16 Ways to Include Your Pet in Your Wedding

Your fur baby is incredibly important to you and your fiancé, and you want to include your four-legged family member in your wedding. Whether it's serving as a ring bearer, joining in on the first dance, or naming a signature cocktail after them, there are many creative ways to make your pet part of your special day. We’ve listed a few fun ideas to incorporate your dog, cat, cockatoo, hedgehog, horse, or any other pet in your wedding. 

There are some things to consider before deciding if fido or the family cat will be there in person on your wedding day. How is their temperament? Do they get anxious around many people, especially lots of new people? Are they trained and well-behaved, or are they known to make a run for it if they catch the scent of a nearby groundhog? You’ll also need to know if your wedding venue allows pets and if there is room for them at the ceremony or reception location. Churches and some historic venues may not let you bring an animal on site. If you don’t feel comfortable having your pet in attendance, or you’re unable to bring them with you, you can still find ways to incorporate them into your celebration. 

If you choose to bring your pet to your ceremony and reception, consider hiring a pet care service to assist in caring for them throughout the day. While you want to include them in as many activities as possible, you also don’t want to worry about holding a leash all day and tending to potty breaks. Pets also get tired with so much activity, and they’ll likely need a nap in a quiet space. A wedding-specific pet care service can make sure you’re able to include your pup in your pictures, while also making sure he is comfortable and cared for throughout the day. 

Include Your Pet in Your Engagement

Ready to spend the rest of your life with your true love? There are lots of creative ways to make your pet part of your proposal. You can create a sign to set up near your beloved hedgehog, don your kitty in a bow tie, or even have your well-trained pup deliver the ring. 

Announce Your Upcoming Wedding on Social Media 

Dress up your fur babies in formal wear, and decorate a backdrop with florals and/or elements from your wedding theme or season. Then take some photos and announce, “My humans (or even better - hoomans) are getting married!” on your social media platforms. You will likely receive a lot of “awws” along with your friends’ congratulations. 

Walk the Bride Down the Aisle

When your guests see you in your wedding gown for the first time, you’ll also have your furry friend by your side. This is a great option if you prefer not to have a family member “give you away.” It also works well for an elopement or micro wedding. 

Mention Your Pet During Your Ceremony

If your pet can’t be there in person, have your officiant mention them during the ceremony. You can also include them in your personalized vows, or have an attendant read a pet-themed poem. 

Walk Down the Aisle with the Wedding Party

Ask your maid of honor or best man to walk with your leashed pet during the procession. Have a pocket-sized cutie? See if a member of the bridal party is comfortable carrying them. 

Flower Pet 

Use the same type of flowers in your bouquet and centerpieces to create a flower crown for your pet, or decorate her collar. Have her walk down the aisle solo or with a member of the wedding party. 

Ring Bearer 

Attach a pillow and ring to your dog’s harness before he makes his way down the aisle. You can also dress him up in an outfit or bandana that states “I’m the ring bearer.” Some companies also sell doggie bow ties with a place to attach a set of rings. 

Dress Up Your Pet 

What’s cuter than your pet in a sharp bow tie or floofy miniature dress? Maybe opt for a tiara to match the bride’s sparkle and shine, or find an ensemble that goes with the groom’s attire. When it comes time to snap photos, they’ll fit right in with the rest of the wedding crew. 

Have Your Pet in Your Dressing Suite 

While you’re getting ready, give your pet a place to chill with you and your wedding party. Set up a comfy bed, and their food and water bowls. If they’re small enough, they may even curl up on your lap while you’re getting your hair done. Your suite also serves as a great place for your pet to retreat during the day with their pet sitter/handler to get some downtime from the day’s activities. 

Include Them in Photos with the Wedding Party 

If you’re including your pet on your wedding day, you’ll definitely want to take as many pictures with them as possible. Let them join in for formal and candid shots with the wedding party. We suggest finding a wedding photographer who has experience capturing great pet moments. 

Formal Photos 

You’ll absolutely want to make sure your pet is included in photos with you and your new spouse. Choose a beautiful location to have them pose with you, then let your pet sitter give them some love and attention while you continue your photoshoot. Consider making them part of one or two other photo ops too, like your first look. 

Let Them Sit at the Altar

If you have just the goodest boy (or girl) who will sit without trying to run off, have them stay at the altar with you. It adds a special element to your photos. Make sure you have someone on standby, like a pet sitter or family member, who can guide them to a place to get some energy out if they start to get rambunctious. 

Decorate Their Leash

Incorporate your wedding colors in your pet’s leash so they coordinate with the rest of the wedding party. Add flowers, greenery, faux gemstones, or ribbon to make it pop. We suggest using a green collar and leash so the florals will blend in without a stark contrast. 

First Dance 

Does your pup like to sway to the music with you while you’re dancing in the kitchen? Include them in your first dance! They can join you in the middle or towards the end. Make sure your photographer is aware you plan to include them so she gets some memorable photos.

Include Them in Your Stationery  

This is a great way to include your pet in your wedding, even if they can’t be in attendance. Feature their face on save the date cards and invitations. You can even include them on table number cards and napkins. 

Name a Signature Cocktail After Them 

Whether they are there or not, you can create a special drink inspired by your pet. Perhaps a quirky tropical drink for your cockatoo, or something smooth and chill that represents your Irish Wolfhound. You can also find a slew of different cocktails online named for different dog breeds.