How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding Day: A Guide to a Paw-some Celebration

Including your dog in your wedding day is a wonderful way to share this special moment with your furry friend as of course they are apart of the family! Not only does it make your day more memorable, but it also adds a unique, personal touch to your celebration.

In this guide, we'll explore creative and practical ways to involve your dog in your wedding, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Why Include Your Dog in Your Wedding?

For many couples, dogs are not just pets but family members. Including your dog in your wedding can symbolise the love and bond you share. Whether your dog plays a major role or simply joins the festivities, their presence will bring smiles and warmth to your special day.

Choosing the Perfect Role for Your Dog

1. Ring Bearer: Train your dog to carry the rings down the aisle. Ensure they are comfortable with the crowd and the attention.
2. Flower Dog: Decorate your dog with a floral collar or a small bouquet to walk down the aisle.
3. Dog of Honour: Have your dog stand by your side during the ceremony, perhaps with a special outfit that matches the bridal party. 
4. Photo Opportunities: Include your dog in wedding photos to capture precious memories that will last a life time.

Preparing Your Dog for the Big Day

Preparation is key to a successful inclusion of your dog in your wedding. Here are some tips to ensure everything goes smoothly:

1. Training: Brush up on basic commands and practice any specific tasks your dog will perform. 
2. Familiarisation: Let your dog explore the venue beforehand to reduce anxiety, by letting them explore and get used to the feel and scent of the venue they will feel less overwhelmed on the big day.
3. Comfort: Ensure your dog has a designated area to rest and stay hydrated throughout the day and plenty of snacks/treats to keep their energy levels up. 
4. Caregiver: Assign a person you trust to look after your dog, be sure the person trusted knows your dog well. A few play dates with the person you assign before the big day will help your dog feel much more comfortable being away from you if needed.  

Making Your Dog Look Wedding-Ready

Your dog can look as stylish as the rest of the wedding party with a few simple touches:

1. Attire: Consider a bow tie, a fancy collar or even a dog tuxedo matching your colour scheme, they'll be sure to look the part on your special day.
2. Grooming: Schedule a grooming appointment a few days before the wedding to ensure your dog looks their best (and doesn't cover your guests in fur!)
3. Accessories: Add a special touch with a floral collar, a bandana, or a leash that matches your wedding colours.

Creating a Dog-Friendly Environment

To make your wedding dog-friendly, it's worth thinking about the the following:

1. Venue: A very important part of including your dog in your big day is ensuring the venue accommodates for dogs.
2. Guests: Inform your guests that your dog will be part of the celebration, especially if any guests have allergies or fears.
3. Comfort: Provide a quiet space for your dog to retreat if they become overwhelmed. If it's a hot day be sure there is plenty of shade or water for your pooch. 

Including your dog in your wedding day can be a delightful and heartwarming experience. By planning carefully and considering your dog's comfort, you can create beautiful memories that you and your guests will cherish forever.

Having your dog by your side on your wedding day adds an extra layer of joy and meaning to the occasion. With thoughtful preparation and attention to detail, you can ensure that your furry best friend enjoys the celebration as much as you do. So go ahead, make your wedding day even more special by including your beloved dog in the festivities.