Creative Ways to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding Day!

photo: Lovisaphoto | makeup: Cheek to Cheek Artistry

How can I include my dog in my wedding? We get this question alllll the time, so we thought we’d share some fun, creative ways to include your dog in your wedding day! So many GWS couples love to include pets in their weddings and we think it’s just darling. Portraits with the newlyweds are by far the most popular way to get some puppy face time, but we turned to the pros to get a few ideas that you may not have thought of!

Of course, don’t forget to check with your venue to find out any requirements they may have for pets on the property. And even if your good ‘ol boy can’t be there for the ceremony, there are still plenty of ways to incorporate him in the day!

Here are some meaningful ways to include your pet in the wedding:

Invitations + Save the Dates that Showcase Your Dog

planner: Lea Stafford Events, LLC | photo: teri b photography | graphics: Goldie Design Co.

It may not be possible to include your pet in your wedding day. Instead, why not let them be the ones to announce the big news! – FairyTail Pet Care

Doggy Greeter

photo: Jenny Smith & Co. | planner: Orange Blossom Special Events | florals: The Bloom of Time

If your pups are the first thing your guests see as they arrive, we guarantee big smiles before the night even begins! – FairyTail Pet Care

photo: Gabriella Katalin Photography from this Hawaiian Love Story

 …and add a floral collar on your pup? OMG. We are officially dead. Too cute!!

Furry Escort

photo: Lev Kuperman Photography from this Romantic Wedding in the Catskills

Assigning your dog as an escort to an important person in your ceremony can be a great way to include them, whether it’s a bridal party member, parents of the couple or even the bride or groom. – FairyTail Pet Care

Dress Your Dog Up in Style!

One great place to include your pet is during the ceremony! Have your pup stand in for the flower girl or ring bearer – plus you can dress them in a sweet floral or leaf wreath! It just doesn’t get cuter! If you’d like to make your own floral wreath for your pup, check our step-by-step DIY here! You can also purchase one ready to go to make things easier. Here is a link to one of our faves!

 

photo above by Max + Friends

Deck Out Your Dog’s Collar!

Another fun style idea? Deck out their collar with pretty blooms! :) You can have your florist lend a hand or you can create a floral collar with faux blooms from Afloral or Blooms by the Box.

photo above by Studio Elle Photography | florals by Molly Taylor and Co.

Dog of Honor

photo: Maria Campbell Photography | planner: Rosewood Weddings

For a lot of couples, their pet is a big part of the family. Incorporating your pet into your wedding ceremony is certainly not the only way to include them, but it sure is a special way! – FairyTail Pet Care

Doggy Details + Decor

photo via Miss Design Berry

A creative way to include dogs in weddings is by dedicating your signature cocktail to your dog! Name your drink of choice “The Cooper” or “The Bailey” and proudly display a framed cocktail menu with a list of ingredients, along with a photo or painting of your pup. You’ll think of your beloved pet every time you head to the bar. Bonus points if the booze is also dog-themed, à la The Greyhound or Salty Dog! – Jenna Miller, Creative Director at Here Comes the Guide

Give Back in Style

What better way to honor your love for your pet than incorporating a give-back feature to your big day? The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals works to fight against animal cruelty and promotes the joys of adopting pets that land in thousands of animal shelters nationwide. Our love for pups knows no bounds, which is why we give the opportunity for grooms and groomsmen to purchase ASPCA pup socks with their suit or tux rental. Five dollars from every purchase goes directly to ASPCA! – Nathan Bellah, Director of Marketing at Generation Tux

Share their Sweet Side

photos + cookies by Bijou’s Sweet Treats

Puppy dog cookie favors?! We can’t imagine a sweeter send-off!

Bring Your Dog to Your Elopement

photo: Cassie Rosch, Photographer | event design: Root + Gather Events | florals: Plume + Furrow | wedding dress: Rue De Seine from this Snowy Boho Elopement

Even if you’re keeping it super simple and eloping somewhere, we bet your pup would still like to come along for the ride! These couples (above and below) both eloped – just the two of them and their pup – and each celebration seemed like the perfect, little family affair!

photog: Adventure Instead

Just Invite Your Pup Along for the Fun + Photos!

photo: Kaylee Chelsea Photography | event design: Details, Darling | wedding dress: Rue de Seine
from this Southwestern Palm Springs Wedding

photo: Heirlume Photography | event design: LB Event Planning
from this Modern Greenhouse Wedding

photo: Like Morning Sun | planner: All Things Extraordinary Events + Design

photo: Magnolia + Ember | venue: Union Station Nashville

photo: Feather & Twine | event design: Silver Thistle Weddings | florals: Remi + Gold
from this Boho Greenhouse Wedding

photo: Ardency and Arrow from this Black Tie Botanical Wedding

Yay for furry friends!! Dogs in weddings forever, please. So, tell us: are you including your pup into your day? If so we’d love to hear more! Leave a comment below letting us know what type of dog you have and how he or she will be involved in your wedding!