Anyone who knows me, knows I’m the biggest dog lover. Pair them with a wedding, and I’m literally OBSESSED. This being said, however, our furry babies, do add logistical challenges to be aware of. To make sure the day goes well for both you and your pooches, here are some of our top tips for avoiding mishaps on the day:
1. Give them plenty of exercise the day of the wedding: A tired dog is typically a happy dog and less likely to be unpredictable. Hire a dog walker or even take them to a crate free doggy daycare where they can play until they are exhausted prior to the wedding.
2. Don’t forget the food: Having your family member in the wedding is obviously very special, but it does add another level of detail to keep in mind…mainly, don’t forget to keep your pet on their eating & restroom patterns for the day.
3. Assign someone to doggy patrol: Whether hiring an extra pair of hands or having a family member the dog loves, put someone in charge of feeding, walking and just taking care of their needs. Also, this person should be standing by near the first row to take the dog away in case he or she becomes a distraction from the ceremony.
4. Get them pretty! It goes without saying, that grooming is a must for a wedding worthy pup, but don’t just stop there. Have your florist create a leash made of flowers, give him a puppy bow tie or even commission a seamstress to make a sweet little tux or tutu depending on your preference. One of our favorite resources for doggy attire is ROVER by RoverDog on Etsy. Their little bow ties & puppy pea coats are to die for!
5. Have them taken home after the ceremony: Once your pet has done his duty, have them taken back to your home or hotel room and hire someone to check in on them throughout the evening. The reception might be a little much for your pup to handle!
Overall, we love having furry children as part of the ceremony. They are just one more way to show your guests who you are as a couple and for many of us (including myself), they are such a huge part of your family that you can’t imagine not having them there. We have very few disaster stories when it comes to pets involved in the wedding day and if you follow the above tips, you too will have nothing but great success!
That sweetie above is from Zoe & Griff’s big day, captured by Steve Steinhardt.
