How to Incorporate Pets in Your Wedding?
Photographer: Alisha Tova Photography
People ask us all the time… How can we incorporate our furry baby into our wedding? If you find yourself asking the same question, this post is for you!
It is important to include family members and close friends into your wedding day, especially the furry ones! Pets have a special place in our hearts, providing unconditional love, so it is only right to have them by your side on your wedding day. We want the love and personality of your pets to shine through in special details, making your wedding day even more memorable. Here are some creative and unique ways to include your pets at your wedding:
Celebrity Appearance
Your pet can make a celebrity appearance at your wedding! However, you must have the right plan in place:
Make sure that you have booked a pet-friendly venue.
Know your pet! Will your furry friend be comfortable in a new environment? Will they be calm around a lot of people? Make sure you know your pet can handle making an appearance.
Assign a pet handler. You want to make sure you choose someone who is not an integral part of your wedding to take care of your pet while at the venue. It is also important to implement a plan to get your pet to and from the venue. Do not forget, if the pet handler is invited to your wedding, they will be leaving with your pet and will miss some of your day.
Bring plenty of treats to reward and comfort your pet.
Celebrity appearance ideas:
Include your pet in pre-ceremony wedding photos! This is a great way to incorporate your pets in a more controlled and calm environment - ideal for pets that may not be comfortable around a lot of people. Plus, these pre-ceremony photos will add the paw-fect touch to your wedding album! You can even do a special first look with your pet(s)!
Dress your pet up to walk down the aisle! Consider a tux, bow tie, dress, or floral wreath that matches your wedding theme to ensure your furry friends are as stylish as they are special. This adorable detail will not only make for the best photos but will also charm your guests. Pro tip: It is a good idea for your pet handler to walk down the aisle with your pet for a better-controlled situation.
Exit or get away with your furry friend! Arrange for someone to bring your pet(s) to you at the end of the reception. Then you can exit your reception as a family! Your pet may also enjoy a ride in your getaway vehicle.
Signature Cocktails or Bar Décor
If your pet cannot physically be at your wedding, there are plenty of creative ways to include them in your celebration!
Consider incorporating your furry friend's name and likeness at the bar! One charming idea is to feature signature cocktails named after your furry friends. You can also customize your bar signs to include a photo, paw print, or illustration of your pet(s).
Let’s take it a step further you can even order customized cocktail napkins and stirrers that showcase your beloved pets. These thoughtful touches will ensure your pets are there in spirit to help get the party started!
Cake Décor
One of our favorite ways to include your pet in your wedding is through the cake décor!
Imagine a small figurine of your furry friend playfully taking a bite of the cake or positioned as a cake topper. These adorable additions let your pet's personality shine through, making your cake not just a sweet treat but also an unforgettable detail of your celebration.
Photographer: Emily Elizabeth Photography
Life-Size Cutouts | Photo Props
Consider adding life-size cutouts of your pets as fun photo props or for making special appearances throughout your wedding day. These cutouts can be placed strategically for guests to interact with during the reception and the cutouts can even be placed in the audience for your ceremony. Don’t forget to use them at your photo booth. Life-size cutouts add a playful and personalized touch that everyone will adore!
Favors
Include your furry friends in your wedding favors.
Koozies: Your guests will love a themed koozie favor. Adding an illustration of your pet makes it more special!
Cookies: Pet-shaped cookies or cookies with your pets iced on them are sweet treats to thank your guests for celebrating with you.
Favors for pets: Consider gifting pet-safe treats to all of your friends and family’s furry friends. Make sure to clearly mark that they are pet treats and not human treats!
Stationery
There are many ways to include your pets in your stationery! Check out these ideas:
Save the Dates: Take engagement photos with your pet(s) and then use that photo on your save the dates.
Invites: Design a wedding crest that incorporates your pet(s) and use that on your invite.
Table Numbers: Include a photo or illustration of your pet(s) at each table.
Welcome Sign: Use the custom crest from your invites or include an illustration of your pet(s) on your welcome sign.
Seating Chart: Use the same custom crest to carry it throughout your wedding signage or use a fun pet-themed greeting like “Come, Sit, Stay” on your seating chart.
Photographer: Victoria Saint Martin
Wedding Attire
Integrating your furry friend into your attire reflects the bond you share, keeping your pet(s) as close to you as possible. Take inspiration from these ideas:
Custom Tie
Embroidered Pocket Square
Custom Suit Lining
Cufflinks
Charm for bouquet or boutonniere
Pet-themed socks
Are you a pet lover who still needs more? Explore these additional ideas to incorporate your furry friends even further into your special day:
Neon sign of your pet(s)
Ice sculpture
Pet-inspired groom’s cake
Add pet items to your registry
Animal-shaped ring dish for your flat lay photos
Donations:
Instead of gifts, please donate to the shelter where we found our furry friends
Instead of favors, we donated to the shelter where we found our furry friends
Include a pet adoption or rescue story in your wedding program
Include your pet(s) of honor in your program or on your wedding website
Including your pet on your wedding day simply makes it better!
Whether your furry friends are walking down the aisle, featured in décor, or included in your attire and favors, your pet can play a special role in making your wedding day uniquely yours. Your wedding day is a celebration of your love, and having your pet by your side makes it all the more meaningful! Let’s make your wedding purrrrrfect!