Top tips for having your dog at your wedding

Since our dogs are part of our families, it’s understandable that you’d want them standing beside you on one of the most special days of your life! 

However, it’s im-paw-tant to consider your dog’s needs and how they’d cope with being part of wedding festivities, too. So, explore our top tips for making sure your dog’s memories of your wedding day are just as magical as yours…

Choose a dog-friendly venue

Before taking a trip to view your dream wedding venue, it’s worth contacting the staff there to double-check they’re able to welcome dogs. Sometimes, venues may be happy for a dog to be present at the ceremony or for photographs, yet could have strict rules about dogs being around while guests are eating.

Take your dog to view the venue before your big day

If you’ve discovered your ‘pawfect’ wedding venue, it’s essential to take your dog there to explore before the big day! That way, your dog is less likely to feel stressed about being in a new environment, while they’re also having to contend with other new experiences, like crowds.

Check there's somewhere quiet and calm for them to go

Even if a venue is dog-friendly, it doesn’t mean they’ll have a designated space for your dog to go if they need to find shade, rest, eat, drink, and/or toilet. Make sure you find out exactly where your dog can be taken regularly throughout the day to rest and refuel, away from the bustle of wedding celebrations.

Decide what role your dog will play on the day

Should you decide that having a photograph or cake topper of your dog isn’t enough, and you need them with you at your wedding, you’ll have to decide their role. For instance, are they going to be part of your ceremony, or are you planning for your dog to arrive in time for your wedding photoshoot? 

Prepare your dog ahead of your wedding day 

Depending on the role your dog will play on your wedding day, you’ll have to prepare them in advance, to lessen the risk of causing stress and anxiety. For example, if you want your dog to be by your side during the ceremony, you’ll need to train them to sit quietly for a set amount of time. Alternatively, if you’ve planned for your dog to join in with wedding celebrations later in the day, you’ll have to help them get used to being comfortable around crowds.

Designate someone as dog-sitter for the day

With so many tasks on your big day, it’s unlikely you’ll want to add scooping poop in a suit or walking your dog in a wedding dress to that list! This means you’ll want to have a designated dog-sitter who can care for your best fur-iend while you and your new spouse are seeing to the plethora of wedding-day duties. Once you’ve found the right dog-sitter, you’ll need to make sure they’re aware of all your dog’s needs (for example, any medications they might require).

Make sure they avoid potentially harmful food and other hazards 

It’s worth reminding all wedding guests (and venue staff) to keep anything that’s potentially harmful out of your dog’s reach, e.g. floral decorations, wedding favours they might eat, etc.

Did your dog attend your wedding? If so, we’d love for you to share your story with us via Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok!