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How to include your dog in your wedding

For some this topic may seem “over the top,” yet for others, their dog is as much as part of their family as any cousin, niece, etc. So this one’s for you!

In the right conditions, the addition of a dog, as a ring bearer or walking with the flower girl works out quite well. That’s not to say it’s right for everyone. For many dog lovers, your dogs are your best friends, companions and confidants. They’re a part of the family. Why wouldn’t you want to involve them in the most important day of your life? It’s not that simple though.

Here are a few suggestions:

• There are a few churches that will allow animals in their sanctuary, however, most churches will not. If your wedding is at a church, you will need to ask the pastor or officiant if their policy precludes any animals inside during the ceremony. Even if their policy allows it, make sure to ask the pastor or officiant if they personally have any concerns about allowing the dog to participate in the wedding ceremony.
• If you are arranging your wedding at a park or outdoor venue, you will still need permission from the venue to include your dog. Always keep your dog on a leash at an outdoor wedding, for your dog’s safety and your guests’ comfort. Designate someone your dog is familiar with as their handler.
• If you are in the early planning stages of your wedding and don’t yet have a venue for the ceremony or reception, look for a hotel that has a policy allowing dogs in their rooms. In addition to including the dog in the ceremony, you would have a room at the hotel where your dog could relax prior to and after the wedding ceremony (with supervision of course).
• Make sure you have a plan for the care of your dog before and after the ceremony. You also need to make arrangements for your dog during the reception. Although you probably adore your furry friend, there may be some on your guest list that are allergic to or even afraid of dogs.
• Include your wedding planner or wedding coordinator in the plans for your dog. She can help with ideas and help make sure the person handling the dog is doing their job correctly.
• This next advice seems so obvious but, during the confusion of the wedding day it can easily be overlooked. Make sure your dog’s handler remembers to take the dog outside for his/her “potty” breaks and gives your dog plenty of water. Dogs can become overly excited with the wedding crowd around them, causing added thirst and the possibility of “accidents,” even with dogs that are highly trained. Don’t forget to supply the handler with disposable doggy bags.
• Whatever location you choose for your wedding, it is a very good idea to purchase wedding liability insurance, especially if you have a dog in attendance. Wedding insurance is a good idea anyway and there are several companies that make it easy to purchase reasonably priced policies.

Although we do like to offer all sides of the equation, we wouldn’t even know where to begin if you want your family cat! 

Photo Courtesy of Rick Aguilar, one of StrictlyWeddings.com new partners who will be part of our next city launch – Chicago.

2 Comments on “How to include your dog in your wedding”

• Beth April 29th, 2009 6:26 pm

  I want this DOG-how cute is this, and the blog is the first I have seen of it’s kind! Thank you for sharing-I had no clue to all the rules and it is something we all have to take into account-no matter how much we love those puppy dog’s!!

• Carrie April 29th, 2009 3:55 pm

  Oh my, how cute is that? If my dog looked that cute than I would consider it, but he is a little rough around the edges, and I am just not sure about putting him in our wedding-as much as we love him! Put your dog in for sure, if you have a well groomed doggie, and he would be the hit of the parade!

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