7 Ways Include Your Pets in Your Special Day

Your wedding day is about celebrating your love with all of the people (and pets!) that have loyally stood by your side for so long. When your pet is such a large part of your life, why not incorporate them into your big day? Bringing your furry friend along adds a beautiful, personalized touch that makes your wedding even more unforgettable. Whether you have a dog, cat, horse, or any other animal, let’s explore 7 fun and creative ways to help you include them in your celebration!

The first and most important thing to consider is how comfortable your pet would be attending the wedding. Are they uncomfortable around large crowds? Will they make noise during the ceremony? Does your venue permit animals? The answers to these questions might recommend personalizing items with your pet’s image instead. They can still be included in the fun, while making sure they’re comfortable and safe!

  1. Pet Cocktails: Signature cocktails can be the highlight of a wedding reception. Include your pets by naming a drink after them or getting custom stir sticks for everyone’s beverages!

  2. Custom Clothing: Wanting your pet to be involved in your wedding ceremony but not feeling 100% with the unpredictableness of having them there physically is completely normal. Many grooms buy patterned socks with their pet's face on them! Or you could try customizing a pocket square for the groom with your pet’s image on it, so they can stay close to your heart on the big day.

  3. Doggie Bags: Incorporate your favorite snacks into your wedding by offering them in doggie bags– with your dog’s picture printed on them! These could be served as a light meal during cocktail hour or as wedding favors!

  4. Pet Koozies: If you’re having an outdoor reception, these are always a good party favor to have on hand. Personalize them even further by printing a picture of your pet on the koozies for guests to hold their drinks as they continue dancing the night away!

On the other hand, if you feel your pet would feel comfortable at your wedding, then here are some ways to incorporate them into the day!

  1. Wedding Party: Dress your pet up with a bow tie or a flower crown and have them be a member of your wedding party! They can stand up at the altar with you for as long as they’ll feel comfortable, and you can have someone on standby to escort your pet away if necessary. 

  2. Ring Bearer: Having your pet walk down the aisle carrying your ring is always a classic! 

  3. Flower Girl Helper: Arguably the most adorable of all of these, your pet could carry the basket while your flower girl scatters petals down the aisle!

The most important part of having your pets be a part of your wedding is ensuring their comfort and safety. Try assigning someone as a designated attendant to your pet that can bring them to the venue and take them home when they're ready. You could also hire a service like Doggy Social to take care of this for you! Whether you want to bring your pet along for the actual ceremony or not, make sure to bring them along for photos! Commemorating this moment with your pet on such an important day will be a photo you’ll cherish forever!!

Thanks for reading, and happy planning!