Are you a dog lover who can’t imagine getting married without your furry best friend by your side? Well, you’re in luck! More and more couples are choosing to include their dogs in their wedding celebrations, making their special day even more memorable.
In this blog post, I will tell you 5 fun ways to incorporate dogs at weddings, ensuring that your wedding is a dog-friendly affair from start to finish.
In case you didn’t know I am 100% a dog person and I love seeing couples’ furry pals at weddings as a documentary wedding photographer in North Yorkshire!
Dogs at Weddings
- Choosing a Pet-Friendly Wedding Venue
- Creating a Special Area Just for Dogs
- Consider a dog chaperone if your venue isn’t Dog friendly
- Custom Dog Cakes and Treats for Your Furry Guests
- Including Dogs in the Wedding Ceremony
- Bringing Your Dogs to the Pre-Wedding Photoshoot
Choosing a Pet-Friendly Wedding Venue
Embarking on the adventure of planning your wedding with your furry companion in mind?
The journey begins with pinpointing the perfect pet-friendly locale that says ‘I do’ to having your dog part of the big day.
Not all venues are created equal when it comes to welcoming four-legged guests, so it’s key to have a chat with the venue coordinators early on about their pet policies. You’d be surprised how many spots are embracing the trend, from idyllic countryside barns that offer oodles of space for your pooch to stretch their legs, to enchanting gardens where they can frolic among the flowers.
Imagine exchanging vows under the canopy of a forest with your dog by your side or having them trot along cobbled paths in a historic estate. The possibilities are limitless!
However, it’s not just about saying ‘yes’ to pets; consider the facilities as well. Is there ample shade and access to water? Are there secure areas where your dog can take a break if the excitement becomes too much?
These are the little details that make a venue truly dog-friendly.
It’s also a brilliant idea to visit the dog-friendly wedding venue with your furry pal before the big day. This not only gives you a sense of how they’ll fit into the celebrations but also allows your dog to become acquainted with the surroundings, reducing any potential wedding day jitters.
Finding a venue that loves your dog almost as much as you do might seem like a daunting task, but it’s the first step in ensuring your wedding is as inclusive as it is beautiful.
After all, dogs at weddings to witness the start of your new chapter together is what truly makes a venue shine!
P.S Here are a few of my favourite dog friendly wedding venues in North Yorkshire
Creating a Special Area Just for Dogs
Imagine your furry friend’s tail wagging with delight as they discover a little haven created just for them amidst the hustle and bustle of your wedding day.
That’s exactly what setting up a special area for dogs at your wedding can achieve! Picture a cosy corner decked out with plush doggie beds, brimming water bowls, and a treasure trove of squeaky toys and chewable delights that would keep any pup entertained for hours.
This pup paradise isn’t just about keeping them amused; it’s about making them feel loved and considered on a day that’s important to you. And what better way to say ‘I love you’ to your four-legged companion than ensuring they’re as comfortable and content as your two-legged guests?
You might even want to sprinkle in some personalised touches, like name-tagged beds or customised toys that echo the wedding theme.
But here’s the cherry on top: why not enlist the services of a dedicated pet sitter? Someone who’s as passionate about dogs as you are, to oversee this delightful doggy domain.
They can ensure that dogs at weddings are well-looked after, hydrated, and getting all the cuddles they need while you’re busy tying the knot. It’s like having a fairy godmother for your dog, ensuring they’re having as much fun as you are!
Creating this special area isn’t just a thoughtful gesture—it’s a way of integrating your dogs into your celebration seamlessly and stress-free.
Consider a dog chaperone if your venue isn’t Dog friendly
What do you do if your venue has a strict no Dogs inside policy, but you still want to have your dog included in your photographs? Or if you want your dog there for a while but don’t really want to worry about them on your wedding day. You hire the services of a specialist Dog Chaperone like Katie & Co Weddings is what! A dog chaperone will bring your doggy along to your photo shoot just at the right time, ensuring they don’t tear up the beautifully manicured grounds of your venue. They’ll then either drop them back off at wherever you’d arranged for their care or they’ll look after them for you whilst you relax and enjoy your wedding.
Custom Dog Cakes and Treats for Your Furry Guests
Ah, the pièce de résistance of any dog-friendly wedding – a delectable treat that’s sure to have your pooch’s tail wagging in sheer delight!
Why should humans have all the fun, eh? Custom dog cakes and treats are not just a great addition to your wedding; they’re a testament to how much your furry friends mean to you.
