How to Include Pets in your Wedding, Best Tips and Ideas Ever!

Do you know how to include pets in your wedding? We bring you a ton of fabulous advice and the cutest and most original ideas to have pets in weddings.

Paws down, having pets in your wedding will make for a memorable experience. A new cool trend exploding in popularity among animal lovers. With your furry or feathery friend by your side as you tie the knot, your special day will carry that cuteness in a unique and fun way.

Of course, our pets being family and a huge part of our day-to-day life, it’s only natural to include them in your big day festivities. Check out these ideas and tips on how to include pets in your wedding.

What to Consider Before Including Pets in your Wedding

If you are having pets in your wedding, there are a few things you must consider.

First, what do you envision your pet doing at your wedding?

Are you going full doggo with your wedding plans, or you just need Buddy to look sharp in a tuxedo? An integral part or just a bystander? Will your cat pose for a styled photoshoot or will you have your beloved horse wear a flower crown? Of course, if your wedding venue does not allow pets, Bella may have to miss out on being the ring bearer.

Grooming!

You want your pal to look her best. Because all dogs are beautiful right? But if you combine them with a fresh ‘do and some pretty florals or bows, you’ve reached a whole new level of cuteness!

Professional groomer Julie Cohen of Atlanta, recommends at least one grooming session before the wedding and another one the day of.

Some breeds, like Schnauzers, Bichon Frise or Poodles should get started on a grooming schedule at least six weeks before the wedding.

Know your pets’ temperament

It would help you in deciding the role you’d would want them to play come the big day. Can your pet endure hordes of strangers and loud music? Does Missy like being around people, or does she growl or hiss at strangers? Does Charlie get restless after a while of being petted?

If your pet is the latter, set aside a specific area for your dog—visible but not touchable by loving, petting guests. You may also restrict your pet’s appearance to a specific moment or to a casual or styled photoshoot.

Have a petsitter around

Or someone the pet is comfortable with. You can’t always say with pets; a stray squirrel or mouse may have them dashing off for the exits. Having a stand-by pet whisperer will help keep things under control while you are busy saying your vows.

The petsitter will also be in charge of feeding and walking your pet besides making sure she doesn’t dive into any chocolate!

Give folks a heads up about the presence of pets in your wedding.

Allergies are a troubling thing, so precautions must be taken. You wouldn’t want allergic guests feeling miserable or looking all sniffly on the photos!

Let your wedding photographer know.

He may bring along a pet photographer to capture your pet in action!

Care for your four-legged friends’ safety too

Identify potential outfit hazards before the nuptials. Groom and prepare your dog for that big day. Don’t let him run around the yard. You wouldn’t want a muddy mutt bearing the ring! Have them cleaned and, if you’ve so chosen, properly dressed for the occasion.

8 Adorable Ways to Include Pets in your Wedding

Can’t imagine your big day without your best friend? Let’s face it – incorporating your dog in your wedding will make the happiest day of your life even happier. So here are a few adorable ways to include pets in your wedding.

1If you are going to dress and accessorize your pets, let it be comfortable and harm-free for the pet. Choose a color that doesn’t just contrast against the fur color – white on a Bichon would get lost – but also matches the wedding theme. If your pet would shake off that beautiful hat or remove the bandana, fur painting could be an original option.

2It might sound cliché, but nothing draws more gasps of admiration from guests like a trained dog walking down the aisle as the ring bearer or flower girl. With nail polish on your quadruple’s pedicure, to tiaras on her head, your pet will look outstanding as it paws through your special day.

3Let’s not forget the possible delights of silky veils, bowties, lace, and taffeta! Moreover, if your pet isn’t the “flower carrying” type, get collars of floral blossoms and greenery to serve the same purpose.

4If you know your best friend would prefer to stay at home, have him accompany you by having your pet’s photo on napkins, portraits, or even table number cards.

5A canine theme may require that you delight guests with doggie-themed wedding favors. From creative party favors to pet-themed decor, having pets in your wedding is an awesome way of cementing your affection for your furry or feathery companions.

6Do a snazzy photo shoot with your pets, and engrave the occasion forever with creatively styled pictures. Prepare your photographer to capture the best moments with both planned and freestyle shots with framily and pets.

7The outdoors are perfect when having pets in your wedding reception — as they can run and romp in the surroundings. Remember that the best moments are usually unplanned.

8Other more uncommon pets, like bunnies, tea-cup pigs and horses can be made part of your celebration too! Add them to your save-the-date photo or spiff them up with wreaths, crowns and glorious bows.

More Ideas for Pets in Weddings: Check out this Gallery!

Let these pictures inspire you with the cutest ideas to have pets in your wedding celebration! Now, check out these original and stylish wedding ideas for your big day. 🙂

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Photo Credits: Julie Cohen Atlanta, TwoGoneCoastal, onewed, the Knot, Colin Cowie Weddings, Petra, Bridal Guide Magazine, fabyoubliss, Hi Miss Puff, pawnation, Elizabeth Anne Designs