Are you planning a wedding and a proud animal lover? Get ready for an unforgettable experience as I guide you through incorporating your beloved pets into your special day. From heartwarming walks down the aisle to creative tributes, we'll provide you with expert tips and ideas to make your wedding a tail-wagging adventure!
Section 1: Physically Including Your Pet: Imagine the heartwarming sight of your beloved furry companion gracefully strolling down the aisle, captivating the hearts of everyone present. To ensure a seamless and memorable experience, here are some valuable tips to consider:
Practice makes perfect: Train your pet to walk comfortably on a leash and rehearse the processional before the big day.
Assign a responsible escort: Choose a trusted family member or friend to walk your pet down the aisle, ensuring their calmness and comfort.
Beyond the aisle: Plan what happens once your pet reaches the end of the aisle. Will they be handed off or stay by your side during the ceremony? Consider their temperament and happiness.
Section 2: On-Site Pet Inclusion If your venue doesn't allow pets in the ceremony area, don't fret! You can still include them in your wedding through these ideas:
Pet-friendly photos: Coordinate with your photographer to capture stunning moments with your pet in designated photo areas or picturesque spots around the venue.
Signature pet-inspired details: Add a personal touch by incorporating your pet's name into signature cocktails or featuring their adorable photo on bar menus and stationery.
Customized cake topper: Showcase your love for your pet with a cake topper resembling your furry friend, adding an adorable touch to your wedding cake.
Section 3: Honoring Your Pet For those unable to physically include their pets, there are meaningful ways to honor them:
Memorial table: Set up a dedicated table with photos, candles, or a small tribute to remember pets who have passed away but will always hold a special place in your heart.
Donations to animal charities: Instead of traditional wedding favors, make a charitable donation in honor of your pet to support animal welfare organizations. Share this gesture with personalized cards.
Pet-themed decor: Incorporate pet-inspired elements into your wedding decor, such as paw prints on table linens or cute animal motifs on place cards, as a subtle yet heartfelt tribute.
Section 4: Get that dog groomed!
I had the pleasure of chatting with Pip from Pip's Pampered Pooches, who graciously shared her knowledge and tips for all you lovely folks planning on getting your furry friends groomed for your wedding.
Let me share Pip's valuable words with you.
Grooming your dogs before your wedding serves multiple purposes. It ensures that they are clean and tidy—something we all want for our special day Pip says.
Additionally, for dogs that shed, a good deshedding session will help prevent their fur from getting all over the bride, groom, and guests' clothes, saving you from any hairy mishaps. Moreover, a well-groomed dog will look absolutely lovely in your wedding photos, adding to the overall charm of the occasion.
Heat, One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked when including pets in weddings is the heat. If you're having a summer wedding or expecting warm weather, consider having your dog's fur trimmed a little shorter to help them stay cooler throughout the day.
It's important to be mindful of potential heatstroke, burnt paw pads, and dehydration. Therefore, I recommend not having your dogs around for the entire day. This way, everyone can enjoy themselves without worrying about the dog, as even if it's not hot, it can still be a very long day for them.
Scheduling the groom - make sure you've been taking your dog to this groom for a while or at least a few appointments, because having a groomer do your dog before a wedding would be a lot of pressure!! And every groomer styles different, so at least you can be 100% sure you like the cut/style. So I'd say the minute you book the wedding and know you're gonna have your dogs at your wedding, book them in somewhere!
How long before the Wedding should my dog be groomed? Ideally you want the dog to be groomed the week of the wedding or as close to the day as possible! As dogs don't stay clean and tidy for long. So you could have a groom a week before the wedding and possibly a bath/tidy a day or 2 before to make sure.
Don't hesitate to reach out to Pip for professional assistance in preparing your furry friends for the big event. Her Instagram & Facebook are FULL of helpful information and loads of cute fur babies!
Section 5: Additional Tips for a Flawlessly Pet-Inclusive Wedding
Check Venue Policies: Before finalizing your wedding venue, confirm their pet policies and any restrictions they may have. It's very important to ask a venue before bringing a pet. If for whatever reason you can't have your pet at your wedding, Fret not! A great alternative to get them involved is to book an engagement shoot with them. You can then have them printed out for either your invitations or to have displayed around your venue.
Pet Wrangler: Assign someone responsible for taking care of your pet throughout the day, including transportation, feeding, and ensuring their comfort. Discuss these responsibilities in advance. Quite often if the Venue isn't too far from home the couple will get someone to pick up/drop off your pet once the ceremony and photos are over.
Consider Food and Water: Ensure someone is available to feed your pet and provide water during their scheduled feeding times.
Rehearsal is Key: Bring your pet to the rehearsal to familiarize them with the venue and practice walking down the aisle, helping them feel more at ease on the actual wedding day.
Pack a Pet Bag: Prepare a bag with all the essentials your pet might need, such as food, water, toys, leash, treats, and any necessary medication. Give this bag to the designated pet handler on the wedding day.
Professional Pet Care: If handling your pet's needs during the wedding seems overwhelming, consider hiring a professional pet sitter or handler.
Safety First: Ensure the wedding venue is pet-friendly and doesn't pose any hazards. Create a designated space where your pet can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.
Dressing Up Your Pet: If you choose to dress up your pet, prioritize their comfort by using lightweight, breathable fabrics and accessories that allow freedom of movement.
Incorporating your beloved pets at weddings can add a touch of love, happiness, and uniqueness to your celebration. By following these expert tips and ideas, you can create a wedding experience that not only celebrates your love but also includes your furry companions. Whether they walk down the aisle, make appearances in photographs, or are honored in special ways, your pets will undoubtedly make your wedding day even more extraordinary. So, let your imagination run wild and plan a pet-inclusive wedding that will be remembered and treasured for years to come. Woof and meow, let the wedding festivities begin!
Thank you fellow pet lover for reading my blog. I'm Dale, a professional wedding photographer based in Suffolk, England, I hope you found these tips valuable and inspiring. Be sure to check out all the helpful, fun, and interesting blogs below, covering a wide range of topics related to weddings. If you're impressed by the images you've seen here, you can find more captivating moments captured by me on my website at www.nicholsweddings.co.uk. Happy planning and may your wedding day be filled with love, joy, and unforgettable memories!
Comments