Want your best friend by your side as you say I Do? Pets at weddings are increasing in popularity as couples find new, less tradition, wedding venues.
Dogs, cats, horses or even sheep, birds and lamas. Whatever your pet, they are an important part of your family. And we get that you want them to experience all the loved up feels with you both on your big day.
How to involve your pet on your wedding day
There are loads of ways you can involve your furry friend on your big day. They can play a starring role as a ring bearer, be a pet of honour or simply appear as part of your post ceremony photos.
Whilst your best friend may behave like an angel at home, a wedding day can be a bit of a daunting place. There’s unfamiliar faces, smells and sounds for your best friend to deal with. That can be overwhelming. To ensure your pet enjoys your wedding as much as you do, think through the logistics of the day and how you can make them feel most at home.
The Hey Lovers Top Tips for Pets at weddings
Check your wedding venue is pet friendly
Before you sign that venue contract, make sure the venue allows pets on site. Some will welcome your furry friend with a bowl of water and a pat. Others won’t.
Find a carer
Believe us when we say that you will have your hands full on your wedding day. So it makes sense to assign someone to be responsible for you pet before, during and after your wedding ceremony.
If you don’t feel comfortable asking a friend or family member, consider a professional pet minding service. Yes there are companies that specialise in pet concierge services at weddings!
Have a back up plan
Nothing will make you sadder than seeing your pet distressed at your wedding. In the unlikely event that they are unsettled, decide before the day, what your back up plan is if your pet gets stage fright.
Guest consideration
The day is most certainly all about you and your lover. But if any of your guests suffer from pet hair allergies, you could be creating a very uncomfortable situation for them. Check your guest list and make sure no one has allergies. Plan accordingly.
Say cheese
Want your pet involved in photos? Plan ahead of time how they will make their way from your wedding ceremony to your photo shoot location(s). It’s unlikely that it’s going to be a great idea for your furry friend to travel in the car with you and your lover.
Dogs at weddings
Dogs at weddings are adorable. And they are the most common pet to make an appearance. Make sure you bring along a lead for your best friend just in case things go a little pear shaped. Ensuring there is a water bowl for them to sip from is also super important.
Assign this task to someone else. You don’t want to be chasing down a bowl and tap just before you say I DO.
Extra tips for dogs at weddings
Carer instructions
Whoever is going to look after your dog for your wedding ceremony should take your fur baby for a quick walk before the ceremony itself, allowing a little playtime. This also gives your dog an opportunity to take a toilet break before the big moment.
Food and familiar toys
It can be super helpful to pack your fur babies favourite toys and a little food to lower the level of anxiety they might experience
Visit your wedding venue ahead of time
If it is at all possible, try to head to the venue before your big day. That way your dog can get more familiar with the venue before your wedding and is likely to be more settled on the day
Want to honour your pet in some other way?
If having your cat, dog, horse or any other pet becomes tricky, there are other ways you can honour them.
Here are some creative ways to connect with your pet on your wedding day. Name a cocktail after them. Include an image of them on your guest favours. Consider gifting pet cookies to your guests that they can give to their own furry friends. Alternatively, add a replica of your pet as a wedding cake topper.
Keen to include your pet on your wedding day and need more hints, printables and ideas?
Download our free Pets at Weddings printables that will help you plan a wedding with your pet. We’ve even created an easy to follow guide outlining the best questions to ask a professional wedding pet sitter to make sure they are qualified to look after your pet on your wedding day.
