangement (and a backup spot just in case).
9. Include your pet in the event timeline—noting where, when, and how they will be in specific places—and share with the person you’ve assigned to help with your pet.
10. Consider making your pet a ring bearer or flower girl.
11. Have a backup plan in case your pet becomes overwhelmed or anxious. Create a designated area for your pet to rest and form a plan for where your pet will be at each stage of the wedding.
12. Consider finding a sitter on Rover to be the dedicated pet handler for the day. A sitter can help in many ways, including taking your pet home after the ceremony or photos. A sitter can also be the go-to person for your pet on your wedding day, making sure they’re taken care of and calm. Ask a sitter to help your pet get ready before bringing them to the venue!
Wedding planner spotlights
“The best weddings make things personal and give all your lovely guests a chance to share in the things that are special to you as a couple. One of the best ways to show off the life you have built together is to include the furry friends that you share your love with. While some couples find it daunting to include their pets, it simply doesn’t have to be. There are no fast and hard rules about how much or how little you include them so let them participate in a way that doesn’t add to your anxiety or detract from your peace of mind on your big day.”
— Kiara Hancock, Owner of K. Hancock Designs
“Be realistic about your pet’s capabilities and stamina. If your pet tires quickly, plan on only having them at the wedding for a short time, then having a pet sitter pick them up and bring them home. Or if your pet is shy or scared of people, perhaps only have them there for pre-ceremony photos, since it might frighten them to be there for the big ceremony. Arrange for a pet sitter in advance, to drop off and pick up your fur baby at the appropriate times on the wedding day.”
— Rachel Welland, Owner, Bliss Events
Tips for a pet-themed wedding:
1. Include your pet in your wedding vows.
2. Display photos of your pet throughout the venue.
3. Create custom cufflinks with your pet’s face on them.
4. Create custom drink coolers with your pet’s face on them. They’ll keep canned drinks cool and also double as a fun party favour.
5. Custom cocktail stirring sticks, with your pet’s face on them, are a nice and simple touch to add to your wedding decor.
6. Looking for a fun hashtag for your wedding? Incorporate your pet’s name.
7. Use your pet’s paw print as a signature on the guest book.
8. Include your pet in wedding details like invitations, save the dates, or your wedding website.
“In the 10 years that I have been in the wedding industry, I have seen a huge increase in couples incorporating pets into weddings, yet incorporating pets has been a “thing” since I started. The very first wedding I worked on featured all sorts of pets — miniature ponies, sheep, dogs, cats, and even a bird in a bird cage walked down the aisle! Since then, it has not only become more common, but it is almost always something I ask couples about from the get-go!” — Kiersten Rooney and Sarah Dollar, Event Producers & Designers at LB Events
9. Create a custom pet-themed wedding cake topper.
10. Offer guests pet-themed wedding favours, like a to-go bag of treats for their pets.
11. Use your pet’s photo on the program, thank-you cards, or other signage.
12. Serving a custom cocktail? Name it after your pet or use their image on the bar menu and serviettes.
13. Include your pet in your engagement photos.
14. Schedule a quick video call with your pet sitter on your wedding day to say hello to your dog or cat.
15. Having a photo booth? Include a cutout of your pet as a prop so that they can sneak into your guests’ photos.
Interested in learning more about the services provided by pet sitters on Rover?
Dog Boarding | Pet Sitting | Dog Walking | Doggy Day Care | House Sitting
