12 Tips for incorporating dogs at weddings
If you are like me, and love dogs, like they are part of your family, you might want to include them in your wedding day.
Here are some helpful tips that help to include your dog at your wedding day.
1.Dog as a ring bearer.
Can you imagine your dog as the ring bearer…? Your dog should be well behaved and well trained to carry those beautiful rings but if you make sure you have a safe place where you keep the rings and tie them around your dogs collar nothing can go really wrong here. In return for a treat your dog would pass on the box with the rings
2. Dog walking along the aisle
Super cute is the idea of your dog walking down the aisle with a page boy, flower girl, your brides maids, or even with you as the bride..
There are so many cute bows available for dogs now that a matching bridal outfit for a dog is easily found.
3. Dog as the best man
This is a good option for dogs that are more active and maybe a little less behaved .. have your dog as one of the best men standing close to your husband to be.
4. Pet friendly wedding venues
Most important is to check if your venue is pet friendly. Sometimes they might not normally allow dogs on site but they make and exemption for wedding dogs.
5. Pet friendly accommodation
Find out whether or not your accommodation is pet friendly. There are always plenty of pet friendly places around but make sure that your dog is allowed to also stay overnight with you or a family member.
6. Inform other suppliers about your pet wedding
It is a good idea to inform other suppliers of the fact that you will bring your dog to your wedding. Your florist might want to give you some extra flowers to put on the collar. It is good to mention that this is meant for a dog as some flowers or berries can be poisonous for dogs.
7. Dogs on your Wedding cake
Your wedding cake is also a great opportunity to showcase your love for your pet(s)
I have seen the cutest cakes with dog cake toppers. They can make them so real nowadays it is such a nice way of saying they are part of your family.
8. Signs for your dog
On Etsy you will find so many great signs your dog could wear, like ‘ I loved her first ‘ ‘ I do too’ ‘ Hurry up I want cake’ ‘ my humans are getting married’ If you don’t like the wooden signs there are also a lot of cute bandana’s to choose from.
9. Assign a dog carer
Appoint a dog carer to your dog on the day, you can hire someone externally or you could ask any of your family members. They can take the dog for a walk in between or bring them in for a part of the day.
10. Food and drinks for your dog
Make sure you always have a bowl available for your dog with plenty of water, especially on hot days. Treats can be handy to getting them to do what you want. Be careful if you have finger food or canapés and inform your guests not to feed your dog during the day- you don’t want to end up with a sick dog at the end of the day. Especially cooked bones, chocolate and grapes can be harmful.
11. Location shoot with your dog
Consider whether you love to take your dog to your location shoot too. Inform your photographer of your plans, they will know the best places where dogs are also allowed. If you love the beach, consider going to dog friendly beaches. In Port Stephens there are several dedicated dog beaches.
I would always suggest to bring another person to the shoot too so your dog can appear in a few shots and then go. Their attention span is often less than yours and that way you can have the best of both worlds- some bridal images with them and some without. Make sure your dog carer knows your dog well.
12. What to do when your dog(s) can’t get to your wedding?
Plan an engagement setting with your dog instead. There are many dog beaches to choose from. In Port Stephens Birubi Beach and Bagnalls beach are popular for off leash dog beaches.
If you are looking for a pet-friendly wedding photographer, contact me.! I love to meet your pets and love to hear what you have in mind for your wedding!
The moment I walk into someones door I am the first person that greets the dogs before the human(oops!). I have always been around pets and when I grew up with my Labrador Castor was my best friend. At the moment I have a black German Shepperd that follows me around wherever I go. When I am editing photos he always lays under my desk, so super cute.
Family portraits I often photograph with furry friends included as I so believe they are part of the family. Every year I raise funds for a local pet charity and photograph families and pets in my studio. I am used to the wildest combinations of pets.
On the top of that I am also been awarded best pet photographer of the year by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography.
Check out my dedicated instagram page for my family pet portraits here.
View some of my recent weddings HERE or if you are interested in finding out more, please get in touch
If you are a pet-friendly wedding venue, offer pet friendly accommodation or offer pet-sitting services, please leave your details in the comments below.