Should my dogs be brought to a wedding… no way! But that’s because I wouldn’t trust any of them in a room full of people. Yes I love them but they aren’t well trained enough or social enough to be able to cope at a wedding.
But if your dog is social, well trained, can cope with 100 people watching as they trot down the aisle… then why not!! They are part of your family too.
Maybe your dog was around before your partner, or maybe it’s the first step of responsibility your relationship took – going to the shelter and adopting that dog together. As a big part of your family then it’s only understandable to want them there.
So let’s think practically about this…
1. Check your event space, venue, church, hotel… any space you will use for your wedding, and ensure it is dog friendly and that they are happy for your canine buddy to be around.
2. Also when considering your venue, have a thought to where the nearest potty break area is. Not a problem if you are having a marquee in a gardens but potentially worth considering in more urban settings or unique locations such as on a boat, or roof top. Also make sure before that all important aisle walk that your canine bestie has been for a potty break!
3. Decide who will be responsible for your dog pre, during and post wedding ceremony. You need to make sure it’s someone your dog is comfortable to be left with as you and your partner and most of your close family and friends will most likely be busy getting ready, having photos, or doing the guest rounds.
4. Weddings are often a long day – so plan ahead and consider bringing your dogs bed so they can sleep in the corner or under the table at the wedding reception. Make sure you bring a water bowl and their food too.
5. Think about how involved your dog is going to be in the day. Do you want them to walk down the aisle with you? Be the ring bearer? Or just watch from the front row? Also consider if you want them in the photos.
6. If you do want them in photos – make sure your photographer is comfortable with this and set out in advance the photos you want your dog to be in.
7, Finally when you have thought through all the logistics, enjoy buying that cute doggy dicky-bow or matching leash set!
What do you think? Are you planning to have your dog, or was your dog present on your wedding day? We would love to see photos if so!
Main page image from DIY Weddings Magazine
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