Including Your Dog on Your Special Day.

You can make your wedding extra special by including your furry friend! Why not give them a fun role, such as ring bearer or flower dog, and allow them to proudly walk down the aisle or even join you for your first dance?

Let’s Explore Some Fun Roles for Your Pooch:

Ring Bearer: Your dog can proudly carry the rings in a charming custom pouch!

Flower Dog: Imagine your pet leading the way down the aisle, joyfully carrying beautiful flowers.

Dog of Honour: Give your pup a special title and have them accompany the bridal party with pride.

Escort: Picture your dog walking down the aisle with you, either strolling alongside or being carried in your arms.

First Dance: Don’t forget to include your dog in the first dance! You can hold them close or let them twirl around you on the dance floor.

Practice and Preparation:

Training: Take some time to train your dog to happily walk on a lead, especially for those 'walking down-the-aisle' moments

Familiarisation: Help your dog get used to cameras and unusual noises, like applause.

Comfort: Ensure your dog feels comfortable in their attire or accessories so that they can look their best!

Handler: Choose a trusted friend or family member to be your dog's handler during the ceremony, ensuring your pet feels safe and loved at all times.

On the Big Day:

Exercise: Make sure your furry friend gets some exercise and does 'toilety' things before the ceremony to help them feel calm and relaxed.

Help at Hand: Ask your handler to always be ready and close by so your dog may have comforting cuddles, tasty treats, and a safe space whenever needed.

Be Prepared for Unforeseen Events: Plan for moments when your dog might feel a bit overwhelmed or need a little break.

Photography: Let your photographer know about your dog's special role in the ceremony so they can make the proper arrangements to capture those crucial moments!

Other Considerations:

Venue Policies: It’s sensible to check if your venue allows pets at both the ceremony and reception so that you can plan accordingly!

Wedding Theme: Think about incorporating your dog's name or image into decorations, like cake toppers or signage, to add a distinctive touch to your big day!

Guest Awareness: Inform your guests about your dog's special role and kindly ask them not to feed or disturb your furry friend during the ceremony.

If it’s Good Enough for the Stars…

Many renowned dog owners embrace "man’s best friend" by including their pets in weddings. Celebrities such as Carrie Underwood and Ellen DeGeneres treated their furry companions like family during their special day.

In 2008, when DeGeneres married actress Portia de Rossi, their rescue pets, Mabel and Wolf, were invited as guests of honour. Two years later, Underwood had her dog, Ace, as the ring bearer at her wedding to Mike Fisher. “He’ll be one of the ring bearers,” Underwood said. "He’s like my kid.” Since the wedding, the singer has recalled how handsome Ace looked in his custom powder-pink tuxedo.

Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas celebrated their wedding in Paris alongside their Alaskan Klee Kai, Porky Basquiat, and in 2003, Adam Sandler and Jackie Titone had Meatball, from Happy Gilmore, as best man and ring bearer.

In Summary:

Involving your pet in your wedding as a ring bearer, flower dog, or during the first dance can be fun, but preparation is key. Train your dog, get it comfortable with the camera, and choose a dependable handler. Exercise your dog beforehand and keep the handler close for support. Be prepared for surprises, notify your photographer about the dog's role, review venue policies, and communicate with guests to ensure a smooth experience. All of these steps will go a long way to ensure your pet impresses your guests and enhances your wedding day. Let’s face it, you’ll be in esteemed company, as stars of stage and screen have also included their dogs in their nuptials!