11 Tips For How to Include Your Dog In Your Wedding

Pets walk brides down the aisle, play the role of ring bearer, entertain guests at receptions, and if they aren’t fans of crowds or are banned by a venue, they are often included in photos. Given all this dog love, these 11 tips will help guarantee your pet-friendly nuptials will be a howling success.

1. Treat pups as more than accessories

Dogs are cherished members of the family and deserve thoughtful consideration beyond just looking cute in flowers or bow ties. Claire and Meg DeMarco’s Boston Terrier, Lexi (aka Lexington Rosebud DeMarco), served as their flower girl in a Boston wedding. The couple incorporated Lexi into their personalized ceremony, referencing their growing family multiple times, with Lexi present as living proof of their bond. “We looked over at her during the ceremony, and she definitely knew something special was happening,” they shared.

Treating dogs as family means prioritizing their comfort and role. Professional planner Paige Warr, through her company The Wedding Dog, spends months training dogs for events, creating custom cakes modeled after beloved pets, and setting up play zones for canine guests. This holistic approach ensures dogs are active participants, not mere props.

2. Find the right job for your pup

Assign roles that match your dog’s personality and skills, such as ring bearer, flower dog, or bridal party escort. For instance, Warr’s first multi-species wedding featured a pot-bellied pig as ring bearer who hilariously stopped to eat flowers along the aisle, turning an unexpected moment into a memorable highlight.

Common roles include:

• Ring bearer: Carry rings in a secure pouch or basket.
• Flower pup: Scatter petals or wear a floral collar.
• Dog of honor: Walk with the bridal party.
• Wedding witness: In 23 states, pets can legally “sign” the marriage certificate.

According to surveys, 40% of pet parents choose “Dog of Honor,” 37% opt for ring bearer, and 35% for flower dog, with 77% preferring their dog over some human guests.

3. Recruit dog-loving pros for your wedding

Hire photographers, planners, and trainers experienced with pets. Dog-savvy professionals anticipate behaviors like sudden sniffing or zooming, ensuring smooth execution. Look for vendors who offer pet-inclusive packages, such as custom leashes matching bridal attire or post-ceremony pet handlers.

Professionals like Warr emphasize assessing each dog’s needs, providing breaks, and even creating guest guidelines like “don’t be creepy” handouts to prevent overwhelming interactions.

4. If a dog is in the ceremony, include them in a rehearsal

Rehearse with your dog to test their role under similar conditions. Marisa Capozzo-Schmidt planned for her German Shepherd, Draven, to carry a flower basket, but he wouldn’t hold it the entire aisle. Flexibility led to the flower girl walking alongside with a wreath, creating a charming adaptation.

Rehearsals reveal issues like distraction from crowds or unfamiliar scents, allowing adjustments. Trainers recommend practicing skills like loose-leash walking amid distractions or holding items securely.

5. Source custom dog accessories

Create bespoke items like collars from veil material or satin leads matching the wedding dress. Debi Lampert-Rudman brought her Cocker Spaniel, BonBon, to her veil maker, who crafted a tulle collar and lead from the bride’s materials. This kept BonBon comfortable while tying her into the theme.

Other ideas include harnesses for ring pouches, bow ties, or floral crowns. Ensure accessories are safe, non-restrictive, and sized properly to avoid stress.

6. Appoint a dog handler (or two)

Designate a reliable “Bearer of the Ring Bearer” or handler. Ally Zenor had her friend Lindsey handle their West Highland Terrier, Allisdair. Though not a dog person initially, Lindsey bonded by investing time, treating him as her date for success.

Handlers manage potty breaks, water, treats, and downtime. For multiple dogs, use pros like wedding dog chaperones for walks, feeding, and dressing. Schedule breaks every 1-2 hours, especially in heat.

7. Have a back-up plan

Prepare for mishaps like anxiety or venue restrictions. The Caton family worried about their dogs Alli and Jake but included them with a friend escorting down the aisle. Post-photos, a professional walker took them home.

Backups include off-site boarding, virtual appearances via screens, or photo booths. Test gear like leashes or baskets in advance.

8. Train ahead of time

Start training months early for cues like sit-stay amid distractions. Warr notes skills range from basic eating in new places to advanced aisle-walking. Positive reinforcement builds confidence; avoid forcing fearful dogs.

9. Consider your venue and weather

Choose dog-friendly, open venues allowing pets. Check policies on animals; outdoor spots suit better for potty needs. Watch weather—provide shade, water, avoid hot pavement. Flowers can be toxic, so keep dogs away from bouquets.

10. Understand your dog’s temperament

Evaluate if your dog thrives in crowds or prefers minimal involvement. Shy dogs may attend in spirit via cake toppers, lapel pins, or save-the-dates. Warr uses a scale: some can’t attend, others relax easily, most need partial involvement.

Ask: Would your dog enjoy the full context? Prioritize their joy over photos.

11. Consider eloping — with your dogs

Intimate elopements suit shy pups perfectly. Lisa and Louis Ferrugiaro eloped to a dog-friendly B&B in West Cape May, NJ, with their Chinese Crested Lola and Italian Greyhound Gus as the entire wedding party alongside the mayor.

Small outdoor settings minimize stress, allowing relaxed inclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I include my dog in the wedding ceremony or reception?

Depends on temperament—ceremony for short roles like ring bearer; reception may overwhelm. Use handlers for breaks.

How do I train my dog for wedding roles?

Start early with scenario-specific training: aisle walking, holding items. Consult pros like The Wedding Dog.

What if my venue bans dogs?

Opt for photos, virtual cameos, or elopement. Feature in decor or custom items.

Are there legal ways pets can participate?

Yes, in 23 states, pets can be wedding witnesses to “sign” certificates.

How to handle guest interactions with my dog?

Use signs like “Don’t feed me,” handouts, or announcements. Train guests via pre-wedding notes.

There are countless ways to celebrate your dog’s special role on your big day. Tailor inclusion to ensure happiness for all.

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medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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