Pets have always been an essential part of our lives, and for many pet owners, their furry friends are considered a member of their family. As such, it’s not uncommon for people to include their pets in important life events, such as weddings. The trend of including pets in weddings has become increasingly popular over the years, and for good reason. Here are some reasons why having pets at weddings is a great idea and some tips for doing it right.
Dogs –
Dogs are family too: For many owners, their dogs are like their children. They are a part of the family and are treated as such. Including your dog in your wedding is a way to recognize their importance and show that they are an essential part of the family.
Create unforgettable memories: Dogs have a way of making any event more memorable and including yours in your wedding day can make for some unique and unforgettable moments and photographs that will be cherished for years to come.
Add a personal touch: Weddings are often planned down to the last detail, but including a dog adds a personal touch that cannot be replicated. It shows your personality and your love for your dog.
Tips for including pets in weddings
Check with the venue: Before you plan on including your dog in your wedding it’s essential to check with the venue. Some wedding venues do have restrictions and it’s best to know ahead of time to avoid any surprises. Some will allow your dog to be a part of your ceremony, others will let you have them just for photographs but not your wedding breakfast and some venues will let them be included in every part of the day. Whatever your venues policy, with a bit of planning we can work around it so you still get those treasured photos.
Hire a pet sitter: While including a pet in a wedding is a great idea, it’s not always practical. Pets can be unpredictable, and they may not behave as expected in a busy environment. Hiring a pet sitter to take care of the pet during the ceremony and reception is a good option if your dog isn’t comfortable around lots of people or noise. I have worked with Holly at Everdhor dog Boarding at several weddings and she is also a personal friend. Holly has your dog to stay with her at her home and offers a chaperone service where she will bring them to your wedding for photos and take them back home with her until you are ready to collect when the wedding celebrations are finished.
Dress them up: If the pet is going to be a part of the wedding party, consider dressing them up. It can add to the overall look and make for some adorable photos. Bow ties, flowers and even tutus are becoming the norm now, everyone dresses up for a wedding day so your dog should too.
Assign a handler: If the pet is going to be part of the whole day assign someone to handle them. This person should be responsible for making sure the pet is where they need to be and that they are calm and relaxed. You may think you’ll want your dog with you for the full day but there are certain times of the day, for example during the ceremony, where you need to be concentrating on saying your wedding vows, the wedding breakfast or when you’d like to go off for photos. A dog handler is essential during these times.
Consider the pet’s personality: Not all pets are suited for weddings. It’s important to consider your dogs personality and temperament before deciding to include them in the wedding and maybe think about having them for just a small part of the day.
Horses-
Including horses in weddings has become a popular trend, especially for couples who are passionate about horses or are looking to add a unique and memorable touch to their special day. Horses have a majestic presence and can create a beautiful and romantic atmosphere at weddings. Here are some reasons why having horses at weddings is a great idea and some tips for doing it right.
Create a magical and romantic atmosphere: Horses have a natural elegance and beauty that can create a magical and romantic atmosphere at weddings. They can be used to add a touch of glamour and elegance to any outdoor or rustic wedding venue.
Unique photo opportunities: Horses can be used to create some stunning and unique photo opportunities. From bride and groom portraits to group shots with the wedding party, horses can add an unforgettable element to the wedding photos.
Represent a couple’s shared passion: If the couple has a shared passion for horses, incorporating them into the wedding is a way to showcase their interests and personalities.
Tips for including horses in weddings
Check with the venue: Before bringing horses to a wedding, it’s essential to check with the venue to ensure that they allow horses on their property and if they are restricted to certain parts. Wedding venues spend huge amounts of time making their grounds beautiful and may not appreciate big hoof prints on the grass. It’s also important to ensure that the venue has the necessary facilities, such as stables or a field for your horse, as I’m not sure they’d be welcome at the wedding breakfast table.
Hire a professional or bring a friend who isn’t a part of the wedding but it solely there for your horse. Working with horses can be challenging at the easiest of times, and if your horses isn’t used to hustle and bustle it can bring out different behaviours. You will need to desensitise your horse to your wedding dress and the noise and unexpected happenings at weddings, a visit to the venue with your horse before the day is always a good idea.
Plan for logistics: When working with horses, it’s important to plan for logistics, such as transportation, feeding, and grooming. Make sure that there is a designated area for the horses to rest and relax between photo shoots and wedding events.
Coordinate with the photographer: If you plan to use horses for wedding photos, make sure to coordinate with the photographer beforehand to ensure that they are comfortable working with animals and can capture the desired shots. Extra time will need to be added to your day as you can’t rush when working with animals so do factor this into your planning.
Consider safety: Horses can be unpredictable, so it’s important to prioritize safety when working with them particularly if you have children attending your wedding who aren’t accustomed to being around them. Make sure that there are safety measures in place, such as barriers or fencing, to prevent any accidents or injuries.
Dress up the horses: If you want to add a special touch to the horses, consider dressing them up with floral garlands, ribbons, or other decorative accessories that match the wedding’s theme.
Including pets in weddings can add a unique and memorable touch to the special day. From creating a magical atmosphere to providing stunning photo opportunities, they can be a beautiful addition to any wedding venue. With some careful planning, coordination, and safety measures, couples can incorporate their shared passion for their animals into their wedding celebration and create unforgettable memories that they will cherish for a lifetime. Pets have a special place in our lives, and for many pet owners, including them in weddings is a way to recognize their importance. Whether it’s having a beloved dog walk down the aisle or having a cat be the ring bearer, or you want to make your entrance on horseback, our animals add a personal touch to weddings that cannot be replicated.
My full day wedding packages all include either a photobook or wedding album. I’m a firm believer in having your memories in print as well as digitally. These books are the perfect keepsake for this most special of days. If you are planning your wedding then do please get in touch via the contact page. Lets see how I can help you plan your day. You can find more information on my weddings packages here.
