Photos by George Street Photo & Video.
Who says your wedding guest list has to be humans-only? If your loyal companion (of the four-legged variety, that is!) has stuck by your side from the beginning, then it’s a great idea to consider making your pet part of your wedding festivities, heeling at the altar as you say ‘I do’!
Still, from the ceremony to the reception — not to mention photo ops in between — you may be wondering how your furry pal will fit into the celebration. Take a seat and check out our tips for including your prized pet in your special day!
By Your Side. Through it all, your pet has been there to comfort you, support you and boost your spirits. So, why not make them a member of the wedding party? Having Spot next to you at the altar is a sweet way to make him apart of the day and will certainly be a crowd pleaser! Plus, we guarantee you’ll hear one collective “aww!” from your guests when they see him dressed up in a dog-sized tuxedo!
Here Comes the Pup! Your pet is undoubtedly a treasured member of your family — but it’s important to keep in mind that they aren’t human. That means commands like “sit” or “stay” may not work when it comes to keeping cool at the altar! If you worry your precious pup may not sit through the whole ceremony, consider asking a member of your bridal party to walk him down the aisle! Attach a “Here Comes the Bride” sign to your pup’s collar and voila — a moment that’s too cute for words!
Pet-Friendly Details. If your guests know you well enough, then they’re well aware of the valuable role your pet plays in your life and relationship! Including your pet in the wedding details and decor is one way to emphasize just how much they mean to you. A photo or illustration of your pet can provide the perfect personal touch to your invitations or reception decor. You can also honor your pet by asking guests to make donations to your favorite animal-focused charity! There’s truly no better way to pay tribute to your loyal companion.
Star of Your Save-the-Dates. Even if you can’t include your precious pooch in the wedding, there’s always the option of incorporating him or her in your engagement photos and save-the-dates! After all, what better way to announce your engagement to the world than with man’s best friend by your side?
While your pet-friendly wedding is guaranteed to be unforgettable and utterly adorable, it doesn’t come without a little due diligence. Be sure that your wedding guests do not have any pet allergies, or notify them so they can prepare appropriately. And don’t forget to tell your photographer that your pet will be on the guest list! That way, they can dream up plenty of fun shots ahead of time. With those tips in mind, your pet will undoubtedly be everyone’s favorite wedding guest!
Amanda Liberatore is the mastermind behind George Street Photo & Video’s blog and social media resources. When she’s not scouring the internet for the latest wedding tips, trends and adorable details, she’s shopping at Kate Spade or poring over her favorite fashion blogs!