If you’re planning your big day, or marriage is something that could be on the cards in the future, you might be thinking about dogs at weddings.
In many ways, making your dog part of your wedding could be a great idea – after all, our dogs are massive parts of our lives, so why wouldn’t you want them there on such a special day.
There are plenty of practical things to think about, however – according to research, just 37% of dog owners include their pups in their weddings, and this is often due to practical and logistical concerns.
With help from vet Dr. Rebecca MacMillan and Chris Bajda from GroomsDay, a specialist store for wedding party gifts, let’s take a look at the reasons why you might include your dog at your wedding, and what to consider.
“Involving your dog at your wedding can work well, but not always,” says Dr. MacMillan. “There are many things to consider when making pooch-related plans for your big day.”
Meanwhile, Bajda says, “There's something about dogs that just makes everything feel more genuine and relaxed. They bring that touch of spontaneity and joy that turns a formal ceremony into something truly personal and heartfelt.”
Reasons for dogs at weddings
1. They keep you grounded
It’s common to get anxious when planning your wedding or when the big day is fast coming up – and the morning of your wedding can be particularly anxiety-ridden!
However, having your pup by your side can be a great help. “Dogs don't care about timeline pressures or whether the flowers are perfect – they just want to be near you,” says Bajda. “I’ve heard from couples that having their dog around during wedding prep helped them stay present and reminded them what the day is really about – celebrating love with their closest family members, including the four-legged ones.”
2. They create unpredictable moments
It’s totally understandable that you might want your wedding to go entirely to plan, but those unexpected moments can often be the ones we look back on the most fondly.
Maybe your pup will choose the perfect time to bark, they’ll decide to take a nap in the most surprising place, or you’ll find yourself playing fetch in your wedding attire. Who knows?
3. They help you break the ice
As nice as it might be to have all of your favorite people together, wedding receptions can sometimes feel awkward. Where else would your work colleague, your new spouse’s great-aunt, and an old school friend all be sat a couple of seats apart?
Well, when there’s a dog going around looking for a fuss, there’s instantly something to talk about.
“I've seen entire tables of strangers become fast friends simply because a dog wandered over looking for attention,” says Bajda.
4. They can make formal moments feel more lighthearted
Weddings can feel quite stiff and rigid sometimes, but having your dog there can make things feel more personal – more of a celebration than a formal ceremony.
“It's about having your whole family there,” says Bajda. “After all, who better to witness your special day than the one who's been there for all the little moments leading up to it?”
5. They can bring life to group photos
Throw a dog into the mix, and there are suddenly all sorts of new opportunities for photos. You might get pictures of you and your spouse walking your dog together, photos of them running around, or images of your pup having the time of their life with your loved ones.
As Bajda says, “Some of the best couples' portraits happen when they're just being themselves with their dog. It's amazing how a simple game of fetch can create stunning sunset silhouettes you'd never get otherwise.”
Here’s an example of a wedding photo with a dog that went viral.
Dogs at weddings: The considerations
1. Your dog’s temperament
"First, think about your dog’s temperament,” says Dr. MacMillan. “A nervous dog wary of strangers is likely to be overwhelmed by the wedding guests, music, and new surroundings. Similarly, a bouncy excitable dog could be overstimulated by the festivities. Very old dogs or young puppies may also struggle with the event, as could dogs with health complaints.”
However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t include your dog at all. If you’d love your pup to be involved, even if they might not enjoy the whole thing, you could bring them along for a few quiet photos away from the crowd but not have them sit through the entire ceremony.
2. Your expectations
It might be your wedding day, but your dog doesn't know that, so you can’t expect them to be on best behavior.
It’s best to lower your behavior expectations in advance – sure, it would be great if they were as good as gold, but chances are, they won't be. If this is likely to cause you stress during the day, it might be best to leave them at home.
3. Someone to look after your dog
Dr. MacMillan stresses the need to find someone who can look after your dog for the day. If you usually rely on friends or relatives to care for your dog when you’re away, keep in mind that they’ll likely already be at your wedding and want to spend time with you, so you might need to use a professional dog walker or sitter. Make sure they know what time to pick your dog up and all the timings for the day.
3. The venue
If you and your partner are happy, you think your dog will be happy, and you’ve found a sitter, you’ll simply need to check that your wedding venue allows dogs. If you’re in the earlier stages of wedding planning and you aren’t set on a venue yet, remember that a venue in the countryside or an outdoor reception might be more suitable than a small inner-city venue.
How to prepare your dog for a wedding
Make sure you bring one of your pup’s favorite toys, some of the best dog treats, and maybe even their bed to help them feel more comfortable. Remember that they should still have their usual walks to help them burn off energy, and they’ll indeed frequent toilet breaks, access to water, and somewhere to rest if it’s a hot day.
It’s also a good idea to brush up on their training – try these 27 practical tips for training your dog! Make sure they know not to jump up at people (you don’t want your pup knocking over an elderly relative), can settle themselves, and won’t beg or steal food – particularly as there might be harmful food and drink like chocolate or alcohol.
Dog wedding attire
What your dog wears at your wedding is totally up to you – and your dog, of course! You could go for something simple like a classy bow tie or bandana in your wedding colors, or up the formality with a doggy tuxedo. Or, even one of the best dog coats could be a good fit. There’s no right and wrong here – as long as your dog is comfortable!
Can dogs walk you down the aisle?
In theory, yes! But, again, it’s vital to ensure that your dog is allowed in the venue to begin with, and that the celebrant is happy to have your dog there. Don’t forget to keep your sitter on hand in case your dog becomes unhappy and could do with a breather.
Ultimately, when it comes to having your dog at your wedding. There’s no right or wrong.
“Above all, think about your dog’s best interests, rather than your own, when deciding what to do,” says Dr. MacMillan. “If the day is not going to be enjoyable for them it might be best to think about other ways for them to feature. You could have photos of your pet on display or, as I did when I got married, have special figurines made of you, your partner, and your dog for the top of your wedding cake.”
