By Jessica Solloway
He cuddled with you on the couch after every bad date and never judged when you polished off an entire pizza by yourself. And as your wedding day approaches, you couldn’t imagine getting married without your pup by your side. While the thought of Barkley dressed to the nines in an adorable doggie tux sounds picture perfect, sometimes having a pet in your wedding can lead to more stress than brides and grooms bargain for. From drooling on your dress to crying louder than grandma during the ceremony, sometimes the going can get “ruff.” Celebrity wedding planner and My Fair Wedding host David Tutera shares his simple tips for incorporating your pet in your wedding.
Tip 1: Don’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
You know your pet better than anyone else. If he chases anything that moves, barks when he’s excited, or jumps when you say “sit,” don’t expect miracles at your wedding. While the ring bearer is a common role for pets, not all of them can pull it off. If your pup needs a little guidance, Tutera recommends having a friend or family member walk them down the aisle.
He says, “It’s important to really be honest about the behavior of your animal, as well as the tolerance level of the guests you are inviting. If all of these things are a match, the next step is to figure out the easiest way to include your beloved pet.”
Tip 2: Consider Your Location
Some luxury hotels, temples and churches won’t allow pets to step one paw in the door. Tutera suggests taking pictures with your pooch in a nearby park, picturesque setting outside of the venue or even at home as you’re getting ready! A picture lasts forever, the deposit at the venue might not…
Stacey and Ari Severe’s dog Diesel couldn’t be in the wedding due to restrictions at their location. To include him in the festivities, aside from taking pictures prior to the ceremony, they created a signature drink called “The Diesel,” and propped a framed picture of their pooch, (in black tie attire, of course) on top of the bar.
Tip 3: Have a Handler
Assign the handling of your pet to a friend or family member so you don’t have to worry about those logistics. Stacey Severe says, “It’s best to give this job to someone that the pet already knows so everyone is comfortable.”
Tutera adds, “A really safe way to deal with this would be to hire a professional dog-walker or specially trained animal care-taker to oversee this element. This person should also be prepared with whatever treats, toys, leashes or tools they would need to care for and clean up after your animal.”
Tip 4: Think Outside the Box
If your special friend can’t be there on your special day, Tutera loves the idea of displaying pictures of the bride and groom with their pet at an entrance table or cocktail tables. “One of the most adorable ideas would be to have your pet ‘sign’ your guest book with a non-toxic ink or paint on the paw, a memory you will cherish forever!”
Stacey and Ari also put a note from Diesel at the end of their ceremony program, in his words, err … woofs. After thanking guests for celebrating his “parents” wedding, he expressed how excited he was to party with many of them at his upcoming “Bark Mitzvah.”
Tip 5: Dress to Impress
Beware brides; dressing up your little guy on the big day might give you some competition for the spotlight! When it comes to decking out your pet, Tutera says, “For cats and dogs, hand-made collars are a must! Whether they are covered in real florals, dripping with ribbons and charms that coordinate with your theme or bedazzled with the couple’s monogram, this is the most fashionable idea, and also the most comfortable for your pet. If your special friend is a bird or other caged critter, consider a floral topper that remains clear of any nibbles.”
Tip 6: Planning Makes Perfect … Maybe
While it’s best to plan ahead, you can’t control how your pooch will act in the moment. Tutera cautions brides not to allow this aspect to overwhelm them or take away from their day in any way. Severe advises couples to, “Be prepared for anything to happen and take it all with a grain of salt because you never know how the pet will react in a crowd.”
You are incorporating your pet into your wedding because they’re a special part of your lives. So don’t let stress take away the fun. Severe says fondly, “I have the picture of Ari, Diesel and myself hanging in our house. Every time I walk by it, I smile because it brings back such wonderful memories of that day!”
Jessica Solloway is a freelance writer and producer based in Washington, DC. From wedding planning to work, dating to dieting (and everything in between), she enjoys writing about lifestyle topics women want to know about. Jessica received her degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
