Including Your Dog in Your Wedding Day

Your dog is family. Of course you want them at your wedding. The good news: this is more doable than people think. The other good news: it requires more planning than people think.

Here's how to actually pull it off.

Step 1: Confirm your venue allows dogs

Some don't. Most outdoor venues do, but indoor venues — especially historic ones — often have policies. Ask before you set your heart on a pup processional.

Step 2: Decide their role

There are basically three options:

• Ceremony only: They walk down the aisle, sit through vows, and go home. Best for high-energy or anxious dogs.
• Photos + ceremony: They join for getting-ready photos, walk in the ceremony, and leave after cocktail hour.
• The whole day: Reserved for chill, party-loving pups who genuinely enjoy crowds.

Be honest about your dog's personality. The wedding is not the day to find out they're scared of crowds.

Step 3: Hire a dog sitter

This is the big one. You cannot watch your dog and get married at the same time. Neither can your bridal party. Neither can your mom.

A dedicated wedding dog sitter handles:

• Pick-up and drop-off from your home or hotel
• Bathroom breaks (yes, lots of them)
• Water, food, and treats
• Outfit changes (bow tie ON for ceremony, OFF for nap)
• Keeping them calm during loud moments
• Cleanup if anything happens (it sometimes does)

This is exactly why our Day-Of Wedding Dog Sitter add-on exists. Trust me, it's worth it.

Step 4: Plan the logistics

Wedding mornings are chaotic. Your dog doesn't know what's happening. To help them:

• Long walk first thing in the morning to burn energy
• Bring their bed, water bowl, and a favorite toy
• Have their normal food on hand — wedding day isn't the day for treats only
• Plan a quiet space they can retreat to

Step 5: Brief the bridal party

If your dog is in the ceremony, someone in your bridal party should know the plan. Who hands off the leash? Who takes them back after? Write it down.

The happiest wedding dogs are the ones whose humans planned for them like a guest — not an accessory.

A few real-life tips

• Test the bow tie or flower collar a week ahead. If they hate it, you'll want to know.
• Bring backup leashes. The cute floral one for photos, the regular one for everything else.
• Don't underestimate how excited grandma will be to see the dog. Build in 5 minutes for that.
• If your dog is anxious, talk to your vet about a calming aid. Be cautious — sedatives can affect personality.

Want help making your pup part of the day? Reach out — we'd love to help. Also check out our dog sitter add-on.