How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding
Although I am more of a cat person, I do love dogs and if there is a question of “are you okay photographing our dog at our wedding?” the answer is a resounding “yes!” Please please please find a way to incorporate your adorable pup into your wedding if you want to - and I want to be there to capture it. And although I wish I saw more cats at weddings, it’s much easier to incorporate your dog into lots of aspects of your big day. I’ve gone through years of weddings to bring you some ideas and inspiration for just how to include your dog into your wedding day, even if they can’t be there in person (or in… dog? I dunno, haha).
Lots of ideas for including your dog at your wedding below!
What a set of cuties! Definitely add a little bling to your dog’s wardrobe for the wedding day. A special collar and leash (and all coordinating if you have more than one dog), is the way to go. Especially if they won’t wear a bowtie or flower collar, at least they’ll still be all dolled up! And of course, a little visit to the groomer beforehand never hurt anyone, right? Kelly and Brandon’s babies looked absolutely adorable on their wedding day.
When you’re having a backyard wedding, of course your family dog hanging around is going to be a completely natural way to get him involved. I love that this was the first face I saw when I arrived at Ellyn’s parent’s house for her and Wesley’s wedding in Portsmouth, NH.
Look at all these big smiles!
Is your dog treat-motivated? Definitely make sure the person who will be handling them has a few of their favorites handy! Hopefully that bridesmaid’s dress has big pockets :)
Sometimes it’s easier if your dog sits with their “grandparents” - usually someone who they are very comfortable with and won’t cry too much being separated from you!
If your dog is agreeable, a flower collar is an absolutely adorable alternative to a tie or other outfit.
If your pup isn’t able to be at the wedding, here’s a great way to incorporate them. Rae and Jake live in Ohio, but had their wedding in Massachusetts, so they weren’t able to have their dog there. But! They got drink cozies with an image of their dog Rosie that says “I do, too!” and then their names and wedding date on the other side.
Here’s a fun one! A treat/biscuit bar so any guests with dogs can take home a treat courtesy of the host dog :) So cute!
Kaylee and Vinny had these drink stirrers of their dog’s face on them, so he could even be included in cocktail hour too.
Ashley and Sean were so excited to include their adorable pups, and For the Love of Paws came through so they could be there for the ceremony and some photos before they took them back home for the evening.
If you have your dog at your engagement session, you have to include him in your save the date, right!? And then as best man while he stands up at your wedding ceremony.
If you need help with the logistics of how to get your dog around town and who will be caring for her and grooming, etc, when you won’t be there - you absolutely must check out For the Love of Paws. They handle all of that! Plus while we’re doing photos (like here with Amy and Danielle, and Pepper), they will help get your pup to look at the camera, sit, stay, etc.
One of my favorite new trends is the little dog figure (seems like you can get something to exactly match your little one) for your cake, with some frosting on its snout.
Not a dog favor, but a favor in the shape of their dog - Brianna and Mark wanted to include their dog by getting some cookies made that looked like him.
I hope you got some ideas and inspirations for how to include your dog at your wedding!
Want some more wedding day tips? Check out these blog posts!