We love our dogs, pups, pooches, our beloved hounds. So, of course, we want to make them a part of our special day, and there are several ways to do just that. Here are some lovely ways to include your dog in your wedding day, with a very special role at a civil ceremony and the cutest dog wedding outfits, ideas and accessories.
How to Include your Dog in Your Wedding Day
Rule number one is if your dog doesn’t want to do it, you shouldn’t do it, no matter how cute you think it will look. If there is a rule number two, it is that you will need to find a dog-friendly wedding venue, like the quirky Wellbeing Farm in Lancashire, where – almost – anything goes.
There are a couple of other considerations that are worth mentioning, such as making sure that the person residing over your ceremony, and all of the bridal party, are not allergic to, or actually afraid of dogs – as this could present a problem!
You will also need to make some provision for the care and feeding of your dog for the duration of the day, particularly when you are all busy during the ceremony or wedding breakfast. With those things in mind, here are some ‘dog day afternoon’ ideas…
Ring Bearer Dog
One of the best ways to include your dog in your wedding day is to have them be your ring bearer. This means gently tying a wedding ring box or cushion to your dog’s collar so they can be walked down the aisle to produce the wedding rings when needed – to mass sighs of ‘awwww’ from your guests.
Flowergirl Dog
Another way to include your dog in your wedding day, that does depend on your having big enough flower girls and small enough dogs, is to consider having your flower girls lead your little dogs down the aisle, purely for the cuteness factor. It is important to note that this is only a good idea if the dogs are particularly docile and the children, the dogs and the children’s parents are all fine with it.
Dog Bridal Bouquet
It’s been done before and it will be done again, but if your dog is small enough you could carry them down the aisle in place of a bouquet. It does look very cute! Alternatively, have one of you carry the traditonal floral bridal bouquet and the other carry the dog. Your wedding photos will be wonderful.
Wedding Reading Dog
Your dog can’t stand up and perform a wedding reading or make a speech about how much they love you but they could be responsible for transporting written wedding readings or love poetry to the speaker during the ceremony or the reception.
They could also carry a small wedding sign (if it’s not too heavy), either around their neck or on a jacket, or be involved in your wedding photo booth so everyone can have their photo taken with them if they want to.
Cutest Dog Wedding Outfits
Dressing your dog up for your big day can be as theatrical or as functional as you – and more importantly – your dog would like. For some just a pretty lead is enough but if you want to go all out and dress your dog in a wedding suit or dress, or even a veil, here’s where you can find the best wedding attire.
Dog’s Tuxedo Wedding Suit
We love this stylish black and white doggy tuxedo suit set. Complete with built-in shirt, buttons and bow tie, it’s as smart as it is cute, and comfortable for your pet to wear.
‘Best Pet’ White Bow
The ‘Best Pet’ bow is a less masculine option for male or female dogs and the tiny paw prints make it look even cuter.
Dog’s Morning Suit
For more of a traditional morning suit, this doggy tuxedo comes with not just the shirt, buttons and bow tie but sleeves and coat tails too!
Dog’s Shirt and Braces
Dog’s Wedding Dress
Dog Cake Topper
Having an intricate figurine of your pet sit atop your wedding cake is a lovely way to include them in your day without having them actually at the wedding. These cute pet cake toppers are available in a range of breeds and colours and can be added to bride and groom cake toppers or used on their own.
Labrador dog cake topper available in black and brown
Wedding Photos With Your Dog
Finally, for most guests having your dogs at the wedding can be a wonderful addition to the day. It’s also the most perfect time to have a professional portrait taken of you and your beloved pet.
Find dog-friendly places to include your dog in your wedding day in some of these wedding venues.
