Weddings bring together our most cherished loved ones, and for many couples, that group wouldn’t be the same without their beloved pets—even if they don’t set paws on the ceremony grounds. Hoping to incorporate yours into the big day? We asked a few wedding pros to share the ways they’ve seen dogs and cats help their parents say “I do.”
Making your pet a part of your nuptials can begin long before the wedding day itself. For Francesca DiSalvo-Follmer, owner of Pure Luxe Bride, a favorite way for clients to celebrate furry friends is by designing them into invitation suite artwork. “It’s a fun, slightly whimsical way for couples to make invites incredibly personal to them,” she says. Even if your invitations favor formality, consider incorporating your pet into a detail card, envelope liner, or RSVP card, she adds.
Mac & B Events owner Carri Tanner notes that the same custom crest, monogram, or other illustration can easily be carried through to day-of decor. “Guests always love it because they know how much the couple loves their pet,” she says. Tanner and her team have helped transform art into everything from menus and place cards to bar decor and even an emblazoned dance floor.
Day-Of Dos & Don’ts
If you’re planning to have your pup guest star on your wedding day, keep these pointers in mind.
Check With Your Venue - Not all are pet-friendly. First things first: confirm with the on-site manager that they allow pets on the premises.
Hire a Dog Nanny - They handle everything from transport to timeline, grooming to boarding. It’s a great alternative to asking a guest or wedding party member to take the reins.
Consider the Crowd - Pets can get day-of nerves too! Even normally social pups might become overwhelmed being surrounded by so many people.
Inform Your Vendors - Let vendors know in advance that your pooch will be in attendance, and communicate any special measures you’d like them to take, be it creating a floral collar or snapping special photos.
Schedule a Practice Run - Bring your dog to the ceremony site before the big day so they can explore and get familiar with the setting. If participating in the wedding, they should also attend rehearsal.
Get Ready Together - Even if you don’t incorporate your pet into your ceremony, they can hang with the wedding party as you get ready for the main event.
Molly and Chris’s colleagues at J.P. Morgan in New York had a feeling the two were perfect for each other and tried for months to set them up. When they finally met up at an event? Cue: magic. Over...
After Long Islanders Tom and Danielle met in chorus class during their freshman year of high school, it took him a full year to build up enough courage to ask her to be his girlfriend. Her response...
On the first day of college at the University of Georgia, a complete stranger tried to convince Sarah to drop freshman English; he’d heard the professor was terrible. Turns out the professor was,...
To all the single ladies (and gents): Valentine’s Day isn’t only for those already in love. As Alex and Pete’s story proves, it may be the perfect day for a meet-cute. Pennsylvania-born Pete was in...
Four days before Allison and Brendan’s dream Charleston wedding, Hurricane Florence was making its way toward the Lowcountry and the city was under evacuation orders. The Dallas-based couple pulled...
Courtney wasn’t looking to settle down, but when friends convinced her to take Kristen on a date, something felt different. Before long, they found themselves in a long-distance relationship—Courtney...
Bumble may be responsible for introducing this couple, but it was a magical first date filled with sushi, hours of conversation, karaoke, and endless laughter that truly brought together Michelle and...
Maggie and Mike’s story puts a whole new spin on bro-mance. It all started in Chicago when her boss, who was dating a fellow named Eric, wanted to set Maggie up with her boyfriend’s younger brother....
Two foodies—he’s worked at Oceana, The Obstinate Daughter, and Wild Olive and she’s penning her first cookbook—tie the knot on All Hallows’ Eve at the bride’s family home on Sullivan’s Island
