Like your partner, your dog is always there for you. In fact, your furry friend may have been on the scene long before your future spouse arrived. This makes it understandable that you’d want to include your pup in your wedding celebrations.

The good news is that wedding venues are now more accommodating than ever as it’s becoming more common for pet parents to want their dogs at weddings.

As such, you’re sure to be able to pay homage to your four-legged friend in some way, whether that means having your dog waiting at the altar with you or throwing a full-on dog-themed reception. Because, with so many dog-themed wedding ideas to choose from, you’re sure to include them all!

Keep reading to find out how to include dogs in weddings.

1. Make Them the Star of Your Wedding Stationery

There is no end of ways to make your dog the star of the show when it comes to your wedding stationery.

Dog-themed wedding invitations sealed with a dog stamp are sure to get your guests’ attention. As are ‘save the date’ cards adorned with an illustration or photo of your furry friend’s cute face.

Or, if you’re looking for a memorable way to announce your wedding date, how about uploading a YouTube video featuring your dog? Not only will you save money on design and printing, but it might even go viral and net you a ton of new followers on social media!

2. Include Them in the Ceremony

Can’t imagine not having your furry sidekick with you during such an important event? If so, you might be lucky enough to find a venue that allows dogs to take part in the ceremony.

Depending on your dog’s level of obedience, there are several different ways to include your dog in wedding ceremony roles.

If you’re willing to share them with your bride to be, your dog could take the role of ‘pup of honor’ and walk down the aisle with the wedding party. Dogs that love being the center of attention are sure to fit right into this role.

Or, how about appointing your dog your best ‘man’ and having them waiting at the altar with you? After all, dogs are called man’s best friend for a reason, and are always by your side through thick and thin. You might want to appoint a human best man too though. This ensures that there’s someone to look after your dog while you’re busy saying your vows!

Another option is giving your dog the role of a ring bearer. They might not have pockets to keep your rings safe, but you should be able to find a custom-made ring holder to attach to their collar.

If venue rules mean your furry friend can’t come inside, why not take them on a ‘Just Married’ walk with your bride after the ceremony? This is a great way to sneak in some private couple time between the ceremony and reception.

Or, you could invite your furry friend onto the dance floor to join you and your new bride for the first dance. If your dog is getting up in years but you still want to include them in your wedding this way, products from innovet could help ensure they are feeling their best for your big day.

3. Hire a Pet Sitter and Arrange a Brief Appearance

If your dog’s personality or the venue rules make it difficult to have your pup there for too long, there’s always the option of having a pet sitter bring your dog to the wedding for a brief visit.

It’s best to use a regular pet sitter you and your dog are already familiar with, whether that’s a professional or a friend. This will ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Or, if you haven’t used a pet sitter before, find one in your area and have them spend some time together before your big day.

Your pet sitter can then bring your dog to either the ceremony or reception for a flying visit. This way your pet will get to take part without you having to worry about the logistics of having them there the whole day.

4. Feature Them in Your Wedding Photos

Even if your dog can only be there for a short stay, there’s still plenty of time to get them in a few pictures for the wedding album.

Getting the chance to capture a photo of your new family of three together is a special moment not to be missed. You’re also sure to want a photo of you and your best friend together in all your wedding finery. And what would a photo of you and your buddies be without your dog in there to steal the show?!

Dogs in wedding party photos can add a regal air to more formal images, or a hint of fun to more candid shots. Have the photographer take a mix of both to capture the spirit of the day. And, if you’re including your dog in the ceremony, there’s sure to be a lot of photo opportunities to look back on in years to come.

5. Get Ready Together

If your chosen venue doesn’t allow a wedding with dogs, you can include them in the run-up to your nuptials instead.

You might already be thinking of ways to have your four-legged friend with you as part of your bachelor party. This could mean staying in a dog-friendly hotel with your buddies and their dogs. Or maybe you could all take part in an assault course with your dogs there to help you out.

Likewise, getting ready together with your buddies and your dog is also a fun way to spend time before the ceremony. You’re sure to love having your dog there on the big day before you take that all-important life leap. And, since dogs can help to reduce anxiety, having them there to snuggle and pet will take your worries away and give you a big boost of confidence.

6. Dress Them Up

Dogs at weddings should look the part too. Make sure to bathe them before the big day and hire a professional to groom them the week before. You should also kit them out with some dapper clothes or accessories.

Even if you’re only getting ready with your dog and have to leave them behind, there’s no reason not to dress them up for a few pre-wedding photos.

Male dogs look great in tuxedos or bow ties, while an elaborate bow or a floral collar would look cute on a female dog. And, since it’s wise to have your dog on a leash at the wedding, adding some DIY details like gold ribbon or flowers is a nice touch.

7. Throw a Dog-Themed Reception

Whether your dog can make it to the wedding or not, there are many ways to include them in your celebrations by incorporating dog-themed activities, foods, and drinks at your reception.

Doggy place cards or table number pictures are great ways to make use of your reels of dog photos. And your guests will love seeing your furry friend welcoming them to their table.

For a fun way to pay homage to your four-legged friend, include a puppy photo booth featuring cutouts of your dog for guests to use as a prop. This way, even if your dog can’t make it to the reception, they’ll be there in spirit.

Dog-shaped cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats are fun ways to include your dog in the reception. And savory snacks like hot dogs, sausage (dog) rolls, and bone-shaped sandwiches can add a fun touch to a buffet.

Dog cake toppers make a cute addition to the usual bride and groom figurines. And you could give dog-inspired gifts and treats away as favors. Or, to show you’re thinking of your guests’ furry friends too, how about giving away doggie bags full of takeaway treats for their dogs waiting at home?

As for the drinks, you could serve cocktails with names like Fido Fizz or name them after your own dog. Add dog-shaped drink stirrers and canine-themed napkins for even more attention to detail.

Great Ways to Include Dogs in Weddings

Whether your dog is part of the ceremony or the inspiration for a dog-themed reception, they’re sure to steal the show.

But remember, if your dog comes to the wedding, be prepared to expect the unexpected. As much as we love our canine companions they don’t always behave as well as we’d like them too.

Dogs in weddings can get overexcited and may end up jumping on you just as you’re about to say ‘I do’. Be sure to take it all in your stride and keep calm. After all, even if things don’t go to plan, it’ll be a great story to tell the grand kids!

For more lifestyle tips and advice, be sure to check out our other blog posts.