Dogs At Weddings- How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding Day

How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding Day

Dogs at weddings. Yes, I said it. DOGS. AT WEDDINGS. I mean could there be a more joyous phrase? Dogs are such a massive part of our lives. Daisy, my lovely (bonkers) Sprollie, is my little shadow, and it feels very odd if she’s not there… so its no wonder we want them to be a part of our wedding day!

There are loads of ways that you can involve your pooch in your big day… doggy ring bearers, walking you down the aisle all dressed in their finest collar or just starring in your snaps- there are all kinds of ways to get them involved. But there’s all sorts of practicalities to think about too. So think of this as your how-to guide to creating a wedding day, which your Very Good Doggo will love. (Plus, in these crazy times we live in at the moment, it’s just really good excuse to look at lots of very cute pictures of dogs. You’re welcome.) 

1) Choose a dog friendly venue

An obvious one, but a biggy. If you want to involve your four-legged friends, make sure your venue allows it. It’s also a great idea to have lots of open space they can run around in, and a quiet area they can go off to and chill out. If having your dog at your wedding is high on your priority list, it’s worth considering outdoor venues such as farms, barns or marquee/tipi venues so your doggo feels super comfy.

2) Include your doggo in a way that suits them

There are soooo many fun ways you can include your pet at your wedding. They could help out your ushers and guide people to their seat. Perhaps you’d like them as your ring bearer or flower girl? Walk down the aisle with a bridesmaid (or the bride come to that!)? Or maybe you just want them to be there to celebrate with you and get lots of pats and cuddles from your lovely guests.

Whatever job you choose for your Good Boy or Good Girl, it’s a good idea to do a bit of training with them first. Practice retrieving the ring box, or wearing their outfit. Get them used to busy and potentially noisy situations. Visit your wedding venue with them to help them feel comfortable. Whatever helps them have their best day too!

3) Make it a pooch party!

If you’re both super dog bonkers like me, and your dog is comfortable around other dogs, why not invite your friends Very Good Boys and Girls too? Make a doggy party of it! You could even host a dog wedding ceremony too… sorry I’m thinking out loud now. Ignore me, I’m insane. But also, please do it

4) Think about having Doggy Day Care

Do you have a friend, guest, dog walker, or a pet-care centre that knows your pooch well? Think about asking them to look after your dog on the day! Some wonderful doggy professionals offer a service to keep your doggy friends entertained and looked after on your wedding day too- definitely worth it to make sure your furbaby has everything they need.

5) Have a Doggy Plan B…

Obviously, dogs are adorable. But they can also be temperamental too! Our Daisy is a little beaut, but she’s also a nervy little thing, and can be a bit skittish in crowds. She also, for some odd reason, hates pugs!

Pooches temperaments and personalities can vary massively, and these are the kinds of things that need thinking about before just plonking a nervous dog in the middle of a crowded wedding and expecting them to behave.

As much as you’d love them to be there, if they’re nervy it might be worth considering other options.  

Could you include them in your engagement shoot instead? Or even have them feature in your day in other ways… Cake topper? Somewhere in your decor?

Couple kiss their dog in a bow tie in front of a vintage VW camper van at their wedding in the Wirral. Rachel Burt Photography

6) Plan a Dog-Friendly Honeymoon or Mini-moon!

Whether or not your furry friends can be a part of the wedding itself, you can always celebrate with them afterwards.

Planning a cosy getaway for you and the dogs in a lovely dog friendly cottage, somewhere beautiful is a great way to chill out and recover after the big day.

The Lakes, Wales, Scotland, or Cornwall are all great spots with lots of dog friendly holiday homes, pubs and places to visit. Bliss! 

7) Choose a dog-friendly photographer

I love dogs. I love dogs far more than I love people, in fact. If you have any animals at your wedding I can guarantee I’ll get a bit over excited and take far too many photos of them, but if there’s dogs there? Well I can’t guarantee there’ll actually be any photos of anything else! I jest of course, but you get the idea.

If you’re planning a doggy friendly wedding and want a fun, relaxed photographer there to capture all the doggo action, I will be there with bells on! I absolutely love dogs at weddings and can help you plan a day that your pets will love just as much as you and your guests. Check out my portfolio and blog, or shoot over to my contact page to send me a message!

Are you looking for a fun, colourful photographer to help you get AWESOME confetti shots?

Well hey there!! My quirky, creative and fun photography style might just be what you’re looking for. I’d love nothing more than to hear all about your wedding plans, so go ahead and get in touch!

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