My lovely photographer friend Maria https://www.marialuisebauer.com/ took some sweet photos of Barry and I while we chatted all things dogs in weddings.
“What happens if your couples ask you if they can bring their dog to the wedding?”
I love it when couples want to include their dogs in their wedding ceremony in some way! They show us daily what unconditional love is so why not have them there when you promise your unconditional love to one another!!
After asking to see photos and getting excited, I normally ask them to have a think about whether they think they’ll be able to relax and enjoy their ceremony with their dogs there – and do they think their dog will be happy in this setting, too. There are a few practical issues to think of, like: who will bring them and take them home, who will be the dedicated dog go-to person, will their dog play a role in the ceremony or just hang out, is there shade and access to water, is the venue suitable or will your dog spend the entire ceremony chasing ducks and trying to jump into the lake!
There’s usually always a way to make it work – but if it’s all adding up to being too difficult, there are lots of other ways to include their beloved dog in their day. I have had couples bring along life-size cardboard cut-outs of their dog (great for photo opportunities) or having their dog involved in photos while they are getting ready at home (rocking a special dog-crown/collar), or have someone bring their dog along after the ceremony to say congratulations! I can give a special shout-out to their dog in the ceremony and speak of the wonderful love their dog brings to their lives. Some couples have incorporated a drawing of their dog on their invitation, or place cards. I have even seen couples design a signature cocktail based on their dog’s name – think Barry Spritz!! – tied in with a little theme and fun description. What about writing a few words for a reading made on your dog’s behalf.
Check out the fab photos and Maria’s lovely blog post for more ideas here.
xx g