How to Include Your Furry Best Friend in Your Wedding Ceremony

Including your fur baby in your wedding ceremony is absolutely possible! However, it takes a little extra planning to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here are a few essential things to think about to make it a happy, stress-free, and furry wedding ceremony.

1. Define Their Big Role

• Decide their duties: Will they carry the rings? Be a flower dog? Or escort the bridal party down the aisle?

• Prioritise ring safety: If they are carrying the rings, I strongly recommend you use fake replicas tied to their collar. It is always better to be safe and keep the real bands with the human bridal party! 😉💍

• Practice at the rehearsal: Bring your pet to your wedding rehearsal. Familiarising them with the sounds, smells, and layout of the venue beforehand works wonders for reducing their anxiety on the big day.

2. Check the Location & Accessories

• Verify the venue rules: Double check that your ceremony or reception venue allows animals onsite and indoors. Be sure to check local public rules if you are marrying on a beach or in a National Park.

• Choose sturdy gear: Wedding collars and leads can be so lacy and gorgeous! Just make sure the gear is strong enough for your furry one’s strength. Better yet, attach the dressy version directly onto their everyday collar.

• Keep it lightweight: Keep wedding accessories simple rather than weighing your pet down or causing them distress.

3. Engage a Dedicated Pet Minder

• Appoint a pet person: Have a dedicated pet minder, friend, or relative be responsible for your sweetie throughout the whole ceremony. They can manage the treats, water, doggie bags, and transportation.

• Plan an early exit: Your pet doesn’t need to stay for the whole gig. After the formal photos are finished, let their carer take them home or to a safe place for the rest of the wedding and overnight.

• Create a sanctuary space: If they must stay for the full ceremony, ensure the minder has a quiet spot away from the main crowd equipped with treats, toys, and fresh water.

4. Manage Stress and Floral Safety

• Consult your vet: Is your pet a nervous nellie? Chat with your vet about the best ways to help them stay calm, especially when environments get crowded, noisy, and a bit overwhelming.

• Assess crowd reactions: Consider how your pet reacts under pressure. Are they entirely safe with children and strangers when they feel stressed?

• Avoid toxic florals: Many common wedding plants are highly toxic to dogs if ingested. Talk to your photographer and florist about avoiding or safely isolating dangerous options in your arrangements, including Eucalyptus, Lily of the Valley and Baby’s Breath

Always have a human backup ready to step in and cover any pet duties if needed on the day.

With those safety factors in mind, the doggos at the weddings I have officiated have been hilarious, sweet, and a beautiful part of the celebration.

Planning an upcoming wedding and want to ensure your four-legged best friend is part of the magic? As an animal loving marriage celebrant, I'd love to help you design a ceremony that fits your entire family, whiskers and all. Get in touch today to chat about your date!