Wedding season is here! Wedding days are a celebration of love, not just between you and your partner, but also with those closest to you, and if you’re a pet parent, that includes your pets! Thankfully, today, there are so many more creative and heartfelt ways to include your pet in your wedding. Whether you are planning to get married, planning your wedding, or know a pet parent getting married, keep reading to find out eight ways to include your pet in your wedding.
1. The Ring Bearer or Flower Pup
The most obvious way to include your pet in your wedding ceremony is to have your dog walk down the aisle as a ring bearer or flower pup. As long as your pup is well-trained and behaved, you can attach a secure ring pillow or floral arrangement to their harness and let them strut their stuff down the aisle! If your pet is a bit shy, you can always have someone familiar walk them down the aisle or assign the role to a trusted member of your wedding party. This will surely capture your guests’ attention and turn some heads!
2. Include Your Pet in Your Wedding Photos
Including your pets in your wedding photos is a must for lasting memories! Whether your pet is physically at the wedding or not, you can still include them in your portraits. If your pets are attending, schedule a photo session before or after the ceremony with your photographer. If they’re staying home, consider using large printed photos of your pet as props in your photo booth or portrait session, or ask your photographer if they can photoshop your pet into your wedding portraits. Having pictures with your pets at your wedding is guaranteed to spark smiles and maybe even a few happy tears.
3. Use Pet Photos as Table Décor
If you’re looking for a unique way to personalize your reception tables, try naming tables after your pet, your pet’s favourite toys or traits, or your pet’s nicknames, and include framed pictures of your pet as part of the centrepiece. Your photos can consist of pictures of your pet’s ages throughout the years or even silly photos. It’s a fun, elegant and memorable way to keep your pets involved if they can’t be there, and your guests will love the personal touch.
4. Have a Signature Cocktail Named After Your Pet
Another unique way to add a personal touch is by having a signature drink named after your pets. Signature drinks are a fun way to showcase your personality as a couple, so including your pet’s name in your cocktail can demonstrate how much your pets mean to you. Names like “Charlie’s Citrus Cooler” or “Lola’s Lavender Lemonade,” accompanied by a custom sign and a pet photo, can be an extra sweet tribute for your special day.
5. Make Your Pet a VIP Greeter
If your pets are permitted at the wedding venue, including your pup as a guest greeter is a lovely touch that makes your wedding more personal. If your dog loves people, then having them greet guests arriving at your ceremony or cocktail hour will add a warm touch to the entire day. A friendly face with a wagging tail will make guests feel instantly welcome. Be sure to assign someone to care for your dog while they greet guests, ensuring they are comfortable and well taken care of throughout the day.
6. Feature Your Pet on Your Cake or as a Cake Topper
A sweet way to include your pet at your wedding is by including them on your wedding cake. Mini replicas of your pet can be added to your wedding cake, or a cake topper of your pet can be created for a cute and subtle nod to them. By placing your pet figurine strategically on the cake, you can showcase your pet’s personality for all your friends and family to enjoy. Whether the figurine is nestled next to the bride and groom or peeking out from the bottom tier, it’s a charming and fun way to include them where it’s least expected.
7. Pet-Inspired Wedding Favours
Treat your guests (and maybe even their pets) to custom favours inspired by your furry friend. Favours like cookies shaped like your pet’s face and dog treats can be great little gifts that show your appreciation for your guests coming to celebrate your big day. It’s one of the sweetest ways (literally) to include your pet in your wedding, even if they can’t attend.
8. Add a Slideshow or Video Cameo
When it’s time for speeches and sentimental moments with family and friends, a great addition to the moment can be a video montage that includes your pet’s milestones alongside your growing relationship as a couple, or your journey together from childhood to this moment. It would certainly bring a smile to the faces of everyone in the room! In addition to showing your slideshow presentation during the reception, you can include photos and memories with your pet on your wedding website or digital guestbook. This is a great way to celebrate your full family story together.
Make Lasting Memories with Your Pet
These are just eight ways to include your pet in your wedding, but there are many ways to include your pet in your wedding. Whether they’re by your side or featured in creative details throughout your day. The most important thing is that it feels right for both you and your pet. With the proper planning and support, you can create a wedding day that honours your whole family and every paw print along the way.
If you need your dogs walked before the ceremony or before the reception, contact Citizen Canine for your dog walking needs. We’ll help spend some of your dogs’ energy before the big moments.
Let your love story shine—furry friends included!
