For those of us who rely heavily on the unconditional love of our dogs, it only makes sense to include them in the wedding day. Dressed to kill in a doggy-tux or dashing in a floral garland, it’s hard to deny the impression such a special addition to your wedding party can make.
Before you let your furry friend walk down the aisle (and no we don’t mean your fiancé), educate yourself on a couple ground rules and basic wedding etiquette when including Fido. In an attempt to help all you animal loving brides avoid potential disaster, we have compiled this little list of basics:
Photos: Top Row - Left: Lyndsey Hamilton Events; Middle & Right: Red Loft Studios; Middle Row - Left: Roberto Valenzuela Photography; Right - Jessica Claire; Bottom Row - Left: Lyndsey Hamilton Events; Middle & Right: Martha Stewart Weddings.
- Just like everything else about your wedding, organization is key. Make sure to plan where your dog is staying before and after the reception. How will he arrive? And who will be responsible for taking him home?
- Is your dog ready for his/her wedding debut? How does he/she react to crowds? Children? Practice helps make perfect but so does being realistic about the demeanor of your dog – be sure this is a good idea knowing your little loved one.
- Assign a babysitter – whether a professional or a loved one the dog is comfortable with. There should be a pup-savvy adult designated to keeping your dog in line, in a peaceful state, and in the right place at the right time.
- Make sure to let your photographer know you want those doggy shots!
- Be sure your dog's handler remembers to take potty breaks and give your dog plenty of water. We don’t want him to become overly excited with the wedding crowd and have an accident! On the same note, don’t give him too much water right before the magic hour, lifting a leg in the ceremony would be in poor taste.
- Staying out of town? Look for a hotel with a policy that allows for dogs in their rooms. Prepare with a room or place at the hotel where your dog could relax prior to and after the wedding ceremony. And if you’re lucky, you may even find doggie daycare, hotel dog walkers, and room service designed for a K-9.
- Ask first! You will need permission from the venue to include your dog. Many locations won’t allow for it, so if this is a deal breaker, be sure to ask the question when location scouting.
- Keep it outside. A ceremony with animals is really only appropriate when outdoors.
- Discuss in detail who will walk the dog down the aisle. Make sure the bridal party person is comfortable handling the task, holding the small dog if necessary, and not too young in age to be up to the challenge.
- If small children are also in the wedding, give them a chance at the rehearsal to get to know the dog so they are comfortable around the animal and no fears interfere with the ceremony.
- If you want your dog to be your ring bearer, be sure the rings are secured nice and tight!
- If you are dressing up your dog, allow for a preliminary fitting, especially if you are having a custom tuxedo or outfit made. The same goes for floral garlands, make sure your florist knows the correct neck size. Garlands that tie with ribbons make for easy adjustments but should be sturdy enough to handle a little wedding day wear and tear. Alert your florist that it’s for a dog (some flowers can be dangerous to dogs and you don’t want them eating something they shouldn’t!)
- Take him home when the ceremony ends. Fido is fun for a while, but keeping him around during dinner isn’t exactly fun for all your guests. Have a plan for him or her to be taken to the hotel room, the house, or the sitters.
Planning, like with all wedding elements will give you the best recipe for doggie day success – so don’t forget to prep for your pup!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 2:25AM 
