Canine Best Man: Wedding Tradition With A Twist?

Including your dog in your wedding ceremony is becoming increasingly popular. While some couples opt to have their dog as a guest, others choose to give their dog a more prominent role in the wedding party. A dog can be the ring bearer, flower girl, or even the best man.

If you're thinking of having your dog in your wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, check with your venue to see if there are any restrictions on having animals present. Second, make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and is comfortable with being around large groups of people. Finally, consider having a backup plan in case your dog becomes overwhelmed or anxious during the ceremony.

Including your dog in your wedding can make the day even more special and create some adorable photo opportunities.

Dressing your dog for the wedding

If you're planning to include your dog in your wedding, you'll want to ensure they're dressed for the occasion. Here are some tips for dressing your dog for your wedding:

Choose a Comfortable Outfit

Select an outfit that fits your dog well and is made from lightweight, breathable materials. Avoid tight or restrictive clothing that could cause discomfort or limit their movement. If your dog is not used to wearing clothes, opt for a simple accessory like a bow tie or bandana.

Consider the Weather

Make sure your dog's outfit is appropriate for the weather. For hot days, choose lightweight attire, and consider just adding accessories like a floral collar or bow tie. For cold weather, select an outfit that will keep them warm, like a sweater or a small jacket.

Practice Beforehand

If your dog is not accustomed to wearing clothes, it's a good idea to practice putting on the outfit several times before the wedding. This helps them get used to the feel and ensures a proper fit. Reward your dog with treats to create a positive association with the outfit.

Match the Wedding Theme and Colour Palette

If your wedding has a theme, choose an outfit that fits the theme. For example, a beach wedding could call for a Hawaiian shirt or a floral outfit. Consider the colour palette as well—if your bridesmaids are wearing pink, you can find a matching pink outfit or accessory for your dog.

Don't Forget the Accessories

Add some extra festiveness with accessories like a bow tie, flower crown, or a special dog-themed wedding collar. You can even have your florist create a floral wreath or collar that coordinates with your floral décor.

Keep it Safe and Hygienic

Ensure the outfit is safe by avoiding small parts or decorations that could be a choking hazard. Also, maintain good hygiene by grooming your dog before dressing them, to prevent skin irritation.

Remember, the most important thing is to prioritise your dog's comfort and happiness. If at any point they seem uncomfortable or stressed, it's best to let them be themselves and skip the outfit.

Including your dog in wedding photos

Including your dog in your wedding photos is a fun way to honour your furry friend and create lasting memories. Here are some tips to ensure your dog shines in your wedding photos:

Let Your Dog's Personality Shine:

Consider your dog's personality when planning their involvement. If they are confident and well-behaved, they can take on a more formal role, such as ring bearer or flower girl. If they are shy or anxious, include them in smaller group shots or couple portraits to avoid overwhelming them.

Dress Up Your Dog:

Add a touch of whimsy by dressing your dog in wedding attire. A tuxedo, dress, bow tie, or floral collar can make your dog look dapper and coordinate with the wedding party. You can even have your florist create a wearable wreath of non-toxic flowers for an extra festive touch.

Include Props:

Use props to enhance your dog's presence in the photos. Decorate their leash with wedding greenery or flowers, or have them carry a personalised ring pouch. If you're feeling creative, incorporate their likeness into your bridal ensemble, such as a veil with an embroidered depiction of your dog.

Involve Your Dog in Group Shots:

Involving your dog in formal group photos can lead to chaotic yet hilarious results. Be prepared with treats or toys to help capture their attention. Include your dog in smaller, more intimate group shots to avoid tiring them out. If they decide to sit down, be aware of muddy paws, especially if they're sitting on your dress!

Couple Portraits with Your Dog:

After the ceremony, wander around the venue with your dog for couple portraits. Walking together or picking up your dog for a cuddle can make for adorable and natural photos. This is also a great way to make you feel more relaxed in front of the camera.

Hire a Dog Chaperone:

Consider hiring a dog chaperone to ensure your dog is well looked after throughout the day. They can bring your dog for photos and ensure they stick to their regular routine while you're busy with the wedding festivities.

Notify Your Photographer and Guests:

Let your wedding photographer know in advance that your dog will be included in the photos so they can prepare accordingly. Also, inform your guests about your VIP guest, so they can be on their best behaviour around your dog.

Including your dog in your wedding photos will add a unique and memorable touch to your special day. With a bit of planning and creativity, your dog will shine alongside you on your big day.

Creating a play area for guest dogs

If you're inviting your guests' dogs to your wedding, it's important to create a dedicated play area for them to enjoy. Here are some ideas to make it a fun and comfortable space:

Location

Firstly, decide on a location for the play area. If your wedding venue has outdoor space, this could be an ideal spot to set up a playpen or a fenced-off area for the dogs. Make sure the area is shaded and protected from the weather, especially if your wedding is during the summer months. If your venue doesn't have outdoor space, you can designate an indoor area that is out of the way of the main festivities but still easily accessible for guests and their dogs.

Comfort and Safety

Provide plenty of comfortable bedding, blankets, and cushions for the dogs to relax on. Set up water stations with bowls to ensure they stay hydrated, and consider including some doggy treats as well. To keep the dogs entertained, provide a variety of toys, such as chew toys, balls, and frisbees. If there will be puppies or smaller dogs attending, make sure there are toys and bedding suitable for their size. It's also a good idea to have waste bags readily available for easy clean-up.

