More and more pet parents are choosing to incorporate their fur family into their wedding day. Not only does it ensure your cats and dogs get to attend your nuptials, but it also makes for some really cute Instagram photos!
However, incorporating Fido or Fluffy into the ceremony isn’t as simple or straightforward as dressing them up in a tux or flower girl outfit and bringing them down the aisle with you. You’ll need to think about a few things first.
We talked to experts Thomas and Margaret Hunt of Bloom & Bower, a private event venue in Ohio, about what to consider as well as some unique ways your pet could participate in your wedding ceremony and reception.
What You Will Learn
What to Consider Before Inviting Pets to Your Wedding
Before you start daydreaming of your Golden Retriever standing next to you as you take your vows, you’ll want to ask yourselves these important questions — and answer honestly!
1. Will Your Venue Allow It?
First on the list is whether or not your venue will even allow pets at a wedding. While most public venues are compliant with service animals attending events, they may not be as flexible allowing just any animal into the space.
If you’re sure you want your pet to participate in your big day, that’s something you’ll need to ask as you tour potential wedding venues.
2. What’s Your Pet’s Temperament?
Your pet may be calm and docile at home, but how do they handle crowds, and how do they do in chaotic situations? Even if your pet does well when you take them to an outdoor brewery or the beach, are they going to be able to sit still at the end of the wedding aisle or during a loud reception?
As the Hunts noted, “The biggest challenges stem from anxiety and overall behavior. Pets are energy sponges and can absolutely sense the anticipation or nervousness of their owners on the wedding day. But, pets don’t know that it’s good anticipation; they just know that things are not normal. This can result in nervous dogs that are too spazzy to walk down the aisle, or an uncooperative kitty.” Likewise, they said, “a cat that isn’t accustomed to walking with a harness and leash will definitely not do great walking down the aisle, and over-preparation and lots of practice will be key.”
They also suggested that a bit of preparation before the big day can ensure all goes to plan. “Get pets really familiar with the venue by walking them many times down the aisle if they’re acting as a flower pup or ring bearer.”
3. Do You Have a Good Pet Handler?
You also have to think about the fact that you and your spouse-to-be can’t watch your dog or cat all night. There are many things that a couple must do on their wedding day like a first look, toasts, and cutting the cake. As such, you’ll need a member of your wedding party that you trust to take on pet sitting duties to ensure your fur baby is well taken care of.
The Hunts recommended someone who can “focus on giving the doggie lots of attention, walks, and stimulation ahead of the ceremony.” After all, they said, “A tired dog is a well-behaved dog!”
How to Incorporate Your Pets into Your Wedding
If you know your pet will be perfectly behaved at an event like a wedding, and your venue is fine with your pet’s participation, here are a few options you might consider for how to incorporate your fur babies into your wedding.
- Make your pet the ring bearer or flower girl, with a special collar or outfit to hold flowers or the rings; just make sure the flowers are non-toxic.
- Have your pet sit with the crowd during the ceremony, but allow them to mingle (while leashed and with a handler!) during the reception or cocktail hour.
- Enlist your pet as a greeter during guest arrivals.
- Have your pet walk you down the aisle. Just ensure they are “calm and non-reactive pets,” according to the Hunts. “If your pet is anxious around loud noises, big groups, etc., they are not a fit for a walk down the aisle.”
- Incorporate your pet into your vows, toasts, or a unity ceremony. “We’ve had clients include their pets as the wedding party, but not carrying rings or flowers,” the Hunts noted. “One of our favorite couples didn’t want constant focus on them, so they had their two dogs walk down the aisle after they did, and join them at the altar. It was highly personal to them, and so very special.”
- Make pets the stars of the wedding photos. “If a couple wants their pets to be a part of their day, but not actually at the wedding, a pet sitter can bring the pets for photos after the ceremony,” the Hunts suggested. “This way, they can still get dressed up and be a part of the memories of the day, but without the stress and anxiety that comes with being around crowds.”
Your Pet’s Checklist for the Big Day
Don’t forget that your pet will need to do their own “planning.” Here are a few things your fur kids and you need to do before the wedding:
Enlist the Pros for Help
As you plan out your pet’s role in your big day, be sure to lean on your wedding planner’s expertise. In fact, as you pick a wedding planner, you might specifically look for any that have worked with pets in the past. This way, they’ll know exactly what you need to do and what to consider for a stress-free event.
Also, if you don’t want to enlist a family member or friend to care for your pet during the event, enlist another professional to help out, such as a pet sitter. Whoever handles your pet, though, be sure you have an exit strategy in mind, just in case things go south.
What if Your Pet Can’t Attend the Wedding?
If you’ve considered all options and decided maybe a wedding isn’t the best place for your pet, here are some other fun ways to include them in your wedding celebration.
- If you still need to get engagement photos done, bring your pet along to the session and display the snapshots at your reception.
- Ask guests to make a donation to a pet-related charity in lieu of gifts (or even put a few fancy gifts for your pet on your wedding registry).
- Incorporate your pet into your décor, through small touches like illustrated signage or menus/bar boards, or cake toppers. The Hunts suggested “cardboard heads to bring to the dance floor, signature drinks named after your furry friends, and sugar cookies decorated to look like your pets.”
- Have a subtle nod to your pet in your attire, such as by wearing socks showing off their cute face or purchasing pocket squares or handkerchiefs embroidered with their name.
Pets at Weddings FAQs
Can You Bring a Pet to a Wedding?
If it’s your wedding and your pet — and as long as the venue is fine with it — yes! However, if it’s not your wedding, then you’ll need to get special permission from the couple.
Who Can Take Care of My Pet at My Wedding?
Some couples may choose a member of the wedding party or family member to take care of their pet during the big day. However, you can also hire a professional pet sitter to take on the task if it’s too much to ask a wedding guest.
Can You Put Pet Items on Your Wedding Registry?
Absolutely! Your wedding registry is for anything that will help you and your spouse (and your fur children) start your lives together on the right note.
What Can a Pet Wear to a Wedding?
It’ll depend on your pet’s tolerance for clothes, but you can pick any type of outfit for them to wear, such as a snazzy tux or dress, or something simpler like a fancy collar, harness, and/or leash.
What Are the Downsides to Bringing Your Pet to a Wedding?
The one downside is that, no matter how well-behaved your pet is, they may still do something unexpected when in large crowds or in hectic settings. The wedding environment can not only stress out your pet, but your pet’s stress could inadvertently stress you out, too. In all cases, it’s best to have an exit plan, just in case.
Pet-Friendly Events Need BriteCo Wedding Insurance
Planning on incorporating your pet into your wedding? A good wedding insurance policy will ensure that any damages are covered, just in case your fur baby decides to gnaw on a table leg or do their business in a most unfortunate place.
BriteCo’s liability coverage for weddings includes pet liability, protecting against injuries or damage caused by a cat or dog.
Get your wedding insurance quote now
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