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“From the Sadie’s Mouth 🐾.      Tips for including dogs at a wedding on your Big Day”

A wedding day is one of the most special moments in someone’s life, so why not include dogs at a wedding?  Isn’t your dog your best furry friend? If you’re a dog lover, incorporating dogs at a wedding can add a unique and personal touch that will make your big day even more memorable. Here are some creative ways to include your dog in your wedding:

How to Be the Star of Wedding Photos 🐾.

 Tips from Sadie the Dog!

Hi there! My name is Sadie, and I absolutely love weddings! 🎉 But you know what I love even more? Being in wedding pictures! I’m a real ham (yep, I love eating ham too), and I’ve mastered the art of sneaking into those beautiful moments captured by wedding photographers.

Whether you’re a dog like me or a curious kitty, I’ve got some pawsome tips to help you shine in those wedding photos. Ready to be a star? Let’s get started!

Coordinate with the Photographer

If possible, have your humans give the photographer a heads-up that you’ll be present.  People love pictures that include dogs at a wedding.    This way, they can keep an eye out for your furry face and make sure to include you in the picture-perfect moments.

Weddings are not just a celebration of love between two people, but an occasion where family and friends gather to share in the joy. And for many of us, our pets are an integral part of our family. If you’re considering involving your furry friends in your special day, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some creative and heartwarming ideas to incorporate your dog (or even kitty) into your wedding.

Why humans should have dogs at a wedding?

Pets bring an unparalleled level of joy and authenticity to any occasion. We are loyal, loving, and let’s face it, we are adorable! Including us in your parents big day can make their event even more memorable. Plus, we can help calm those pre-wedding jitters that humans sometime get.  We can also add a unique, personal touch to the ceremony and photos.

Creative Ideas for Including us dogs in your wedding pictures. 

Engagement Photoshoots

First, humans should start by including us in the engagement photoshoot.  Capturing candid moments of humans playing us makes most brides and grooms heart melt.   Whether we are playfully running around or sitting at your feet, these shots will add a whimsical and heartfelt element to all the wedding photos.

Fur-Ever Love: Including Your Pooch in Engagement Photos

First of all, why wouldn’t you?  Considering your dog is a part of your family and has been there through thick and thin. Including them engagement photos is a way to capture the entire family and share your love story in a unique way.

Key Tips for Including  us dogs in Engagement Photos

Choose Outdoor Locations

Dogs love to be outdoors. Whether it’s a park, the beach, or even your backyard, any outdoor setting will make us puppies and dogs happy. Natural settings also provide a beautiful backdrop for engagement photos and offer plenty of space for us dogs to roam.

Bring an Extra Pair of Hands

Sometimes we may get too happy, and that’s just because we love our humans so much. One word of advice: bring another human along to help. Chances are you’ll also want some just-engaged couple alone time. Having someone else around to keep us dogs occupied can give humans the freedom to take those romantic, kissy human pictures.

Plan for Breaks

Sometimes us dogs get tired, too. Make sure to plan for breaks, where we can rest and recharge. Bring water and some treats to keep us doggies hydrated and happy.

Dress us up

Why not have your us wear something special for the occasion? A cute bow tie, a floral collar, or even a bandana that says “I Do Too!” can add an extra layer of adorableness to the engagement photos.

Safety First

Make sure the location you choose is safe for your dog. Avoid areas with heavy traffic or hazardous terrains. Also, keep your dog on a leash unless you are in a secure, enclosed area.

Capture Candid Moments

Some of the best shots are the unscripted ones. Allow your photographer to capture candid moments of you and your dog interacting naturally. These genuine moments often result in the most heartwarming photos.

Incorporate Playtime

Bring your dog’s favorite toy and incorporate some playtime into the photo session. This can help keep them engaged and bring out their playful side, making for some delightful action shots.

Save the Date Cards

Use a photo from your engagement shoot featuring your pet to create unique “Save the Date” cards. Your guests will love the personal touch, and it sets the tone for a pet-friendly wedding.

Wedding Invitations

Why not feature us as an illustration or caricature on the wedding invitations? It’s a fun and creative way to showcase your doggie as part of the family.

Here are some of the best ways to  feature dogs at a wedding 🐾.

Let us be the wedding Ring Bearer

Nothing adds fun and excitement to a wedding like a dog being the wedding ring bearer. Imagine the delight on your guests’ faces as your well-dressed pup trots down the aisle with the rings. However, it’s essential to plan this role carefully.

Tips for a Successful Ring Bearer Pup

• Tie a Stand-In Ring: If you’re concerned about losing the actual wedding rings, tie a stand-in ring to your dog’s collar. Use the real rings during the ceremony to avoid any mishaps.
• Choose a Well-Trained Dog: Ensure that the dog chosen for this task is well-trained and comfortable around crowds. A nervous or overly friendly pup might get distracted.
• Have a Doggie Buddy: To prevent your dog from wandering off or becoming too excited, have a buddy walk them down the aisle. This could be a close friend, family member, or even the groom himself.

Keeping us Pups Occupied

While having your dog as part of the ceremony is heartwarming, the wedding ceremony is primarily about the bride and groom. To ensure your pup doesn’t become a distraction, assign a guest or doggie handler to keep them occupied during the proceedings.

