Unique Wedding Idea: Include Your Pets!

Weddings are all about celebrating the love that you have for your partner, but who was there to cuddle up to on those long lonely nights before you met? That’s right, your faithful, adoring four-legged friend. When it comes to unconditional love, there’s nothing like the bond between you and your pet, so it’s natural to want pets to be a part of the most important day of your life. Your pet is probably way more important to you than the long lost aunt you never see, so here are a few ideas on how to include them in your wedding and ensure it goes without a hitch!

1.Ensure Your Pet Will be Well Received
Before you decide to give Fido a starring role, check to make sure that your guests and venue are pet friendly. If an important member of your wedding party suffers from pet allergies, then perhaps you should limit your pet’s participation. If having your pet play a part in your nuptials is absolutely essential, make sure you get a green light before you book your venue.

2. Train, Train, Train
You know your pet better than anybody else, so now is not the time to over-exaggerate its abilities! Yes, it would be lovely to have your dog trot smartly up the aisle with a cushion bearing your unique engagement rings, but deep down you know if that’s realistically going to happen. Train your pet for as long as possible and familiarize it with the venue beforehand if you want to include it as a ring bearer or flower-pet. If your pet is skittish or even just overly friendly, then have a friend carry it down the aisle.

3. Appoint a Pet Sitter
You and your beloved are going to have plenty to think about without worrying whether your kitten has been leaving unexpected wedding favors dotted around the venue! It’s important to appoint someone to take responsibility for your pet. They should be happy to keep an eye on it, take it outside if it becomes uncomfortable, clean up any little accidents and be a general chaperone where your pet is concerned. Make sure it’s someone your pet is comfortable with, and someone who can control your pet if necessary (your six year old niece and your 150 lb Saint Bernard are not a match made in heaven).

4. Expect the Unexpected
Remember that old saying about children and animals? When pets are involved, expect the unexpected! Your pet could decide to jump up and kiss you during the vows, run away with the rings, or even treat itself to the wedding cake, so try to embrace these little hiccups! Often the most unforgettable parts of a wedding are the things that “went wrong,” so make sure your photographer is ready and waiting to capture these memorable moments.

5. Be Realistic
If your pet is getting old and you think that a wedding might be a bit too much for it, then sometimes the best thing to do is leave it at home. This doesn’t mean you have to forget about your pet completely! Include it in the engagement photos and use the photos as table settings or invites, and your furry friend won’t be forgotten.

Stock photos courtesy of Shutterstock