Dogs have become such a big part of our lives, it’s only natural that we would want them to be a part of our big day. Have you decided how you want your dog to be involved?
If you’re stumped for ideas, here are several from people whose canine best friend was front and center at their wedding, even if they couldn’t be there in “person”!
1. Engagement Photos & Save The Dates
Kristy Boulos and her fiancé included their dogs in their adorable engagement photos and on their save the date cards…
…and in the actual wedding as well! (Read on.)
2. Part Of The Wedding Party
Boulos had a tie made for her dog Cody that matched the groomsmen and a pearl necklace with a pretty pink flower for Bella so she matched the bridesmaids. These custom accessories were purchase from Etsy artist Sophisticated Pup.
3. Invitations & Thank You Notes
Some couples even include their dogs on their invites! This is a great way to show how much your pets mean to you, even if your dog cannot be in the actual ceremony. Joanna Alberit, owner and designer of philoSophies, creates custom-illustrated wedding invitations and is often asked to include the couple’s dog(s).
After the big day comes a lot of “thank you’s.” The designer included the dog on Thank You notes as well!
4. Momentos & Party Favors
Mike and Lauren even had custom coasters and “welcome bag” stickers at their wedding, all of which featured their four-legged family member.
4. Guest Book
The guest book is something couples cherish forever – it allows them to look back and read all those wonderful well-wishes year after year. Kristin Berry, owner of Miss Design Berry, creates custom-portrait guest books and is often asked to include the dog. These guest “books” are unique because they’re frame-able, allowing the couple to display it in their home for all to see.
5. Ring Bearer
Having your dog as a ring bearer is a natural choice! There are many ways to do this, depending on how much time and effort you want to take into getting your dog ready for the big day.
Leah Weinberg, owner of Color Pop Events, is an NYC-based wedding and event planner. In August 2012, she got married herself with her own dog as the ring bearer. She had her Maid of Honor walked Spike, her Boston Terrier, down the aisle.
For the occasion, Spike was wearing an adorable bowtie that matched the wedding’s color scheme from Etsy artist SillyBuddy.
Weinberg easily incorporated her dog into her wedding without having to do too much work.
Many couples attach the rings to the dog’s collar and have them escorted down the aisle. You can purchase collars with pillows on them, such as this stunning one from Etsy artist LADogStore.
You can also use one of these adorable dog ring bearer pillows, or make your own! The one below is from Etsy artist Calla318 and is very traditional in style.
6. Flower “Girl”
Train your dog to hold the flower girl basket and carry it down the aisle. This one will take some practice and some training, so starting months before your date is your best bet. Be sure you use edible flower petals if you do this trick, just in case your dog ingests one or two. The little (human) flower girl can still sprinkle them as they walk down the aisle to a chorus of “awwww.”
There are also lots of accessories available on Etsy to dress your furry “flower girl” for the occasion, like this festive bandana by AFurryTailWedding.
