Why Include Your Pet in Your Wedding?

Weddings are a celebration of love, and for many couples, that includes the love they share with their pets. Whether it’s a loyal dog, a curious cat, or another cherished animal companion, having your pet by your side on your big day makes it even more meaningful. But planning a pet-friendly wedding takes a little extra consideration to ensure the day is not only fun but also safe and stress-free for both your guests and your furry family members.

If you’re a pet lover thinking about including your fur-baby in your wedding, you’re not alone! From ring-bearers to guest appearances, pets are becoming a regular part of wedding celebrations. Here, we’ll share five essential tips for making sure your wedding is pet-inclusive while keeping the day joyful, safe, and fun for everyone.

Choose the Right Pet-Friendly Venue

The first and most important step to planning a pet-friendly wedding is finding the perfect venue. While many venues are open to the idea of pets, not all of them are equipped to accommodate them in a safe and comfortable way.

What to Look for in a Pet-Friendly Venue:

Space to Roam: Look for a venue that offers enough space for your pet to move around freely without feeling confined. Wide-open areas, like outdoor gardens or parks, are ideal for dogs who need a little more room to explore.
Safety First: The venue should be free from hazards that could put your pet at risk. For example, check for any areas where your pet might wander off or get into something harmful.
Comfort Considerations: Shade, water access, and quiet areas are key, especially if you’re having an outdoor wedding. It’s important to provide a place where your pet can cool down, relax, and take a break from all the excitement.

Tips for Communicating with Your Venue:

Before you book the venue, have a detailed conversation about your plans to include your pet. Some questions to ask:

Does the venue have any restrictions on the type of pets allowed?
Are there any additional fees or cleanup charges for having pets on the premises?
Have they hosted pet-inclusive weddings before? If so, ask for any tips or suggestions based on their experience.

Finding a venue that truly loves pets will help ensure a smoother day for everyone involved.

The bride and groom smile as they pose for a photo with their dogs, one whom is wearing a tutu and the other a white tux

Hire a Professional Pet Handler

Weddings are full of activity, and it’s easy for things to get overwhelming—for both you and your pet. One of the best ways to manage this is by hiring a professional pet handler to take care of your pet’s needs throughout the day.

Why You Should Hire a Pet Handler:

Stress-Free for You: A professional handler takes the pressure off you, allowing you to focus on your celebration. They will manage your pet’s behavior, ensure they are comfortable, and handle any unexpected situations.
Expertise in Handling Pets: A good pet handler knows how to read your pet’s body language and understand when they might be anxious, tired, or in need of a break.
Guaranteed Care During Key Moments: Whether it’s walking your dog down the aisle or holding onto them during your vows, a handler ensures that your pet plays their role without causing chaos!

What to Look for in a Pet Handler:

Experience with Weddings: Look for someone who has experience with pets at weddings or other large events. They should be comfortable managing pets in a crowd and able to quickly address any issues that arise.
Handling Different Animals: If you have an unconventional pet (think rabbits, birds, or even a mini pig), make sure the handler is familiar with how to care for them.

If hiring a handler isn’t in the budget, consider asking a responsible friend or family member who loves your pet to take on this role. Just make sure they’re ready to step up when needed!

Pack a Pet Emergency Kit

Your pet is just like any other member of the family, and they’ll need some essentials to keep them happy and safe throughout the day. This is where a pet emergency kit comes in handy.

What to Include in Your Pet Emergency Kit:

Water and Portable Bowls: Keep your pet hydrated, especially if you’re having an outdoor ceremony.
Treats and Food: Don’t forget to pack some of your pet’s favorite snacks, and if they’ll be attending for the full day, consider bringing a small meal.
Comfort Items: Include a favorite toy, blanket, or pillow to help your pet feel more at home in an unfamiliar setting.
Medications: If your pet takes any medications, make sure to have them on hand.
First-Aid Supplies: You never know when your pet might have a minor scrape or cut, so it’s always a good idea to have a basic pet first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers.

Planning ahead with an emergency kit will ensure that your pet stays comfortable and happy throughout your wedding day.

A prepared pet emergency kit on a wedding day, including water, treats, a toy, and a blanket for the pet guest.

Decorate with Pet-Safe Items

When planning your wedding decor, it’s easy to overlook the fact that certain items might not be safe for pets. Flowers, candles, and even table centerpieces can be tempting for curious animals, so it’s important to take precautions.

Pet-Safe Decoration Tips:

Choose Pet-Friendly Flowers: Some flowers, like lilies and hydrangeas, can be toxic to pets. Opt for pet-safe flowers such as roses, sunflowers, or snapdragons.
Secure Cords and Cables: If you’re using lighting or sound equipment, make sure all cords are properly secured so your pet can’t trip over or chew on them.
Avoid Breakable Items: Fragile decorations like glass vases or ceramic figurines should be placed out of your pet’s reach. You don’t want any accidents!
Consider Edible Decor: For an extra fun touch, you can even create an edible centerpiece for your pets—think dog-safe cupcakes or treats arranged on a cute display table!

