How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding
Your dog is your best friend, and nobody else is more important in your life. So why not include them in your special day? There are many ways that brides and grooms are including their canine companions on their wedding day. This can be a fun way to pay tribute to your pet and experience the comfort that only they can bring on this most cherished occasion. Here’s everything you need to know once you decide to include your pup in celebrating your nuptials.
Creative Ways to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding
Ceremony Only
One option for including your dog in your wedding is to keep it simple. Include your sweet canine cutie in the wedding ceremony. Some dogs will do a great job walking down the aisle themselves. Others will need a little assistance. Make sure to come armed with treats and toys, whatever it takes to get Fido all the way to his mom and dad.
Engagement Photos
Featuring your dog in your engagement photos is another beautiful way to include them in your festivities. Some cute ideas include pictures of rings while petting the dog, setting the scene for adding a new member to their family, and just a casual walk together. Even the most straightforward photo ideas can create a moment with your favorite pooch that you will remember for a lifetime.
Timed Appearances
Another creative way to introduce your dog to the night of festivities is to give them their own timed appearance. Whether you bring out your dog to help with the cake cutting or feature them during the processional, it will bring a tear to your eye to see that fluffy child participate in your most monumental day.
Cake Design
Is Fluffy a little nervous in large crowds? One great way to include them is to create a cake that pays tribute to your dog. Putting your puppy’s face on a cake or having a dog-shaped cake made are both great ways to show that you care.
Signature Drinks
Care for a cocktail? Why not try a pooch-inspired beverage? A Fifi Cosmo or a Fido Martini will quench the thirst and give your favorite furry friend a great shout-out.
Personalized Items
There are many resources out there that will personalize items you use at your wedding, such as bridesmaid gifts, party favors, and more. A take-home koozie featuring your puppy or thank you cards with your dog’s face on them are perfect ways to honor your pup at your wedding. Some brides know their dog can’t make it to the wedding but have a favorite photo of their dog placed in the middle of their bouquets to keep that near and dear one close to their hearts.
Custom Artwork
Whether your dog can make it to the ceremony, you can commission custom artwork featuring your beloved pet. Some people feature portraits of their pets at their weddings. Still others feature pets at the engagement or the reception.
Photo Cutouts
Lifesized photo cutouts are super fun for a wedding. If your dog can’t come to the wedding, create photo cutouts of the happy couple featuring the dog. That way, guests can still feel like they’re including your best friend and fuzzball.
Practical Considerations
When you include your dog in your wedding, there are a few points to consider keeping everyone safe and happy.
Appointing a Dog Handler
Whether you hire your favorite dog trainer or appoint a sweet, dog-loving family member or friend, you will definitely want someone available to keep an eye (and possibly a leash) on your pup so that everyone stays safe and is accounted for at all times. Nothing would be worse than a runaway puppy on the biggest day of your life.
Time Limit
On that note, your dog may become a little too tired to be out and about for longer than an hour or so. It’s a great idea to set a specific time limit for your dog so that they have an opportunity to rest when their featured moment has concluded.
Considering a Dog’s Comfort
Remember that your dog will want to be comfortable throughout the celebration. It will be a good idea to keep a soft bed nearby. Another idea is to keep chews and toys available to provide that comfort for your dog. This will be a stimulating day for you both; you just want to ensure your dog isn’t overwhelmed.
Here are a few FAQs
Can My Dog Be a Witness at My Wedding?
Here’s a surprising and fun fact. Your dog can be your witness at your wedding. In the state of Arizona, the document can be signed with a simple paw print to seal the deal. What a fun way to include your favorite pooch!
Can My Dog Be my Ring Bearer or my Flower Girl?
Your dog can be your ring bearer or your flower girl. The best way to incorporate this into your ceremony is to ensure everything is safe. Make sure that you choose a method for your dog to carry the ring or flowers that is dog-proof. You don’t want your special day ruined by an emergency trip to the vet. So, this means being careful with the ring, so your dog doesn’t eat it. It also means using flowers that are nontoxic to dogs.
Can My Dog Come to My Reception?
Your dog may come to your reception, but you’ll want to keep safety at the top of your list. Make sure your dog isn’t getting overwhelmed by a large crowd or getting underfoot and tripping wedding guests. Small dogs may want to sit near the wedding party table, and larger dogs will need a crate or bed to retreat to when the party gets going.
Contact La Princesa Today!
In Phoenix, Arizona, La Princesa is the elite venue for your wedding needs. With three stunning locations, we can accommodate nearly any sized wedding celebration and help make your dreams come true. Ready to book your event? Click here to contact us. Do you still have questions? Visit our website or call (623) 845-9000 for more information.