You’ve already picked out a dress, chosen a venue, and finalized the menu. But have you thought about incorporating your pet into your wedding?
The recent surge of pet-friendly weddings has given couples more opportunities to include their furry friends on their big day. After all, they are a precious part of the family and deserve to be part of the celebration! Fortunately, there are lots of fun and creative ways to ensure your pet has a purr-fectly paw-some time as they join you in saying your “I do’s”!
Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
Have Them Serve as Ring Bearer or Flower Girl
Some couples opt for their doggo to be a ring bearer – an adorable addition that will bring out plenty of “awws” from guests! Some furry friends are happy to carry a small pillow with rings attached, while others may be more comfortable wearing a specially-made collar or neckerchief with the rings tucked into it.
Alternatively, you could simply have them join you as part of your entourage when walking down the aisle. Your kitty could be your flower girl, with a cool cat collar adorned with flowers or even a basket of petals they can carry. Just imagine how cute they’d look, showing off their flower power!
Incorporate Them Into Your Pre-Wedding Shoot
Before walking down the aisle, why not have your pet join you for a pre-wedding photoshoot? If it’s in a venue outside of your home, do an advance visit with your pet and the photographer to ensure your pet is comfortable in the new environment.
You could have them sit beside you, give you a smooch for the camera, or even bring some of their favorite toys or props. This way, you’ll be able to capture lasting memories with your furry best friend on one of the most special days of your life.
Set Up a Pet-Friendly Photo Booth
Since you have already done the pre-wedding shoot, why not go all out and set up a pet-friendly photo booth during the actual reception? You can set it up with a lovely backdrop and props, like hats or bandanas – whatever your pet is willing to try.
You could also provide guests with dress-up options for their pets, such as flower crowns or bow ties. This adds extra fun and lets them get creative in the photos!
Add Pet Accents to Your Decorations
Incorporating your pet’s favorite colors or toys into your decorations can be a fantastic way to make them part of your most-awaited day. A few pet-inspired touches like pawsome centerpieces, paw print confetti, or even mini tuxedo and bridal gowns for your furry friend’s stuffed animal can be a cute nod to them in your décor!
Let Them Be Part of Your Vows
The wedding vows are an incredibly significant part of the ceremony, so why not make them extra unique and memorable by incorporating your pet? You might start off your vows by saying something like “I, (name), take you, (name), to be my partner, and I vow to love our little Fido too.”
Or, if you’ve got multiple pets in the family, you could promise to love them equally and always be there for all of them. This heartfelt gesture can make your vows more meaningful and show how much you cherish your furry family members.
Include Them in Your First Dance
The first dance is a romantic moment between you and your partner – but what’s stopping you from including your pet in this tradition? You can have them come to the dance floor and join you during the song – they don’t need to be trained or know how to waltz! Just spin around with them in your arms or pick them up for a twirl, and it’s sure to be an unforgettable memory.
Have Them Participate in the Reception
If your pet is well-behaved and loves people, consider letting them help with some reception activities. For instance, you can have them join in handing out seating cards or lend a paw in greeting guests as they arrive. Or, if they can be trusted around food and drinks, your cutie pie could even be part of the cake-cutting ceremony! Just be sure to always have a designated handler beside them, so they don’t get overwhelmed.
Here are a few things to take note of…
No matter how excited you are to include your pet in your wedding, make sure that their safety and comfort come first. From giving them regular breaks throughout the day to ensuring they get plenty of water and snacks, you must keep their well-being in mind every step of the way.
In addition, be sure to ask your venue if they are pet-friendly, as not all places may be willing to allow animals. You can also do a quick check of the area to ensure there aren’t any potential hazards or other animals that could cause your pet any distress.
Of course, it’s best to inform your guests in advance that a pet will be present, so they can make preparations of their own. This also sets everyone’s expectations and helps minimize potential stress or anxiety for your fur baby.
Wrapping Up
Your furry best friend has been there for you through thick and thin, providing unconditional love and occasional comic relief. As you turn over a new chapter in your life, don’t forget to give them a chance to be an important part of your big day.
Now go ahead and make all your pet-friendly wedding dreams come true! Have fun and happy planning.
Which of these pup-ular ideas do you think would be best for your own wedding? Let us know in the comments section!
Contributing Author: Sophia Young recently quit a non-writing job to finally be able to tell stories and paint the world through her words. She loves talking about fashion and weddings and travel, but she can totally go from fashion guru to your friendly neighborhood cat lady with mean budgeting skills and home tips real quick.