Many of us are the proud Paw'rents of fur babies. They've captured our hearts and leave their paw prints well and truly on them. And the one thing they never ever do - is lie about love. There is no better feeling than coming home to the warm welcome they give you. And their devotion, commitment and love for you is written all over their faces and their little waggy tails. They are a big part of our existence and our families and we'd simply be lost without them.
So why on earth would we not include them in our weddings?
I did.
For me, there really wasn't any debate on me including my dogs - it was one of the first things I had decided - they must be part of the ceremony - why wouldn't they be? They are my world. Our world. I want them there!
But! To have your dogs in the ceremony does require some planning. My dogs are affectionate and loving boys however they are also nicknamed chaos and mayhem - and for good reason! - as together - and in a room full of people - they are exactly that - chaos and mayhem! So that was something I really did have to consider. It also meant walking down the aisle with me really wasn't an option (I'd have been dragged off my feet and over the balcony most likely!)
So how do you include your dogs in your ceremony?
Well, first you have to check if your venue is pet friendly. Is it even an option to have them there? This might be something that sways you to one venue or another - if they accept doggies or not. I was lucky that my venue was pet friendly however they do not allow them (or any of their doggy guests) into the main dining suite. Did we want them at the reception? - absolutely not (refer to chaos & mayhem earlier - at least at the ceremony they would be on a leash!). But one of the absolute musts! Is liaise with your venue and plan ahead to ensure a complete pet-friendly environment. Also consider the journey time to the venue - will your pup be ok with a longer travel time?
For the ceremony, we entrusted our brothers to look after them - our dogs knew them both well and were well versed on how to handle any unruly behaviour - it's important that our dogs feel as safe and secure as they can, so giving them to someone they know, will absolutely help to reduce any anxiety on the day.
Onto the second thing to consider - what do we do with them after the ceremony?
Again, our hotel were very accommodating which meant our dogs could stay happily in the hotel rooms - however! - our dogs do not like to be alone - as many other paw'rents will appreciate - lockdown created additional challenges for puppers, especially those who we gave forever homes to during this time. So, my dogs are, as a result, too anxious to be left on their own (we actually haven't left them on their own, ever!).
In our case, my friends son acted as dog sitter - and was quite happy to stay with our boys in one of the lodges which meant we were able to have a stress free rest of day as we didn't have to worry.
But if you are not lucky enough to have a helper like we did, there are also services that can look after your dog for you, that will offer dog boarding for the night before and/or the night of your wedding and provide a chaperone service to make sure they are with you for those special moments. They will also work with your photographer to make sure you capture all those amazing pictures. A solution for every problem!
So how do we include them in our ceremony, even if they cannot make it on the day?
- They could walk down the aisle with you
- Be a bridesdog / Groomsdog
- Pose for pictures with you
- Be dressed in pupper wedding attire
- Be ring barer
- Stand with you at the alter.
......these are the most common options, but you know your doggo's so this list is not exhaustive. Include them in whatever way is important to you!
You could have a reading that relates to them and you like we did - for example "Owning a dog, is like falling in love" - by Taylor Mali - a light hearted and humorous poem that likens love to that, owning a dog. It was made more humorous on our day - by the unintentional coordinated delinquent behaviour of our youngest dog!
And if you can't have them there, you could include them in your wedding stationary or favours; on your save the dates; engagement photographs (always a more relaxed affair with less people!); design your cake around them; or perhaps use them as a theme for your
venue decor.
Whatever you decide, it will be perfect for you and your celebrant will work your ceremony script to include them - even if that's to say a few words about how important a part of your world and existence they really are - if they are unable to make it of course. They are our VIP's (Very Important Puppers!) after all!
If you are considering your dog at your wedding ceremony, please get in touch. I am more than happy to chat through any ideas, concerns or worries you may have about including them on your special day.
Have a Happily fur-ever after and a very Paws-itive experience!
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