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pets at wedding, tips for bringing dogs to weddings

Should your pet come to the wedding?

August 26, 2015

If there’s one thing you should know about me – it’s that I’m definitely a dog person, way moreso than a cat person (sorry, Taylor Swift!). I love, love, love dogs … to the point where my mom has (somewhat jokingly) suggested that we open up a dog rescue, because I just can’t help but be happy while sitting in a sea of fur and puppy tails. Randy used to be a cat guy, but, over the years he’s accepted and grown to love and appreciate my whacko love affair with puppies … and he has indulged me in having our own little pack of dogs.

And, by some crazy coincidence – we’ve had a handful of brides and grooms who love their dogs as much as I love mine … and have decided to include them in the wedding festivities. Which I think is just totally rad!

Since today is National Dog Day … I thought today would be a perfect day to talk about bringing dogs and other pets to your wedding!

pets at wedding, tips for bringing dogs to weddings

I’m a big fan of including dogs for weddings, and here are 5 reasons why:

1.) They are usually your first “baby” and mean a LOT to the two of you. You want your whole family there, and your family (and your life) wouldn’t be complete without Rover and Spot!

2.) They are cute and provide excellent photo ops.

3.) There are studies that show petting or cuddling a pet can naturally relieve stress. Wedding days can be stressful!

4.) They can provide free entertainment. I mean, I can’t be the only person who can watch funny animal videos on YouTube for hours, right?

5.) Puppy bowties, custom leashes, floral crowns and everything else you can find on Etsy. It adds such a personal touch to your wedding, and just adds to the unique details of your big day!

dogs at weddings

BUT …. and this is a Sir-Mix-A-Lot kind of BIG BUT …

If your furry companions cannot behave, are easily excitable and like to jump on people or you feel like it would ADD stress to your day to have them there … then by all means, hire a pet-sitter and just show them the wedding slideshow when you get home!

dog wedding details

If you do decide to bring your pet(s) to the venue … here are:

A few tips to make sure your wedding video doesn’t end up on America’s Funniest Home Videos or YouTube:

  • Designate an official dog watcher. This is someone who will keep your pet with them during the ceremony and the reception, assuming Fido won’t just lay down and watch from the sidelines. Suggestion? Don’t make it someone in the wedding party.
  • Bring them water and food. They get hungry, too!
  • Have them go to the bathroom before the ceremony. I don’t think I have to explain why, right?
  • If it’s hot outside, please please please make sure they aren’t walking on hot cement. An ER bill for burned paw pads is NOT the way you want to start off your honeymoon.
  • Bring a leash, just in case.
  • And last, but not least, have a backup plan just in case things don’t go as planned and you need Spot to go home early.

 

Until next week! xoxo

Leave a Reply

  1. Jaime DiOrio says:

    So cute and great ideas & tips! 🙂

  2. Donna Beck says:

    Adorable! I love it.

  3. Jamie says:

    pups are such a cute addition to a wedding. Love the doggy ties.

  4. Mahlia Dooley says:

    We love when you couples include their pets in their wedding! Too adorable

  5. Great blog post, I love your tips to not end up on America’s Funniest Videos! So true!

  6. Cinnamon Ruvolo Wolfe says:

    yes!! I would totally bring my dog to my wedding if I were getting married right now! They are such a part of our lives and families that it just seems weird not to have them there!!

  7. Jill Marie says:

    Ashley, I LOVE this post and I LOVE your thoughts on it! Such a helpful share for brides!!!

  8. Shauna says:

    What an adorable post! I love it (and dogs at weddings)!

  9. Stefani Ciotti says:

    This is brilliant – love this post! And don’t forget “doggy tutus” – cutest things ever!! xP

Heyyyy ... I'm Ashley Durham and I'm a luxury wedding photographer in Phoenix, but I travel all over Arizona and the desert southwest to hang out with the most incredible people. I am obsessed with puppies, extra hot coffee, sunrise and firmly believe that love conquers all.

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