Chesapeake Charm Photography
Your fur baby is a part of your family and you can’t imagine your wedding day without them. They look adorable with little bows and they’re sure to elicit plenty of “Aww’s” from the crowd. But having a furry friend attend your ceremony takes a bit more planning than couples might anticipate. Whether they’re carrying the rings, flowers, or simply there as a guest of honor, ensuring your pup is well-behaved guarantees everyone has a good time.
Assess Your Pet Before
An adorable dog is sure to be the star of the day. But not every dog is able to handle such an important role. It’s important to know and assess your pet before being set on their involvement in the wedding. Consider your dog’s personality when deciding if they should attend the wedding and which job might suit them best.
If your dog is sociable and well-behaved, it’ll often be easier to have them play a role in the wedding. Unfortunately, not all dogs are up for the task. Some dogs may be anxious around people or overactive and unpredictable. Anxious dogs may also show fear in a new environment. In some cases, they may tremble or pace and others may become reactive. Neither option is great for a lighthearted day or fulfilling their duties.
You may also want to consider the trainability of your dog. If they’re well-trained, listen well, and pick up on commands easily, your pup is probably a good candidate for a role in the wedding. On the other hand, pups still learning some obedience might need a little more guidance. You know your pup the best, so you know if they’ll be a good fit for a wedding role.
Atalie Day Photography
Determine Your Pup’s Role
There are plenty of ways your pup can be part of your big day. Of course, there’s the classic ring bearer or flower pup before you walk down the aisle. They can also be an unofficial best man or maid of honor and stand beside you with the wedding party as you exchange vows. Or, if your pup loves your people, you can have them be the greeter as guests arrive for the ceremony. All of these roles are ideal for sociable, well-trained pups.
Some dogs may be a bit shy or not like being around people, but you still want them to be part of your wedding day. Include them in the aspects where large crowds won’t be around, like getting ready with you or being part of your wedding photos. This way, your dog will be more in their comfort zone—around you and your partner. Plus, they won’t have to be on their very best behavior all day.
Do A Little Training
With an idea of what your pup’s role will be for the big day, it’s time to put in a little training. Your wedding will probably have more people around than your dog is used to, so practicing what they have to do will help the day run a little more smoothly. If they’re going to have a part of the ceremony, make sure you train them on walking down the aisle, who to go to, and where to stop. You might even want to incorporate a command that prompts them to begin their part and have treats ready for a job well done. If your dog isn’t ready for off-leash, make sure they practice on a leash with whoever will be walking them.
You’ll also want to rehearse at the venue beforehand. Since this will be a new location for your pup, being able to sniff, walk, and get familiar with the space in advance will lessen day-of surprises. So, don’t forget to bring your dog to your rehearsal or walkthrough and go over their part a few times.
Photography: Lauren Swann Photography, Sabrina Jolie Photogrpahy, Maddy Williams Photography
Plan Your Pup’s Care
Most important is knowing who will be in charge of your dog for the day. Coordinate with someone who will walk your dog beforehand, handle them during the ceremony, and take them where they need to go after their role is done for the day. Determining where your dog will spend the rest of the night is also of high priority. Are they staying on property or going to board overnight? The answer typically depends on your dog’s needs and your venue and accommodations.
You may opt to designate a friend or family member that can handle their care during the ceremony. However, it may be better to hire a professional service to take care of your pup on the day. This way, a guest can fully enjoy being part of the wedding. Consider services, such as those offered at Dogwood Acres, which features a pet attendant, roundtrip transportation, and discounted lodging services, along with a few add-ons and upgrades. Having a professional take care of your pup the day of the wedding will also take some of the stress off of you, so both you and your dog will be comfortable and enjoy the day.
Photography: Shelby Louise Photography, Sabrina Jolie Photogrpahy, Kate Fine Art Photography
Prepare for the Ceremony
On the big day, your pup needs to prepare just like you. About an hour before the ceremony, let your dog have a walk or allow them to run around. This will help them get out some of their energy, so they’re less likely to have the zoomies in the middle of the ceremony or as guests are arriving. They’ll also get the chance to go to the bathroom; you don’t want any accidents once the day is in full swing. After they’ve had their time outside, your pup can start getting ready for the day. Clean up their paws and get them dressed if they’re wearing special attire.
Always Have a Backup Plan
Despite your best planning, something is always bound to go awry on your wedding day. And with pets, things can be even more unpredictable. Maybe your flower girl, who was supposed to walk with your dog, is a little more nervous than you realized. Maybe all the excitement is a bit overstimulating for your pup. Plan for a backup in case of any last minute unforeseen circumstances. That might mean a different dog wrangler to walk down the aisle or a place to stash them if they start getting too rowdy. Our best laid plans often require a pivot; even if it’s an extra treat to keep the barking at bay.
