During the 2020 wedding season, we got to see more dogs at weddings than we have in past seasons. This is likely because most weddings were held outdoors or were quite intimate and were held mostly in our couples' backyard. As we hope to see more adorable doggies at weddings this coming season, we thought we'd share some tips on including your precious fur babies on your wedding day celebration! For this blog, we will use dogs as examples because they are the most common pet (and really, we have yet to see a cat at a wedding!), but the tips are definitely all applicable to whatever kind of pet you have!
Btw, thinking of bringing your dogs to your engagement session? See some tips here! [5 TIPS FOR BRINGING YOUR PET TO YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION]
comfort is the number one priority.
The number one thing to remember is that having your dog at your wedding will only work if all the parties involved (i.e. your dog and you) are comfortable with the situation. Some dogs get nervous or wild when surrounded by so many strangers. Some dogs may get super-shy when there are so many things going on, and some may get super irritated to have to be handled, on a leash mostly, for most of the wedding day. Similarly, you as the bride or the groom may spend most of your wedding day worrying about what your dog is doing, whether your dog might act out, and so on, and that doesn't make for a fun wedding day either! If any of these worries apply to you or your dog, then it might best to have your dog stay at home where they are most comfortable. They can always be part and have his/her photo taken during your "getting ready."
There are, of course, ways to make your dog feel more comfortable. Having a copious amount of treats will definitely work for my corgi, but it can also be as simple as just limiting the number of hours spent by your dog at the venue or having a quiet downtime away from people. Remember that humans get tired on wedding days, too, so imagine your poor dog being exposed to many unfamiliar things and people all at once! Lastly, having a rehearsal with your dog, whether at your home or at the venue, will go a long way in increasing your dog's comfort level.
2. check in with your venue.
Sadly, not all venues will allow any animals in the vicinity for many reasons, including health and safety bylaws, especially if there's good being served. When I got married at the Nature Museum in Ottawa, pets are definitely not allowed because there are so many fragile exhibits on display, not to mention the building's historical and architectural significance. With so many venues with outdoor options now in Ottawa, you can definitely find one that will allow your dog on the property. If you are getting married in your or someone's backyard, that's a plus because it offers a lot more flexibility! So, ask your venue; ask if there are additional fees or if you need to purchase insurance. If dogs are allowed, make sure you know the rules and communicate that to whoever is taking care of your dog! Many sure to let all the relevant people know about your dog's role at the wedding, including your wedding planner, officiant, venue coordinator, and your wedding party.
3. Assign a designated handler!
As mentioned above, your dog must have a dedicated handler on the day of the wedding. While you as the bride or groom might like to take on this task, I assure you, you will be too busy with all your other wedding responsibilities to do this well (see tip #1 regarding comfort). :D So, what does being a dog handler entail on the day of the wedding? It can involve many things depending on your preference, but generally, it includes:
Taking your dog to the groomer before the ceremony or taking your dog for a long walk to relieve excess energy.
Dressing your dog up and facilitating your dog's involvement in the ceremony, pictures, and other parts of the wedding.
Transporting your dog to/from the ceremony or reception spaces or to/from the boarding kennel.
Keeping your dog comfortable and occupied during downtime!
Keeping your dog from jumping on you and your guests.
The handler's responsibility can extend beyond the wedding day to honeymoon vacation right after the wedding day as well. The good news, too, is that the handler's responsibility doesn't have to fall on one of your guests or wedding party members. In Ottawa, there are so many dog handling services that cater to weddings. Check out Ottawa Pet Sitter, Bone Voyage, Dayna’s Pet Sitting, or ask your wedding planner for suggestions!
4. Have a game plan but be flexible.
You may choose to have your dog walk down the aisle with your rings or be in all of the family photos. Similarly, you might want your dog to be at the reception with a special dog meal served just for them! There are countless ways your dog can play an adorable role on your special day.
That being said, it is important to be okay with your plans not working out! Animals know nothing about wedding etiquette. Hell, many people don't know anything about said etiquette. Expect the unexpected and take it all in stride; having your dog at your wedding is already such a fantastic memory to have and be documented, so be okay if your dog starts acting up or have to leave the venue earlier than planned.
Below are just some wedding videos we’ve shot were we have our couples’ doggies be part of their special day! If you have any other helpful tips on how to include pets on wedding day, let us know by leaving a comment down below! Happy wedding planning!
Adorable Dog Sighting at 2:19 of the video!
James and Mark’s adorable pooch at 3:57
Lots of dog sighting here: 1:02, 1:15, and 1:20 among them!
Precious doggie at 2:32.