Dog Wedding Ideas – How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding Day
As someone whose list of favorite hobbies includes watching (crying to) videos of adorable Corgis, I totally hear you when you say you can’t imagine your wedding day without your furry BFF. They’ve been with you through it all, and whether you’ve had your pup since before you met your boo, or you raised the little guy (or gal) together, you don’t have to leave them behind when you get married. I know I had to have my fur babies with me when my husband and I tied the knot!
Whether that means having them there with you on the big day, or paying homage while they’re at doggy day care, this guide will give you some of the best dog wedding ideas, and tips on how to include your dog in your wedding day!
Choose a Dog Friendly Wedding Venue
The first tip, and the most important one if you want your dog to be there with you on your wedding day, is choosing a dog friendly wedding venue! The good news is that there are plenty of them around.
Outdoor venues are definitely your best bet, so look for outdoor venues. Some venues (the ones owned by dog lovers) might mention on their website that dogs are welcome, and others might have a page for frequently asked questions that mentions their pup policy. If you’re really in love with a venue, but aren’t sure if it’s dog friendly, don’t be afraid to email and ask!
Ways to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding Ceremony
If your dog is joining you for your day, here are some dog wedding ideas and ways to include them.
Dog of Honor
Your pup can also be the dog of honor, standing by your side during the ceremony. You can walk down the aisle with them, or have a member of your wedding party designated to be on dog duty!
Have Your Dog Be The Ring Bearer
One fun idea for how to include your dog in your wedding is to give them a job. Your pup can carry the rings down the aisle – but don’t just give them the ring box! For safekeeping, you can get a cute collar with a clip for the rings, or a little pillow that can attach to their harness or collar. Have them bring you the rings – guaranteed cuteness!
Dress Them Up
Your dog can have a fancy outfit for the wedding day too! This can be as elaborate as a doggie tuxedo, but if your dog isn’t super into dressing up, you can also get something they’ll be less grumpy about, like a bowtie collar. Some couples ask their florist about adding a floral collar to match the bouquet!
Even if you don’t dress up your pup, get them a nice collar and leash – the leather ones photograph a lot better than a retractable leash or a brightly colored collar.
A photo from our wedding, taken by Anna Elizabeth! 
Get Ready With Them
Before the wedding, you’ll likely be getting ready with your best friends – and that can definitely include your dog! You can get some adorable photos hanging out before the festivities begin.
Have Your Dog Join You for Photos
Throughout the day, you’ll be scheduling some time for couples photos. And a great idea for how to include your dog in your wedding is to have them join you! You can take some formal photos with your pup, and have some adorable memories of your little family.
Ways to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding – If They Aren’t Invited
Sometimes, having your dog with you for the wedding isn’t doable, whether it’s because of venue restrictions, or your pup’s temperament just doesn’t allow for big crowds and all day festivities. There are still some ways to include them – and you can also use these if your dog is attending, too!
Create a Signature Drink
Signature drinks are a fun way to pay homage to people in your life – and it’s even more fun when it’s for your pets! Create a drink and name it after your fur baby. You can even think about their personalities when you come up with their signature beverage. Are they laid back and refined, like a traditional cocktail, or a goofball whose personality is better reflected with something fun and fruity?
Our signature drinks, named after our pups. Photo taken by Kasey Jo!
Take Engagement Photos With Your Dog
Before the wedding day, you can include your dog in the engagement session! Bringing your pup along is a great way to make your engagement photos fun, and often helps couples feel more comfortable. You can run and play, just like you do every day, and you’ll get some sweet photos of your little family.
Include Your Dog in Your Wedding Stationery
After you take engagement photos with your pooch, an idea for how to include your dog in your wedding is to have them be a part of the stationery! Save the dates and wedding invitations look great if you add a photo.
A photo of our wedding stationery, taken by Kasey Jo! 
Dog Wedding Favors
Wedding favors are a cute little gift for your guests to take home after the celebration. To include your dog in your wedding, you can make some favors for all the dogs that couldn’t be there! Put some treats in a doggie bag, so your guests can take some home to their own pups.
Decorate With Your Pup’s Face
To decorate your wedding venue, you can use some of those engagement photos and put them up around the venue, including photos of your dog in your decor. Or, get creative and hang up some custom art pieces of your furry friends like this couple did!
Tips for Including Your Dog in Your Wedding
If you want to include your dog in your wedding, here are some tips!
Think About Your Dog’s Personality
Some dogs were born to be the star of the show – basking in the “aws” and enjoying the tummy rubs from everyone they meet. Other pups are shy, and may not be comfortable being surrounded by new people all day. Think about your dog, and what they can comfortably handle. If they’re better suited for a quick appearance or would be happier at home, celebrate them with a signature cocktail or some photos. But if you know they’ll love spending the day by your side, bring them along!
Have Someone to Take Care of Your Dog
You already have a ton to think about on your wedding day, so it’s best to leave the responsibility of holding the leash and making sure your dog has water to someone else! Designate this task to someone in your wedding party or a family member, so that you don’t have to stress.
Hire a Dog Friendly Wedding Photographer
You’ll need a photographer who’ll love on your pup and who will be able to capture the one second where they actually look at the camera! I’m ready with my dog loving self and my secret stash of treats to help them behave – so if you’re planning a wedding and want to include your dog, I’m your girl!
Contact me, and let’s talk about your day!
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