Easy Ideas on How to Incorporate Your Pet Into Your Wedding Day by New Creations Founder, Rebecca Grant
My old boy Basil in photo shoot for Pink Blossom Events at Woodinville Lavender. Photo by Katie Parra Photography. Floral by Fena Flowers.
As a pet owner myself (chickens, bees, cats and dogs), I LOVE it when my couples incorporate their own 4-legged family into the wedding day. This creates a level of comfort and laughter on a day will inevitably be filled with nerves.
However, the addition of your pet on your wedding day does present some logistical challenges that need to be thought about to ensure having them there will not cause more unnecessary stress.
1. Is your venue ok with it? Nowadays with couples opting to have their ceremony and reception in one space, it is a lot easier to get pets approved. However, I can guarantee you that if you opt for a traditional church for your ceremony, pets will not be welcome there. Be sure to check with the venue where you’re thinking of having your pet be a part of your big day, and ensure there are no additional charges or rules that you need to be aware of.
2. Pets should never stay the entirety of the wedding day. This is way too long for them to be expected to be on their best behavior. Treat them like a child. Remember that they have low attention spans, and will be in unfamiliar environments. Please also be aware of your time of year. If it is too hot for them, keep them cool and at home or your favorite kennel. Alternately, if it is too cold, best stay warm and cozy at home.
3. Have a point person. Last thing you want to worry about is who’s getting your pet to and from the ceremony or reception- you’ve got enough going on. If you’re having a “no kid” wedding, this is a great place to start looking for help. Have a teenager who is a kid of some guests who are coming? Ask them if they want to make a few extra bucks and be in charge of bringing, watching, and returning your pet. Alternately, there are pet services such as Rover.com that can help you out.
Molly and Justin's pup Mickey on their wedding day at Trinity Tree Farm. Photo by Jon Taylor Sweet. Florals by Flora D' Amore.
a. This person should be in charge of food, water/bowl, treats, toys, leash and poop bags as well as your pet.
b. They should also know how to handle your pet. Are they comfortable with your Rottweiler? Have they been around horses, pigs, goats or whatever else you’re thinking of having as a part of your day?
c. Are they responsible enough to know that they may need to remove that animal if it is showing signs of stress? Funny enough, your dog isn’t used to seeing you all dressed up and around 200 people. This could cause unnecessary stress to your animal that is not worth it for the safety and health of your pet.
4. Pets shed. As a dog mother of a Golden Retriever, I am used to a LOT of hair. I know to bring a roller anywhere I go, and give a good roll off before I head out into public. If you don’t have a wedding planner who has this in their emergency kit, you will need to first off, be ok with some hair on you, and secondly, be prepared to clean it up in-between photos. Last thing you want is to walk down the aisle with a big hair clump on your leg.
5. Along those same lines, pets have nails or hooves and might have decided that mud puddle looked like a lot of fun to jump in just before seeing you. Again, a great wedding planner will have the plan of sewing up any rips that might unexpectedly happen, as well as a plethora of Tide pens to clean up any dirt or smudges. This is the most formal day of your life, be sure to think about the unexpected things that might happen when your pet is nervous and excited to see you (especially around veils!!).
6. Allow extra time for photos. With everything I listed above, you will inevitably be caught off guard with what your pet is doing. Does it need to go to the bathroom right in the middle of when you’re supposed to be taking a photo with it? Does it constantly have it’s back turned toward the camera because it’s looking at you? Be sure to allot at least 20 minutes extra for your photo session that includes pets. Also communicate with your planner and photographer for their recommendations on how much extra time needs to be allotted.
Leigh and Sean's sweet boy Yoji at their Fremont Foundry wedding. Photo by GH Kim Photography. Floral by Sublime Stems.
If you’ve taken all these things into account, and know your pet would nail it, then go for it! I am a huge fan, and think they add a lot of laughter, memories, and unexpected elements to wedding days. Just be sure that you’ve prepared as much as possible (remember, they are still living creatures and may have their own ideas), and you’ll be good to go!
Happy Planning! ~Rebecca
If you want a wedding planner who is comfortable with all sorts of animals (including horses!) on your wedding day, contact Rebecca today to setup your complimentary consultation.