Involving your pet in your wedding day

Following our first post on Pets at Weddings, we wanted to follow up with some more specific ways to incorporate your pet on your wedding day.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a Pet of Honour! Couples often do this in one of two ways. The first way is for someone in their wedding party to walk their pet (usually a dog) down the aisle with a ring tied to a ribbon around their neck. I’ve also seen pet sitters mind the couple’s pet at the back of the ceremony space until it’s time to exchange rings which the Pet of Honour brings to the ceremony space for just that moment

You might own an unusual pet or one that is not capable of walking themselves down the aisle. Think rabbits, turtles and cats. Again, someone from your wedding party, a close friend of a family member might walk to their seat holding your pet in their arms. They might then join you at the front of the ceremony space or sit in a pen, container, hutch or similar for the duration of your ceremony. 

This simple yet effective idea ensures your pet is remembered, even if they can’t be there in person. Simply name the cocktail after your pet. It doesn’t have to be too fancy. It doesn’t even need to be a new cocktail. If you have a favourite cocktail, just change the name of it to honour your pet.

Etsy and stationers galore create all sorts of magnificent pet related cocktail menus. Check some of them out here.  

Creating a caricature or image of your pet that you have on your wedding stationery can be adorable. It might just be a small image in the corner of your menu or at the bottom of your cards and well wishes sign next to your Wishing Well. Or it could be a huge image of their face on your Guest Seating Chart. Whatever floats your boat, there will be a way to incorporate your loved pet on your wedding stationery or website.  

OK. This is a super cute one. When your guests leave the dancefloor and head for home, they can take a little gift from your pet. Whether it’s some dog treats for their own fur babies or simply a jar of jam that your pet loves on their toast, this is an awesome way to pay tribute to the pet (or pets) in your lives.

A lot of couples opt to have photos with their pets at home on their wedding day. Why? Because it’s the easiest way to have them involved without working out how to get them to your wedding ceremony or reception location. Dress them up, put flowers around their necks or simply enjoy them as they are. Wedding preparation photos with your pets are beyond gorgeous. And even better. Your adored pet gets to spend the time with you in their home environment where they are super comfortable. 

This is becoming more common. I’ve worked with pet sitters who specialize in weddings (yes, it’s a real thing!), and they’re fantastic. Their key concern is the comfort of the pet and so they go out of their way to read pet signals. This includes making sure they are comfortable around your guests, that they have time to acclimatise to this new environment which is filled with new noises, smells and people.

The pet sitter then makes sure your pet is as ready as you are for big moments such as delivering you your rings, sitting proudly in photographs or simply greeting guests as they arrive at your wedding ceremony or reception.

Of course you will need to make sure that the venue allows pets and also be mindful of your guests. If some guests have debilitating allergies to pet hair or fur, having your pet at the ceremony might not be ideal..

Another beautiful way to honour your pet is to have a mini figurine of them on your cake or dessert table. These look super cute on the cake itself. If you’ve got your own figurines on top, why not have one of your pet right there next to the two of you – just like in real life.

Given many of your family and friends may know about your love for your pet, there is absolutely nothing wrong with mentioning them in your speech. This lets loved ones know exactly how much they mean to the two of you and if you’ve got a videographer, those words will be with you for life.

“I promise to feed Primrose and get up at 5am when she scratches at the door”. Whether you are the one who sacrifices the most for your pet, or your partner is actually the big softie, incorporate a promise or two in your personal vows or have your celebrant talk about them when they are telling family and friends your love story.

If you’re pet is particularly great with people, has a super calm disposition and loves a pat, why not think about having them as your personal guest greeter at your reception. This is only suggested for the best behaved pets in the world and of course, you’ll need to check in with your venue first.

Nope. Large cardboard cut outs aren’t just reserved for mega stars peeps. Having a replica of your pet sit at your reception table, join you on the d-floor or be included in your photo booth might not be as crazy as it sounds if you adore your pet beyond belief.

If the commotion and emotion of a whole lotta family and friends is going to be too much for you or your pet to join you earlier in the day, consider having them join the two of you when you are having some night shots with your photographer and videographer.

Have a pet sitter bring them along for these quieter moments when there is just the three of you and capture some loved up pet shots under the stars. Night shots are usually a super quick affair (cos you want to get back in to be with your guests), so this would be a super quick hello with your pet but at least it means they play a part in your dream day.

There’s no shortage of ways you can incorporate your pet into your wedding day attire. Cotton stitched outline of them on a veil, image of them on your socks, a photo of them in a jacket pocket or transfer pressed onto a handkerchief. The options are endless. Make sure your photographer and videographer capture these details so your pet is part of your wedding day memories forever.

Photobooths encourage laughs and frivolity. Why not include your pet’s face on a stick (yep, I just said that) so that your family and friends can take photos in the booth with your pet front and centre.

Sometimes it’s just not possible to involve your pet on the day itself. Consider having them come to one of the events in the week of your wedding. Maybe they can come with you to your wedding rehearsal or even your wedding recovery event. Again, make sure they are going to be chill about it – the wedding is all about the two of you and you don’t want to be distracted by a poorly behaving pet.

This is a subtle idea but a goody. Rest some pens against a small figurine of your pet next to your signing book. It’s a personal touch that reminds everyone how much your pet means to you.

Don’t go with an amateur cookie maker for this one. Instead choose someone from socials (Insta is always great to hunt down talented cookie makers) that has created pet cookies before. Your family and friends will make all sorts of gushy noises when they see these gorgeous pieces of edible art showcasing your pet.

Lean a figurine of your pet against your bar menu, place them on or next to your Wishing Well or have them peak out from flowers on your gifts and cards table. This is a great option for couples looking for a more subtle acknowledgement of their much loved pet. 

This is a real cutie. Don’t take my word for it – have a look at this, and this and this. Enough said.

Spice up your Seating Chart a little and name your guest tables after pet breeds you love and adore. Or even after their favourite parks to visit. This is another creative way of incorporating a little of your personalities into your wedding day.

Having a pet involved in your wedding day is cute, looks great in photos and guests love it. We hope these ideas might inspire you to