Should my dog be in my wedding?

Nov 1

YES!

Listen, I’m pretty sure every wedding could be improved by the presence of at least one dog. But the reality is: not every dog is going to enjoy being part of a wedding day. And that’s okay!

If your dog is anxious, easily overwhelmed, or more of a committed homebody, consider including them in your engagement session instead. It’s a lower-pressure environment, you’ll get adorable photos, and they’ll have a chance to be themselves without a room of strangers clapping nearby.

But if your dog is a good fit for the big day, you’ve got options, lots of them:

Ways to Include Your Dog

Have your dog attend the entire wedding
My obvious favorite. They get to be part of the whole story: morning snuggles, portraits, ceremony cameos, dance-floor chaos.
Bring them just for portraits
We can build time into your timeline so your dog joins for couples photos, family pictures, or any special moments you want captured.
Aisle moment
Flower pup, ring bearer, or proud companion walking down the aisle, whatever suits their personality.

Tips for a Smooth Dog-At-Your-Wedding Experience

Assign a dog wrangler
Someone your dog already knows and trusts is ideal. But if that’s not an option…
Hire a professional dog attendant
A dog escort, wedding-day handler, trainer, walker, or the staff from your doggy daycare are perfect. They can keep your dog safe, hydrated, calm, and loved and whisk them off to their own sleepover party if they’re not staying all night.
Tire your dog out the day before
Give them a “big day before the big day” a long walk, extra play, mental stimulation. A dog who’s gotten their energy out is far more relaxed and easier to include on your wedding day.
Practice the outfit
If your dog is wearing a bow tie, floral collar, jacket, or anything special, try it out at home a few times so it feels natural.
Add a “quiet break” plan
Even social dogs need a reset. Make sure there’s a comfortable spot where they can step away from the noise with their handler.
Pack a doggy day-of kit
Water bowl, treats, wipes, poop bags, a brush, and anything that makes them feel at ease.
Check with your venue early
Some are extremely dog-friendly; others have restrictions. Knowing ahead of time avoids stress later.

And don’t forget the Doggie First Look. Yes, it’s a thing. Yes, it’s fabulous.

Another Great Option: Honor Them Without Having Them There

If your dog isn’t exactly the “let’s party with room full of people” type, you can still feature them in meaningful and adorable ways. Consider a tribute: drawings of them on your napkins, custom cocktail stir sticks, a dance-floor cutout, printed socks, or even a veil embroidered with their sweet face. It’s a perfect way to include them without overwhelming them and guests will absolutely love it.