For many engaged couples, their dog is a part of their everyday life. They can’t imagine not including their furry friend in something as big as their wedding day! Having four dogs myself, I am a huge fan of dogs in weddings, and I seem to keep finding the couples that want to include their pets in weddings, engagement photos, or other events. If you’re considering having your pet at your wedding but aren’t sure how, this guide will cover how to include your dog in your wedding and what you’ll need to consider first.
Ensure your dog will be allowed at your wedding
Check the venue rules thoroughly. Some wedding venues are dog friendly entirely, some have limitations to where pets can go or how they can be handled on the property, and others restrict pets altogether. Before you book a venue, you want a good understanding of their pet policy. Each property will be a little different.
Have wedding insurance.
Even the best behaved dogs can have accidents. Mistakes happen. You want to make sure your wedding insurance covers any accidental damage that may occur. Most venues these days require wedding insurance, so it shouldn’t be an additional cost for you. Just double check the coverage includes your pet!
Keeping your dog comfortable at your wedding
Bring things to make them feel at home. Dogs often get nervous in new places, so you can want them to have a few of their own toys or favorite things that smell like home. If possible, give them their own space to lie down. There’s going to be a lot of noise and new people, so a safe space to retreat to will help if your dog gets anxious.
Don’t require them to be Part of your Wedding all day Long
You will probably be on site for your wedding day 9-14 hours, depending on where hair and makeup is taking place. It’s a long day! Especially long for a dog in a new place with lots of new sounds, smells, and people. See if someone can bring your dog to the venue only for the time they are needed, and a little beforehand. If they’re in the ceremony, consider having them come just 1 to 2 hours beforehand for portraits.
If possible, visit your wedding venue beforehand
If your venue allows pets on property, try bringing your dog to your final walkthrough, rehearsal, or other event to get them familiar with the space. This way, there’s less adjustment on the day of the wedding.
Have a dedicated pet attendant
Assign them a handler. Better yet, someone they’re familiar with. You don’t want to be the person responsible for keeping up with your dog all day, no matter how well behaved they are. When they need to use the bathroom or get a drink, you won’t want to stop what you’re doing to help. It’s your wedding day after all! Assign someone to look after your pet during your wedding. This could be someone you know who isn’t in the wedding party, a service provider like a wedding coordinator (if they offer this add-on service or have enough staff), or a hired pet sitter. Some larger cities have companies that offer wedding pet attendants specifically, while in more rural areas you may need to search service sites like Rover to find a pet sitter.
If dressing them up, have them practice first.
Many people have cute bandanas, floral crowns and leashes, tuxedo collars, and other wedding attire for their dogs. Make sure to practice wearing these items at home so you know how they’ll react to the new items. Never take your dogs ID tags and vaccine records off. They make not go with the look, but if your pet gets off their leash or bolts, you’ll want them to have tags on!
Keep their tags on.
Other top tips for including your dog in your wedding day
Be careful around your dress or wedding attire!
Dogs and Lacey white dresses typically don’t mix. Dirty paw prints, snagged lace or beading, tripping over the train… you get the picture. Make sure not to have them hanging around you long after you’re dressed unless they’re supervised. They’re going to be so excited to hang out with you, and they don’t understand a wedding dress is more delicate than what you normally wear.
Bathe and groom your dog before the wedding
Don’t forget grooming! Nails too! Keep their nails short in preparation for the wedding day to avoid any snagged attire or fabrics. If your dog requires grooming, remember to get them groomed about a week before the wedding.
Be okay with things not going as planned.
If you wanted your dog to stand up in the ceremony with you and they’re not feeling it, you can’t force it. I tell people the same thing about toddlers and little ones in weddings. You can only control so much, so set those expectations for yourself ahead of time.
Be careful giving your dog critical roles in the ceremony
Don’t give them the actual rings, unless it’s RIGHT before the actual exchange. Again, the best behaved dogs still do unexpected things when put in new and unusual settings. Don’t leave anything to chance!
Other ways to honor your pets on your wedding day
Not able to have your dog with you on your wedding day? Here are some other great ways to honor any pet at your wedding!
- Have a signature drink in their honor
- Include them in invitations and artwork
- Save a seat for them with cute signage
- Dedicate a toast to your pet
- Save a dance for them
- Send take home bags/treats with your guests for their pets
I hope you found this helpful and feel more confident now including your pets in your wedding! We love dogs in weddings. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly Virginia wedding photographer, inquire about your wedding today!
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Jo Mahaney is a professional photographer of PhotographyByJo.net based in Staunton, Virginia, specializing in wedding photography. With over eight years of experience, Jo is dedicated to creating effortless, joyful imagery that authentically captures the essence of each couple’s unique love story. She is known for her ability to create meaningful galleries filled with emotion and personal narratives. Jo is not just a photographer; she is an active supporter of her clients, providing resources and guidance to ensure a stress-free experience. From the initial inquiry call to the wedding day, Jo is transparent, open, and ready to get to know her clients to provide the best service possible. Her commitment to her craft and her clients is evident in the glowing testimonials she has received. Jo’s work extends beyond Staunton, covering areas such as Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Lexington, Roanoke, and Richmond. She has also had the privilege of photographing weddings in various locations, including the Outerbanks, DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, North and South Carolina, and even Spain.
