How to include your pets on your wedding day

Our pets are our best friends, so when planning a wedding, naturally you would want to include pets at your wedding celebrations.

With wedding trends predicting a rise in personalising your exclusive wedding day, inviting your pets to join you is a great way to do this. And with wedding venues becoming more flexible in accommodating their client’s wishes, it’s becoming increasingly easier to include them. To ensure that their attending won’t create any unexpected stressful situations for you and your guests (and your pets!) our exclusive use wedding venue recommends a little planning.

Talk to your Wedding Venue

If you want your pets to join you, you must talk to the wedding venue, church, and suppliers. You should find that most luxury wedding venues are particularly helpful. It would be a good idea to visit the venue with your pet beforehand so they can become accustomed to the surroundings.

Spread the word

Let your guests know early on that you’re going to include your pet at your wedding. We suggest that you include this information on the invitation. This will allow anyone with an allergy or who may be nervous of dogs, cats or birds to plan in advance so they can still enjoy your special day.

Work out an exit plan

You could be halfway through the ceremony when your pet decides to join in with plenty of excited barking. You may need a designated person at this point to step forward and whisk them away until after the proceedings. It’s also worth remembering to encourage your pet to go to the toilet before the ceremony as no bride would want to be upstaged by their four-legged friend answering the call of nature mid-way through taking her vows.

Get some animal lover friends to assist

Get a few reliable animal lover friends to help with some pet sitting. If they can take turns then everyone gets a chance to enjoy the day. Make sure they all have a good supply of disposable bags and treats.

Super cute outfit, but is your pet comfortable?

There is nothing more adorable than a pup in a tuxedo or a kitten wearing a flower crown, but make sure it fits properly and your pet is comfortable. Why not aim to keep things safe and simple – a floral collar or smart bow tie suit like this one we found on Etsy, is a super cute way to dress them up! Be sure to double-check that accessories do not pose a choking hazard and that any flowers used are non-toxic to your pet. For a little inspiration, we love the round-up of gorgeous Shots of Animals at Weddings featured by Hitched.

When not to have pets at your weddings

No matter how much fun it is, a wedding can be a long day for everyone (your pets included). So it’s worth remembering that if a pet is elderly or highly strung, they may not be suited to this type of celebration, especially if it is a large wedding. Bear in mind that they haven’t met all your guests in one large group before. Being carried, stroked excessively, photographed and chased by a gaggle of children could be quite stressful for your dog so only involve them in the wedding if you are confident they can handle it.

Follow these wedding tips and your pet will have as much fun as you!

• Check that pets at your wedding are allowed by the wedding venue
• Have a bowl of water at the venue as well as lots of treats
• Make an easy exit plan for during the ceremony in case they start barking (meowing or squawking!)
• Encourage your pet to go to the toilet before the ceremony
• Make sure their outfit is comfortable and non-hazardous
• Have plenty of disposable bags to hand
• If possible, take your pet home before the evening reception
• Have a quiet place for them to relax (If it’s a hotel room, provide a cage)
• Ask some friends to help, or hire a pet sitter

Inject some Ahhh factor into your big day!

So, if you’re asking the question, can I take my pet to my wedding, we say, with a little forward planning, yes!  The team at our Essex wedding venue all agree that animals will make a super cute addition to your wedding day. If you would like further advice on this topic then talk to us. There’s nothing we love more than seeing your beloved pets getting in on the act!