Weddings and Pets: Including Your Furry Friends in Your Big Day
When planning your wedding, you want everything to reflect your personality and the things you love most. For many, pets are family members, and it feels only natural to include them in such a significant celebration.
At Silver Hearth Lodge, we LOVE and I mean LOVE pets! So much so, that we have a dog kennel for your four-legged friends when they attend your wedding day!
Incorporating pets into your wedding can make your day even more special and memorable, adding an extra layer of joy and love.
However, bringing pets into your wedding requires careful consideration to ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved, roughly 30% of couples with dogs have a man’s best friend at the wedding.
Here’s how you can successfully include your furry (or feathered, or scaly) friends in your wedding day.
Consider Your Pet's Personality and Comfort
Before deciding to include your pet, think about their temperament. Is your dog calm in unfamiliar environments? Does your cat get anxious around strangers?
Consider whether your pet will enjoy being part of the festivities or if they might become stressed. For pets that might not thrive in a busy, noisy environment, it might be best to have them involved in a smaller, quieter part of the day or feature them in other ways, such as in your wedding photos or decor.
Role Assignments: How Your Pet Can Participate
Pets can take on various roles during your wedding.
Here are a few ideas:
Ring Bearer or Flower Pet: If your pet is well-trained and enjoys attention, they can walk down the aisle as a ring bearer or flower pet. Make sure they’re comfortable in crowds and practice the walk beforehand.
Pet of Honor: Have your pet accompany you during the ceremony or stand beside you at the altar. This role is less demanding and can be perfect for a more relaxed pet.
Greeter: Your pet can greet guests as they arrive. This works well for friendly pets who love meeting new people.
Photo Prop: If your pet isn’t up for a crowd, they can still be part of the day by featuring prominently in your wedding photos. This allows them to be part of the memories without the stress of being in a crowded space.
Pet-Friendly Venue Selection
Not all wedding venues are pet-friendly, so it’s crucial to check with your venue before making any plans. Some venues might have restrictions due to safety or insurance concerns, while others might welcome pets with open arms.
If your venue allows pets, ask about any specific rules or requirements they might have, such as keeping pets on a leash or having a designated area for them.
(Or if they are like us at Silver Hearth Lodge, have a kennel where they can rest, play, and have water, food, and a dog house to nap.)
Plan for Pet Care
On your wedding day, you’ll be busy, so you’ll need someone to look after your pet. Assign a trusted friend, family member, or professional pet sitter to be responsible for your pet throughout the day. They can help with everything from transportation to bathroom breaks to ensuring your pet is comfortable and happy.
Pet Attire and Accessories
Dressing up your pet can be a fun way to include them in the wedding theme. Whether it’s a bow tie, a floral collar, or even a little tuxedo, make sure whatever they wear is comfortable and safe. Avoid anything that might restrict their movement or cause them discomfort.
It’s also a good idea to have a few trial runs with the attire to ensure your pet is comfortable on the big day.
Safety Considerations
Your pet's safety should be a top priority. Make sure they have a comfortable, quiet space to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed. If your wedding is outdoors, be mindful of weather conditions.
Provide plenty of water, shade, and breaks for your pet. Additionally, keep in mind that some wedding elements, like certain flowers or foods, can be toxic to animals.
(Hint: there are companies that offer pet watching or pet sitting for your wedding, see if you can find one for your wedding)
Do your research and ensure your pet’s environment is safe.
Capture the Moment
Professional wedding photographers are usually more than happy to include pets in photos. Discuss your plans with your photographer beforehand so they can be prepared to capture those perfect moments. Pets often add a candid, joyful element to photos that can make your wedding album even more special.
Incorporating Pets in Other Ways
If your pet can’t be there in person, there are still many ways to include them:
Wedding Stationery: Feature your pet on your invitations, programs, or save-the-dates.
Cake Topper: Have a custom cake topper made that includes your pet.
Decor: Incorporate photos or illustrations of your pet in your decor, such as table numbers or signs.
Favor: Offer pet-themed favors, like dog treat bags for guests to take home to their own pets.
Inform Your Guests
It’s courteous to inform your guests if your pet will be part of the wedding, especially if they have allergies or fears. You can include a note on your wedding website or invitations so guests can plan accordingly.
Practice and Preparation
If your pet will be playing a specific role, practice with them beforehand. Familiarize them with the venue, sounds, and smells they might encounter. Rehearsals are crucial for ensuring your pet is comfortable and knows what to expect.
Conclusion
Including your pet in your wedding can make your special day even more meaningful. With proper planning, you can ensure that your pet has a great time and that everything goes smoothly.
Whether they walk down the aisle, pose for photos, or simply add to the joy of the day, your furry friend’s presence will undoubtedly make your wedding unforgettable.
Would you like to book your wedding at the only private Mountain Top venue in the South East? Not only is it perfect for your pets, but we offer majestic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and amenities galore.
(Ask about our 15% discount for Friday weddings too!)
