How to Include Your Pets in Your Wedding

Updated: July 28, 2025

For many couples, pets are more than just furry companions; they are part of the family. So when it comes to planning your big day, it makes perfect sense to include your beloved pet in the celebration. Whether your pet is calm and sociable or a bit more reserved, there are meaningful ways to incorporate them into your wedding. Here’s how to do it thoughtfully, safely, and adorably.

Check the Venue’s Pet Policy

Before you get carried away with cute outfits and custom collars, confirm whether your venue allows animals. Even outdoor spaces may have restrictions.

If Your Pet Can’t Join the Celebration

• Include them in your engagement or pre-wedding photos.
• Capture a quiet “first look” moment before guests arrive.
• Have them join you while you’re getting ready for the big day.

  

Decide Their Role

Start by considering your pet’s personality and comfort level. Then, choose a role that suits them best:

• Ring Bearer or Flower Pet: Picture your pup strutting down the aisle with a flower crown or rings tied to their collar.
• Guest of Honor: Some pets are better as observers. Have them sit with a handler near the front to quietly witness your “I do’s.”
• Greeter or Escort: For the social butterflies, let them walk in with a bridal party member or welcome guests at the entrance.
• In Spirit Only: Can’t bring them physically? Feature them in the décor, video montage, or even the ceremony readings.

  

Assign a Pet Handler

Your wedding day will be full of excitement, so it’s a good idea to pick someone you trust, like a friend, family member, or a professional, to look after your pet. A dedicated pet handler ensures your furry friend is happy, comfortable, and well looked after throughout the day.

Their responsibilities can include:

• Providing food and water
• Ensuring timely potty breaks
• Keeping your pet calm in loud or busy environments
• Guiding them through crowds or photo ops
• Escorting them home or to a sitter once their part in the celebration is over

Pro tip: Consider hiring a professional pet attendant for your wedding. They’ll handle everything your pet needs, from walks to keeping them calm, so you can focus on enjoying your wedding. It’s a simple way to make sure your pet is cared for and you have one less thing to worry about.

Dress Them for the Occasion

Your pet deserves to look the part! Dress them in a way that’s festive but comfortable.

Popular outfit ideas include:

• Bow ties or bandanas in your wedding colors
• Floral collars or greenery garlands
• Tuxedos or tutus (only if your pet is comfortable wearing clothes)

Pro Tip: Do a dress rehearsal so they can get used to their outfit beforehand.

Plan for Their Comfort

Weddings can be overwhelming for pets. Before including them in the big day, ask yourself:

• Is my pet comfortable around large groups?
• Do they get anxious with loud music or unfamiliar environments?
• Are they well-behaved on a leash or in crowds?

If the answer to any of these is no, you might want to feature them in photos only or during a quieter moment before the event starts. Always prioritize their well-being over participation.

Practice Makes Perfect

If your pet has a specific role, like walking down the aisle, take them to the venue beforehand for practice. This helps them feel more comfortable and gives you time to adjust your plans based on their behavior.

Capture the Moment

Let your photographer and videographer know in advance that your pet will be part of the celebration. This ensures they plan time and space to get the perfect shots.

Some heart-melting pet photo ideas:

• Your pup is licking your face during vows
• Your cat curling up in your lap while you get ready
• A sweet paw-holding moment after the ceremony

  

Add Pet-Themed Touches

Even if your pet can’t be at the wedding, you can still celebrate them with special details that show how much they mean to you.

Some fun ideas:

• Cake toppers featuring your pet’s likeness
• Signature cocktails named after them (like The Baxter Bellini or Mittens Mojito)
• Custom illustrations on your signage, invitations, or guest book
• Favors like personalized dog treats for guests with pets at home

  

Puppies Instead of Bouquets? Yes, Please.

Looking for an extra special (and heart-melting) idea? Have your bridesmaids hold adoptable puppies instead of bouquets. It’s not only super cute, but it also gives local shelters a chance to show off dogs looking for forever homes. You can reach out to a nearby rescue or shelter to see if they’d be interested in teaming up.

Pro tip: Make sure the puppies are calm, well-socialized, and comfortable around crowds. Have a handler or volunteer on hand to take care of the pups during the ceremony and photos. Also, set up a quiet spot where they can relax between appearances. That way, everyone stays happy, especially the puppies!

Including your pet in your wedding adds a personal and heartwarming touch to your big day. Whether they’re walking down the aisle, posing in photos, or simply featured in the décor, it’s a special way to celebrate the joy they bring to your life. With thoughtful planning and a focus on their comfort, your furry friend can be part of the celebration in a way that’s meaningful, stress-free, and unforgettable. After all, weddings are about family, and that includes the four-legged kind.