Love is even better with a wagging tail.

How Does Your Dog Feel?

But there are a few things you need to think about first, all in your dog’s best interests, of course.

What kind of personality does your dog have? Will they get stressed out in big crowds?

Do they like to speak? By that, I mean will they bark at strangers or loud noises such as the band.

Will any of your guests be allergic to your dog?

If any of these give you cause for concern, then perhaps reconsider having your pet with you on the day. 

And if there are causes for concern, that doesn’t mean you can’t have them with you for at least part of the day. 

Ways You Can Include Your Pet In Your Ceremony

Are they attending as a guest only on the day?

If he’s attending as a guest, make sure he’s with someone he knows, somebody who knows how to keep him calm.

Let them spend some time together before the wedding and build a relationship between them if necessary.

Make sure your go-to person can read your dog’s body language; they need to know if the dog needs some time out if he’s stressing out about anything.

But if you think they can’t be there the whole day what about :-

Having them there only for the wedding photos

Have them with you as you get ready; petting your dog is an excellent way to relieve stress, so if you’re going to get anxious, it might be nice to have your dog with you to calm those nerves.

And if you’re having a wedding cake, you could have a cake topper made as your dog, so he’s with you in spirit at least.

Could you take them along for the essential bits and arrange some care for them after that?

Things To Consider

Is Your Venue Pet Friendly?

Whilst I have no problem including your pet in the ceremony, have you checked with your venue first that it’s pet friendly?

Will they let you have your pet there all day, for instance, or even just for the ceremony?

If you have to leave your pet in your room for a period to chill out, will they be okay with that?

Morning Walkies

On the day, make sure he’s had an opportunity to get rid of some of his energy with a nice long walk. 

 Keep them on a lead though; if you are somewhere new, you don’t want them to get lost.

  It doesn’t have to be you that does the walking, although that can help to calm your nerves. 

 What about booking a dog walker for the morning? 

 They will know where to take him, so he gets enough exercise without getting muddy or lost. Or book one of your local dog fields, so he can run as much as he wants with no chance of getting out.

Looking Swell

Like the rest of us, we all want to look and smell the best we can on a wedding day.

The same goes for your fur babies. 

Why not book them into a grooming parlour the day before the ceremony so he’s smelling lovely and fresh, with no tangles in his hair.

Dressed For The Occasion

Not every dog likes to get dressed up, and you’ll know your dog best.

Does he like to wear a hoodie, for instance?

You could get them a wedding hoodie or an outfit to match the groom if he does.

 If they don’t like wearing a hoodie, would they wear a Bow tie or a floral crown, maybe?

 If push comes to shove, you could settle for ribbons on his collar or even a bandana to match your colour scheme, which would be okay.

Whatever your dog is comfortable with is good for us.

Doggy Needs

Dogs tend to get overheated when they get excited, and they’re gonna be excited for a wee while at the start of your cerermony. 

 All those new faces to lick is a thirsty job, you know.

 Ensure you have a bowl of water placed somewhere that he has access to when needed. 

 Like, little children, dogs may need some timeout during the day.

 Is he crate trained? 

 Is there an area where you can put his crate so he can take himself off when he needs a bit of space to relax? 

 Is there somewhere cool that he can sit if the wedding is outside and it’s a hot day, or cover if it’s raining?

Wedding Photos

It might sound like a silly question but does your photographer like dogs?

Will they be happy to include your dog in your photos to?

Have you been flicking through Pinterest and found some lovely wedding photos that you might like with your dog?

Make sure you show them to your photographer too.

Practice Makes Perfect

Once we have worked out what part your dog can play in the ceremony, you might need to practice with them before the day.

 If your dog is anything like mine, he’ll be wanting to say hello to everyone in their seats.

So, find a way to keep him glued to you till you get to the alter, but don’t stress out about it if he’s not perfect on the day.

Everyone will love to see him there, and I don’t mind if we have to wait for him.

 My pockets are always full of doggy treats and poo bags!

So yes, your pet is allowed at your wedding ceremony.

But, as much as you want to include your pet in the ceremony, please always think about their needs first;

Will they be happy being amongst all those people all day? 

Will they cope with the littlies around them all day?

If not, then perhaps they shouldn’t be going to the wedding no matter how much you’ll miss them.

You know your pet best, so if you decide he’s going to be fine at the ceremony, I’m good with that.

We can discuss all the options you have to include your pet iat our meetings

Perhaps you have a way you want to include them that I’ve not mentioned above. I’d love to hear them if you have.