How to Include Pets in Your Wedding
One of the most important pieces of a wedding day are the guests. We know you want to invite the people who mean the most to you. But what about pets in your wedding? Especially in dog-friendly cities like Austin, you might be considering incorporating your furry friends into your wedding. If you are, here are some things to keep in mind!
1. Make sure your venue allows pets
Some venues don’t allow pets for various reasons, typically to protect the integrity of the venue. If your venue does allow pets on site, you’ll need to know where your pet is or isn’t allowed. This includes knowing where your pet can use the restroom. Make sure to bring clean-up supplies, for planned breaks and any potential accidents! See if you can bring your pet for a tour prior to the wedding. Doing so allows them to get a little comfortable with the space instead of exploring it for the first time on wedding day, which will help ease their nerves and excitement. If there are any off-limits spaces (such as in a getting ready room, the kitchen, etc), be sure to tell the pet’s handler where those areas are.
2. Assign someone who’s familiar with your pet to be their handler for the day
This person will be in charge of bringing your pet to the venue, holding the leash, and potentially removing the pet if they get overwhelmed or too rowdy. Make sure your pet is comfortable with this person, and that this person is aware and capable of the responsibility of handling the pet for the entire time, and taking them home when their duties are over. It might be a good idea to assign someone outside of your immediate family and friends, just in case they need to leave unexpectedly. You wouldn’t want your favorite Aunt to miss out on your first dance!
Hiring a pet sitter is another easy solution. If your pet isn’t used to strangers, set up a time for your pet to get acquainted with the sitter prior to wedding day. You’ll want to be sure they are both comfortable with each other!
3. Practice!
At the very least, have the assigned handler practice walking, playing with and feeding your pet. Ideally, practice should also include crowd exposure. Cheer, clap, yell, and celebrate (just like your guests will once you’re pronounced married!) so your pet is comfortable with the loud, sudden noises. If your pet is uncomfortable, maybe involving them in the wedding isn’t a good choice. If your furry friend will be wearing fancy attire for the occasion, let them get comfortable in it around your house. Make sure they’re able to move and use the restroom without the clothing getting in the way.
Photos: Rebekah Paul
4. Inform your guests and vendors.
While your pet may be your BFF, some people are allergic or don’t like animals! While most of your guests might already know your pet, make sure to let everyone know ahead of time, just in case someone’s plus one is afraid or allergic! As soon as you know you will be (or are planning to) include pets, you should also let your vendors know. You’ll especially need a photographer and videographer team who are comfortable with animals.
Photos: Simply Breezy, Venue: Addison Grove
If you’re only planning to involve your pet during one part of the day (just during the ceremony, for example), make that known to guests as well. That way, if they’re uncomfortable, they can skip the pet-friendly parts of the day and still share some moments with you later. And if they are familiar with and want to say hi to your precious pet, they can be sure to do so before your pet departs!
5. Include your pets in other ways!
For those of you who might have a pet who doesn’t do well in new spaces or with large crowds, there are tons of ways to honor or include your pets without them physically attending your wedding. One popular idea is to name your signature cocktails after your pets. Bonus points if you include a photo or drawing of the pet on your bar menu! Similarly, you can put stickers or drawings of your furry friends on packaging (favor bags, individually wrapped cookies/desserts, koozies or custom cups/drink sleeves with their face). Another option is having a pet themed cake topper!
Photos: Mollie Jane
If you’re able to do a photoshoot with your pet, that leads to even more options. From displaying the photos at your wedding, to using them on your Save-The-Dates, it’ll feel like your pet was with you every step of the way.
Be prepared.
Be prepared for the worst case scenario, and keep calm if it happens! Animals are unpredictable, you never know when they’ll decide to mark their territory, bark, run or jump up on you and get their muddy paws on your clothes! While you can’t prevent these situations from happening, you can be prepared! Try to keep your pup out of muddy areas, and have their handler check their paws before you pet him/her while in your dress. Encourage your pet to use the restroom before the ceremony begins, and let them sniff the aisle before guests arrive! If your dog isn’t used to being in big crowds, consider keeping them on a leash and having their handler walk them down the aisle instead of letting them run free. At the end of the day, you know your pet best! You wouldn’t want to scare or upset your pet on your big day. If they’d be uncomfortable, leave them home and honor their spirit instead!
Venue: Woodbine Mansion, Photos: Tess Leslie
Don’t have pets, but love animals?
Are you pet-free at the moment, but love animals in general? Surprise your guests with a fun furry addition! Our couples have loved including alpacas and beer burrows at their weddings. These duos are always a hit with guests!
Left photo: Bonnie Burke Photography, TX Party Animals
Right photo: Mollie Jane Photography, Ears with Beers
Bianca Nichole and Co is a team of wedding planners in Austin and North Carolina.
