5 Things You Must Know Before Inviting Your Dog to Your Wedding
Many of us have a best friend and often it's our special furry friend. They are a big part of our lives, they give us so much joy with their unconditional love and they put a big smile on our faces every day. So why not incorporating them into your wedding?
Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, if not the most important one, and having your furry friend in it would make it extra special, wouldn't it?
So if are considering this option then keep reading this article because there are some factors to keep in mind:
LOCATION:
There are facilities with very restricted policies so if you really want your pet involved, make sure the venue where you're getting married is pet friendly.
The last thing you're going to want is to plan everything perfectly and when the big day comes you find out that your doggie is not allowed on the property.
A simple phone call or email to the venue coordinator would confirm if you are able to make your doggie part of your wedding or not.
Also, take into account if you are getting married in a church. It would probably be a better idea to make them part of your wedding ceremony if it will take place in an opened area but if the church allows you to bring your dog, go for it! ;)
DOG'S PERSONALITY/TEMPER:
If your dog is well behaved and friendly with people and kids then that's good news, but if he/she has some behavior issues then it's definitely a better choice to avoid any drama the day of your wedding and not involve them. You don't want your dog lifting his leg on a guest's shoe while walking down the aisle or having to be chasing him/her around because they stole the rings (if your thinking to make him/her the ring bearer for instance). <--- yes this has happened ;)
You will be worrying about what might happen and this will take your focus off of enjoying every aspect of your wedding.
Also remember that if they are well behaved, that doesn't mean that they can follow directions. When walking down the aisle they would need someone directing where to go.
GET A PET SITTER:
If you do end up involving your pet in your wedding, after our furry friends play their role you would need someone to look after them.
Most likely your friends and family are going to be busy mingling and wouldn't really want to take care of Fido.
If you are intending to leave him/her at the hotel room after their performance, plan in advance who's going to take care of this.
Definitely the last thing you want on your wedding day is your dog MIA.
LET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER KNOW:
It is always a good idea to share the news with your photographer/videographer so they can prepare for it and perhaps brainstorm some pose ideas that include your furry friend.
CONSIDER YOUR GUESTS:
There are a lot of people who love animals and enjoy their company but there are other people who don't really enjoy them that much.
Moreover, some guests can be allergic to dogs, you never know. If you want to play it safe then adding your dog to your wedding party would unfortunately be a thing of the past.
Dogs are so cute and even more in a bow tie (if you decide to use one) right?
So if you really want your best friend to be part of your wedding and nothing from above could interfere, then I would totally encourage you to practice the walk with him/her and even get them a trainer to teach them the basic commands such as sit, stay, and walking next to you just in case you haven't already.
Oh and also if your Fido is a barker, try to work on this too. You don't want him to be the one opposing the wedding when the officiant asks if someone is against the marriage ;)
Paula Anger is a Delray Beach Certified Wedding Planner, owner of Verano Events and author of *Verano's Essential Wedding Guide*. Paula has been in the event's and fashion industry for over 10 years and has worked with well-known celebrities. Connect with us: info@veranoevents.com