Picture this: while you and your guests are nibbling on the wedding cake, your four-legged guests could be savouring their very own slice of heaven. It’s a charming touch that not only spoils your beloved pets but also brings a smile to everyone’s face.
Getting these custom delights made is easier than you might think. A quick chat with a pet bakery (yes, they exist, and they’re fabulous!) will set you on the right path to including dogs at weddings.
These culinary wizards can whip up everything from grain-free mini cakes adorned with your dog’s name to gourmet biscuits that fit your wedding theme to a T.
Fancy a rustic country wedding? Opt for treats shaped like bones or paw prints. Leaning towards something a bit more elegant? How about dog-friendly macarons in pastel hues to match your colour scheme?
But here’s the cracker – it’s not just about the aesthetics. Ensuring these treats are as healthy as they are tasty is paramount. That’s why pet bakeries use ingredients that are not only safe for dogs but also downright nutritious. We’re talking peanut butter, pumpkin, and sweet potato – all the good stuff that dogs go nuts for!
Including custom dog cakes and treats is a way of making them feel included, celebrated, and above all, loved on a day that’s all about love!
Including Dogs in the Wedding Ceremony
The delight of seeing your furry baby trotting down the aisle, with a ring tied gently to their collar, or simply perched by your side as you exchange those heartfelt vows!
Including dogs in the wedding ceremony is about incorporating them into the important parts of your day, in a way that’s meaningful to both you and them.
Imagine the scene: your beloved pooch, dressed in a bow tie or floral garland that matches the wedding theme, making their grand entrance, possibly alongside the flower girls or as the most adorable ring bearer you could wish for. It’s these moments that create unforgettable memories and capture everyone’s hearts!
Now, pulling this off without a hitch does require a wee bit of planning. You’ll want to ensure there’s someone—a dog-loving bridesmaid or groomsmen, perhaps—dedicated to looking after your pup’s needs during the ceremony.
They can help keep them calm amidst the excitement, ensure they’re in the right place at the right time, and maybe even assist with a quick exit if your dog decides it’s nap time before you’ve even kissed the bride!
Let’s not forget, it’s crucial that your dog feels comfortable and happy with the role they’re playing. A little rehearsal goes a long way in making sure dogs at weddings are not overwhelmed on the day.
Whether it’s a stroll down the aisle or a quiet sit-down by your feet as you tie the knot, including your dog in the ceremony is a beautiful way to affirm that they’re an integral part of your family and life together.
After all, it’s these personal touches that make your wedding uniquely yours!
Bringing Your Dogs to the Pre-Wedding Photoshoot
Sadly, not every wedding venue opens its doors to our four-legged friends, but don’t worry!
Your dog can still play a starring role in your wedding journey. Why not have them join in on the pre-wedding photoshoot? It’s a lovely way to ensure they’re not left out of the festivities, capturing those fun-loving moments together.
Including your pooch in the photoshoot adds a dash of personality and fun to your wedding album. Imagine frolicking in the golden hour sunlight or sharing a quiet moment, all wrapped up in the beautiful prelude to your wedding day.
It’s these candid, joyful moments with your furry pal that bring a unique sparkle to your wedding memories.
Worried about keeping your dog engaged during the shoot? Pack their favourite toy or treat to catch their attention and keep those tails wagging. And if the idea of coordinating poses with your pup seems daunting, don’t worry!
A photographer, like me, who’s a dab hand at working with animals can make the experience a walk in the park. They’ll know just how to capture the magic between you and your four-legged family member.
So, if the wedding day itself can’t accommodate dogs at weddings, seize the opportunity to make the pre-wedding photoshoot a memorable, furry-filled affair. It’s the perfect compromise, ensuring your dog is part of the journey to your happily ever after.
Plus, it’s a chance to showcase your complete family unit, paws and all, before the big day rolls around!
Making Your Wedding Paws-itively Perfect
Your wedding day is a celebration of love, and what better way to make it truly unforgettable than by including your furry best friend? With these 5 fun ways to incorporate dogs at weddings, from choosing a pet-friendly venue to creating special moments with custom treats and photoshoots, these ideas will ensure your dog is part of your joyous occasion.
As you plan your beautiful day, remember that incorporating your dog isn’t just about adding fun – it’s about celebrating the bond you share with them. So, go ahead, let your pup be a part of your love story, and make your wedding day a paws-itively perfect celebration!
Get in touch with me and let’s see if we are an ideal match for your wedding photography in North Yorkshire, or beyond!