Decorating with your pet in mind ensures that the space will be both beautiful and safe for your furry guests.

Create a Pet-Friendly Menu

Just like your human guests, your pets deserve to enjoy the wedding feast! While it might sound over the top, creating a special menu or treat bar for your pet can be a fun and thoughtful way to include them in the celebration.

Pet-Friendly Menu Ideas:

Talk to Your Caterer: Ask if they can prepare special treats for pets or if they’re open to setting up a “pet-friendly snack station” with pre-packaged pet snacks.
DIY Pet Treat Bar: Set up a designated area with bowls of treats, toys, and even some cute pet-themed decor. This can also be a great place for guests with pets to grab something special for their own furry friends.
Pet-Safe Cake: If you really want to go all out, consider getting a small cake or cupcake made especially for pets! Many bakeries now offer pet-safe options that can match your wedding cake’s theme.

Creating a pet-friendly menu not only ensures that your pet gets to indulge in the fun, but it also gives your guests a chance to spoil their own pets.

Assign Your Pet a Role in the Wedding

If you’re including your pet in your wedding, why not give them a starring role? Whether they’re walking down the aisle or simply hanging out as a guest of honor, there are plenty of ways to include your pet in the day’s festivities.

Popular Roles for Pets:

Ring Bearer: One of the most popular ways to include pets is as the ring bearer. Attach the rings to a collar or leash and have your pet trot down the aisle!
Flower Pup: Just like a flower girl, your pet can be a part of the processional, carrying or wearing flowers as they walk ahead of the bride.
Guest of Honor: If your pet is more laid back, they can simply attend as a VIP guest. Provide them with a special seat or comfy spot where they can watch the ceremony.
Reception Star: Let your pet join the dance floor or take part in the photo shoot to capture some adorable moments!

Dressing Your Pet for the Occasion:

Comfortable Accessories: A simple bowtie, bandana, or flower crown is a cute way to dress your pet without making them uncomfortable.
Pet-Safe Outfits: If you do choose to dress your pet up, make sure the outfit fits well and doesn’t restrict movement. Avoid anything with small parts that could be chewed or swallowed.

Giving your pet a role adds a personal touch to your wedding and ensures they feel included in the celebration.

Wedding guests stand together, smiling and enjoying the ceremony as they watch the bride and groom exchange vows in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Prepare Your Guests for a Pet-Friendly Wedding

Including pets in your wedding is a wonderful idea, but it’s also important to let your guests know what to expect.

Tips for Informing Your Guests:

Mention Pets on Invitations or Website: Let guests know in advance that pets will be attending, so those with allergies or fears can prepare accordingly.
Clear Guidelines: Provide instructions on how guests should interact with pets, especially if there will be multiple animals present. Encourage guests to be respectful of boundaries and not feed your pet without permission.
Pet Etiquette: Remind guests to keep food and drinks out of reach of curious pets, and avoid loud noises that might startle them.

Preparing your guests ensures that everyone—humans and animals alike—will have a comfortable and enjoyable time at your wedding.

Prioritize Pet Safety on Your Wedding Day

As exciting as it is to include pets in your wedding, safety should always be the top priority. Make sure to plan ahead for potential issues and keep your pet’s comfort in mind throughout the day.

Important Safety Considerations:

Know Your Pet’s Limits: Some pets may not be comfortable in large crowds or noisy environments. If your pet seems anxious or overwhelmed, it’s okay to give them some space or even leave them with a sitter for part of the day.
Backup Plan for Weather: If you’re having an outdoor wedding, make sure to have a plan for extreme weather conditions. Heat, rain, or cold temperatures can affect your pet’s comfort.
Check for Hazards: Keep an eye out for any potential hazards, like open flames, sharp objects, or small decorations that could be harmful if chewed or swallowed.

By keeping safety top of mind, you’ll ensure that your pet has a fun and stress-free time on your wedding day.

A curious dog sniffs the grass at an outdoor wedding ceremony site, safely exploring the surroundings before wedding guests arrive.

Creating a Safe and Joyful Day for You and Your Pet

Your wedding day is all about celebrating love—and that includes the love you share with your pets. By following these tips, you can create a safe, fun, and unforgettable day for both you and your furry friend.

Ready to start planning your dream pet-friendly wedding? Contact me today to start crafting a unique ceremony that celebrates your love story, pets included!

How to Plan a Safe and Fun Pet-Friendly Wedding Ceremony