Decorations

Make the play area festive and fun with some dog-themed decorations. Hang banners or streamers in your wedding colours, and perhaps include some dog-shaped cutouts or balloons. You could even create a photo backdrop with a fun sign, such as "Pawsitive Vibes Only" or "Furrever Friends." This will provide a great opportunity for guests to take photos with their dogs, capturing memories of the special day.

Entertainment

Consider hiring a dog entertainer or pet sitter to supervise the play area and keep the dogs entertained. They can organise games and activities, such as fetch, obstacle courses, or even a doggy fashion show. Having a dedicated supervisor will also ensure the safety and well-being of the dogs, allowing your guests to enjoy the wedding festivities worry-free.

Relaxation

Include some calming music or sounds in the play area to create a relaxing atmosphere for the dogs. Set up a sound system that plays soft music or nature sounds to help the dogs unwind. Additionally, provide a quiet area within the play area, such as a small tent or canopy, where dogs can retreat if they need a break from the excitement.

By incorporating these ideas, you'll create a fun, comfortable, and safe play area for your guests' dogs, ensuring that they have a paw-some time at your wedding!

Having your dog as ring bearer

Having your dog as the ring bearer is a great way to include your furry friend in your wedding. Here are some tips to make sure your dog shines on their special day:

Choosing the Right Role for Your Dog

Before deciding on your dog's role, consider their temperament and comfort level with crowds and new environments. If your dog has any issues with crowds or specific types of people, separation anxiety, or jealousy, you may want to reconsider their involvement. However, if they are well-trained and comfortable in front of people, they can be the perfect addition to your wedding party.

While some couples may opt to have their dog carry the rings, wedding planner Heidi Brissette suggests an alternative approach. She recommends either tying fake rings to your dog's collar or simply dressing them up in a bowtie or floral collar, ensuring the rings are kept safe by a dedicated ring bearer. This way, you can include your dog without the added pressure of ring-bearing duties.

Dressing Up Your Dog

Dressing up your dog for the occasion can be a fun way to incorporate them into the wedding aesthetic. A classic bowtie that matches the groomsmen's attire or a floral collar or wreath to complement the bridesmaids' outfits are elegant choices. You can even find special bowtie collars with clips to secure the rings if you wish to entrust your dog with this important task. Be sure to have your dog try on their outfit beforehand to ensure it fits well and doesn't cause any discomfort or frustration.

Training and Handling

If your dog is well-behaved, including them in your wedding will be a breeze. However, it's essential to plan ahead and have them practice walking down the aisle, sitting quietly, and responding to basic commands. Assign a trusted friend or hired helper to be your dog's handler for the day, ensuring they receive a nice walk to release energy before the ceremony. It's crucial to keep your dog on a leash at all times, even if they are well-trained, as the excitement of the event may lead to unexpected behavior.

After the Ceremony

Have a plan in place for your dog after the ceremony. If your venue is pet-friendly, you may want to keep your dog around for cocktail hour, allowing them to greet guests and pose for photos. If not, arrange for a dog sitter to take them back to your home or a pet-boarding facility for the night. Alternatively, if your reception is at a pet-friendly hotel, you can bring your dog up to your room, ensuring someone is assigned to check on them throughout the night.

Venue and Logistics

Before including your dog in your wedding, ensure that your venue is pet-friendly and allows dogs on-site. Remember to consider your dog's needs, such as access to outdoor spaces and areas to walk or play. If your ceremony and reception venues have different pet policies, you may need to compromise and only include your dog for part of the day.

Additionally, nominate a dedicated dog sitter for the wedding day. This person will be responsible for ensuring your dog has everything they need, including space, exercise, food, water, and breaks from the festivities. Discuss whether your dog will be a guest for the full day or just a few hours, and make arrangements for their transportation back home if needed. It's ideal for your dog to be familiar and comfortable with their sitter, so consider arranging playdates beforehand.

In conclusion, including your dog as the ring bearer can add a unique and memorable touch to your wedding. By considering their role, attire, training, after-ceremony plans, and the venue's pet policy, you can ensure that your dog has a fun and safe experience while celebrating this special day with you.

Making your dog a part of the first dance

If you want your dog to be a part of your first dance, you'll need to put in some time training them first. Here are some steps you can follow:

• Get your dog into a regular "sit" position. Hold a treat in front of your dog and raise it above their head. If they take their front legs off the ground to reach the treat, give it to them.
• Practice this until your dog can balance on their hind legs without needing a treat. You can use a command like "sit pretty" or "beg" to reinforce this position.
• Once your dog has mastered this, start to lure them with the treat, encouraging them to take a few steps on their hind legs. Reward them with the treat when they make progress.
• Gradually increase the number of steps your dog takes until they are walking in a circle around you. You can use a treat to guide them in the right direction.
• When your dog has mastered walking in a circle, start to move with them. You can rotate with them or spin in the opposite direction for a fancier dance.
• With enough practice, you and your dog will be ready to take centre stage for your first dance!

• It's a good idea to choose a calm, quiet area for training, as music may distract your dog at first.
• Be patient and consistent with your training. Practice for short periods each day and build on what your dog learned the previous day.
• Use a variety of tasty treats to keep your dog interested and motivated.
• If your dog struggles with balance, you can support them by holding out your forearm for them to rest on.
• If your dog isn't taking their front legs off the ground, reward them for extending their neck up for the treat.
• You can incorporate other tricks into your dance routine, such as rolling over or chasing their tail.
• Remember to only have your dog stand on their hind legs for short periods to avoid putting strain on their knees and hips.

Frequently asked questions