Our pets are our family and including them in your wedding celebration can be a fun way to make your special day even more memorable. With some added planning you can ensure that your pet feels comfortable and safe, as well as ensure that everything runs smoothly. Here are some tips on how to involve your pets in your wedding celebration:
1. Check with your venue
Before confirming anything, make sure to check with your venue to see if they allow pets on their premises. Some venues have strict policies on pets, and you want to make sure that you are not breaking any rules. If your venue does not allow pets, consider finding another location that is pet-friendly for your celebration.
I know it can be tough if you’ve already signed a contract or have a date in mind already – there are other fun ways to include your pet below if you can’t have them physically at your venue or if having them there day of isn’t feasible.
2. Assign a pet handler
Assign a trusted friend or family member to be loved on and manage their needs on the wedding day. This person should be responsible for keeping your pet calm, feeding them, taking them for bathroom breaks, or stepping away if they might just need a quiet moment. It is helpful to introduce your pet to the person beforehand, so they feel comfortable and familiar with them. Also, share any of your pet’s quirks i.e. they happen to love chasing squirrels. If your pet is attending the entire celebration consider having a backup person so that the person hanging out with your pet gets a chance to eat or participate in other parts of the celebration.
3. Dress up your pet
Consider dressing them up in a cute outfit or accessory that matches your wedding theme to make them a part of the wedding party. Some simple ideas are to consider a new leash or collar to match the color of your theme. However, make sure that the outfit is comfortable and does not restrict their movement or breathing – it helps if they have the opportunity to wear the accessory/ outfit earlier.
4. Practice makes perfect
If you can, practice having your pet around the wedding setting before the actual day. Take your pet to the venue and let them explore the space, so they feel comfortable and familiar with it. You can also practice walking down the aisle with your pet, so they get used to the idea. This is a great opportunity to give them lots of well-deserved treats! This allows you to pivot if needed – maybe your pet participates in the ceremony but shortly after photos.
5. Include them in your engagement session
By including your furry friend or pets in the photo you’ll capture the bond and love you have with your beloved pets. This will make your engagement shoot more special and meaningful to you and your loved ones. Similar to the ideas shared above you can plan and coordinate their outfits or props to match your theme, either way, consider a new collar and leash if their current ones are already well-loved. Some of my favorite photos at an engagement shoot is to simply capture the candid moments with you, your partner, and your pet.
6. Include them in your decoration
If, for any reason, your furry friend can’t be part of your wedding celebrations, you could still include them in the decor and details! For example, you could have cookies made with their likeness, print them on the napkins, or even name your signature cocktail after them. I’ve even seen pets on the website as a member of the wedding party. There are tons of ways to incorporate your furry friend into your special day, even if they can’t physically be there with you.
Incorporating your pet in your wedding celebration can be a beautiful and memorable experience, but remember to prioritize their comfort and safety. With careful planning and preparation, you can create a wonderful experience for both you and your furry friend.
If you’ve included your pet in your wedding celebrations, comment below!
Looking to include your pets in your engagement shoot? Lets set up a time to connect.
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