I Pet you Didn't Know: Fido & Whiskers as Wedding Party Members?

By Theresa Smith

All pet owners know that our furry family members become a very important part of our life. When someone finally meets that special person and a wedding is planned, we want our pets to be a part of the celebration too. Having your pet be a part of your wedding ceremony is a popular trend. But there is a lot you should consider before making Fido one of the groomsmen.

The first thing you should consider is your pet’s personality. Do they enjoy meeting new people and being around large groups of people? Or are they anxious around strangers? Do loud noises bother them? Is your pet well-behaved and obedient? Even the friendliest, most obedient pet has no guarantee that they will be that way at your ceremony. A large crowd full of strangers can be overwhelming for any pet and you don’t want to put your pet through any situation that will stress them out.

If you do decide to have your furry friend in your wedding then there are two things you must do. You must confirm that animals are allowed at your ceremony and/or reception venue. If you aren’t allowed to have your pet there, then you will need to rethink having them in your wedding or choose another location. Also, make sure that any plants and flowers used for the wedding aren’t toxic to your pet.

You also need to inform your guests that your pet will be at the wedding. This is important so that guests with allergies will know before they show up for your wedding. It would be inconsiderate to neglect to tell your guests and then have someone battling their allergies throughout the ceremony. It’s not only allergies that you should worry about. Some of your guests may be afraid of dogs or cats. Inform your guests about your pet’s attendance on your website and in your invitations.

Notify your photographer if you will be having a pet in your wedding party. This way they will be able to catch your pet in action and watch for unplanned moments like Fido jumping up to give you a kiss or visiting guests. 

If you will be putting your pet in an outfit for the wedding, make sure it fits properly and doesn’t make them uncomfortable. Keep accessories simple and secure. You don’t want to use anything that will pose a choking hazard to your furry friend.

Consider hiring a pet sitter for the day. You will have enough to do on your special day, worrying about Fido shouldn’t be on your list. A pet sitter can be tasked with bringing your pet to the ceremony and taking them home as well as watching them during the reception and keeping them entertained and safe.

If you aren’t able to have your pet be a part of the wedding, there are other ways you can incorporate them into this important life event. Use them in your save-the-date cards and/or engagement photos. You can also have them be a part of your wedding portraits. This way they are still a part of your big day although they won’t be able to be at the ceremony.