How to Incorporate Your Dog into Your Wedding Day!

I’m a dog lover (if you couldn’t tell by the weekly photos of my pup!) and so I get SO excited when my KAP Couples tell me that they want to incorporate their dog into their wedding day! It makes so much sense, right? You invite all of the people you love the most to celebrate your wedding day – why shouldn’t your best furry friend be there as well? Many times, dogs are considered “family members” just as much (or sometimes even more) than some human family members! Nothing against extended family, dogs are simply beloved members of the house! We all know those people who are absolutely bonkers over their dogs, right? So, why not bring them along to fill the role of “best dog”?

So, let’s talk this through: I completely understand that depending on your venue & what you have planned for your big day, bringing your pup along may simply not be in the cards. For example: if you are planning an exquisite, high-class, black-tie affair, your dog may not fit in to the atmosphere. Outdoor ceremonies & receptions tend to be much more dog friendly! So, your vision and the plans you’ve made for your wedding day may automatically dictate whether or not your dog can attend.

If you are considering the possibility of bringing your dog along to your wedding, I have some tips & suggestions for you!

1. Bring your dog to your engagement session!

A great way to “introduce” your dog to the formality of a wedding would be to bring him along to your engagement session! Engagement photos are a great “test” to see how your pup will do in an atmosphere outside of your home & backyard. Personally, I love when a couple brings their dog along for their engagement photos! There is no better “prop” than the 3rd member of your family! You can then gauge how your dog will behave in a strange place, with strange sounds & smells, with other people around, and is a good test to see how well he truly listens!

2. Check with your venues

You may assume that you don’t need to check with your ceremony & reception venues because, well maybe they’re outside! They wouldn’t have a problem with your dog attending, right? Imagine with me that you take that approach and you arrive on your wedding day: everything is going smoothly & on time, and then the manager of the venue notices your dog. He has to pull you aside & explain that dogs are not permitted on the premises & suddenly you are in a super awkward position. Now, someone needs to take the dog home, you’re embarrassed & frustrated from the confrontation, and suddenly your lovely day is tainted by the encounter. No matter what – you need to check with your venues to be sure that it is all good for you to bring your dog along!

3. Delegate someone to be in charge

I hate to break it to you, but you will not be able to be in charge of your dog on the wedding day. As obedient as your dog is, he will need to be on a leash at some points during the day, and you need someone to hold that leash. In a fantasy world, you may see yourself or your fiance holding that leash – but I promise – having a good, responsible friend who can keep an eye on your pup will be the best decision! You need someone who can keep him entertained, rewarded for his good behavior with treats, and inevitably: clean up after him!

4. Give your dog special treatment with a special grooming

You are getting ready for your wedding day with special prep, right? Manicures, pedicures, spa days, a hot shave (for the gentleman), hair & makeup – you want to look your best! Your pup should look his best too! Treat him to a special day at the groomers to have his nail clipped, his ears cleaned out, and a wonderful bath so he’s smelling his best! Then, you just have to keep him out of the mud puddles until your wedding day rolls around!

5. Don’t forget their details!

Just like everyone else in the wedding party has special attire, so should your dog! A bowtie in the wedding color is especially handsome, but there are so many other options! Scarves, bows, vests, “doggie” cufflinks, a matching collar & leash are all great options! Don’t forget that your pup should be dressed in his finest – it isn’t just the biggest day of your life – but it is a pretty big day in his life as well!

Bottom line: if you really want your dog to attend your wedding – make it happen! It will add lovely photographs to your album and make you happier! Yes! It will! A little known fact: but if you love your dog so much that you’re considering having him attend your wedding, him being there will make you so much happier because your day will feel complete! Otherwise, you’ll miss him all day & wish you had made the arrangements to have him there. Do yourself a favor & make it happen!