The Role of a Guest or Doggie Handler  –

Here is a link to an amazing doggie handler who specializes in dogs at a wedding.  Forever & Fur Always

• Provide Entertainment: Make sure that the handler keeps your dog entertained with toys or treats, so they don’t get bored or restless.
• Designated Area: Set up a designated area where your dog can relax and feel comfortable when they’re not part of the ceremony.

Styling Your Wedding Pup

Your dog is part of your family, so why not dress them up for the occasion?  Sometimes us dogs don’t like to play dress us so ask us first.  However, there are plenty of adorable outfits and accessories available to make us doggies  look wedding-ready.

Outfit Ideas

• Tuxedo or Dress: Many pet stores offer formal wear for dogs, including tuxedos, dresses, and even bow ties.
• Flower Collars: Add a touch of nature by adorning your dog’s collar with fresh flowers that match your wedding theme.
• Bandanas: For a more casual look, consider a custom bandana with your dog’s name or a sweet message.

Capturing the Moment

Don’t forget to capture these precious moments! Inform Jeff the photographer in advance that your dog will be part of the ceremony, so they can prepare to take some memorable shots.

Photo Tips

• Candid Moments: Capture candid moments of your dog interacting with guests or being walked down the aisle.
• Posed Photos: Include your pup in your wedding portraits. Whether they’re sitting by your side or giving you a loving lick, these photos will be cherished forever.

  

Flower Dog

If your pet is more of a showstopper, consider making them the flower dog. Adorn them with a floral wreath or a decorative harness and have them trot down the aisle ahead of the bride.

Wedding Attire

Dress your pet in wedding-appropriate attire. From mini tuxedos to adorable flower crowns, there are many options available to make your pet look picture-perfect. Just ensure that whatever they wear is comfortable and safe.

 Wedding Photos

Include your pet in your official wedding photos. A shot of you and your partner surrounded by your beloved pets can be the perfect keepsake. Consider taking a few candid shots during the ceremony and the reception as well.

 Reception Appearances

If your venue is pet-friendly, allow your pet to make an appearance at the reception. Whether they join you for the first dance or simply mingle with the guests, their presence will undoubtedly be a highlight.

Pet-Friendly Wedding Favors

Send your guests home with pet-themed wedding favors. Custom-made dog treats or little catnip toys can be a delightful way to share your love for your pet with your guests.

More Creative Ways to Include Dogs at a Wedding 🐾.

Make Your Dog Part of the Wedding Party

Why It’s a Great Idea

Including your dog in the wedding party is a wonderful way to honor their role in your life. Not only does it add a personal touch to the ceremony, but it also creates adorable photo opportunities.

Incorporate your dogs at a wedding in photos.

Wedding photos that include your dog are not only cute but also add a unique element to your wedding album. These photos will serve as cherished memories for years to come.

How to Do It

• Pre-Ceremony Photoshoot: Arrange a separate photo session with your dog before the ceremony starts.
• Family Portraits: Include your dog in the family and wedding party portraits for a complete family picture.

Name a Signature Drink After Your Dog.

This is a great way to include dogs at a wedding.

Why It’s a Great Idea

A signature drink named after your dog adds a fun and personalized touch to your wedding reception. It’s a great conversation starter and makes your dog a part of the celebration.

How to Do It

• Create a Custom Recipe: Work with your bartender to create a drink that matches your dog’s personality. For example, a “Fido Fizz” could be a bubbly cocktail.
• Custom Signage: Design a cute sign with your dog’s picture and the drink recipe to display at the bar.

 

Have Your Dog’s Face Printed on the Groom’s Socks

This is a subtle yet meaningful way to include your dog in the wedding. It’s also a fun surprise for the groom and a great way to showcase your love for your pet.

How to Do It

• Custom Socks: Order socks with your dog’s face printed on them. These can be easily found online from custom print shops.
• Unveil During Photos: Have the groom reveal the socks during a special moment in the wedding photoshoot.

Why It’s a Great Idea

If you’re also a cat lover, don’t leave your feline friends out of the celebration. There are creative ways to include them, even if they can’t attend in person.

• Cat-Themed Decor: Incorporate cat-themed elements into your wedding decor, such as table centerpieces or cake toppers.
• Cat Photos: Display framed photos of your cats at the reception or on the guest book table.

Include a Donation to Your Favorite Dog Charity

Including a donation to a dog charity in lieu of traditional wedding favors is a meaningful way to give back. It shows your guests your commitment to animal welfare and leaves a lasting impact.

• Charity Cards: Place small cards on each table informing guests of the donation made in their honor.
• Donation Box: Set up a donation box at the reception for guests who wish to contribute.

Use a Cut-Out of Your Dog’s Face as a Photo Booth Prop

Photo booths are always a hit at weddings, and adding a cut-out of your dog’s face makes it even more fun and memorable for your guests.

• Create the Cut-Outs: Order custom cut-outs of your dog’s face online or make them yourself.
• Set Up the Booth: Place these props in the photo booth for guests to use during the reception.

Conclusion

Incorporating us dogs into your wedding is a heartfelt way to celebrate your love for your furry friend. From including them in the wedding party to naming a signature drink after them, there are numerous creative ways to ensure they’re part of your special day.

Check out Lauren & Aaron’s luxury Vizcaya wedding – They took amazing pictures with their doggie.

Ready to make your wedding unforgettable?   Call Jeff Kolodny Photography at 954 560-1533 today and explore more ways to make your dog a star at your wedding.

Happy planning! 🐾💍