Image by Dreamlife Photography
If your dog is a very special part of your family, and you simply adore the idea of including them in your wedding ceremony, Jamie and I, the dog loving duo at Brisbane City Celebrants, have put together our Top 10 tips to ensure everything goes ‘pawfectly’ for your dog friendly ceremony.
1. Book them in for a professional cut and bath as close to the wedding date as possible.
So they are freshly groomed and smelling sweet on the big day.
Image by Angela Higgins via Hannah & Sam’s Modern Perth Cocktail Party Wedding
2. Assign a dog concierge for the day
A dog concierge is responsible for accompanying and taking great care of your dog throughout the day.
If you would prefer not to delegate the task of caring for your pup to a family member or friend, you can consider hiring a professional ‘pet wedding assistant’ who understands this role and can take care of them throughout the day.
Yes, there are local businesses that specialise in being your dog’s very own concierge on your wedding day! A professional can also take responsibility for everything we talk about here and safely return them home after the ceremony saving one of your guests from having to make the trip. Some may even provide dog boarding given the likelihood that you may be staying away from home on your wedding night.
Image by Tennille Fink
3. Dress to impress
It’s a wedding after all, so what better excuse to dress them up. If your dog is a girl, consider a flower crown or lei (see Tip 8 for tips on dog friendly flowers), or you could find an outfit that coordinates with the bridesmaids’ dresses.
If your four-legged friend is a boy, your options range from a simple bow tie collar through to a ‘black tie’ tuxedo – just like these cute little pups pictured here with their loving humans Andy and Penny.
Image by Studio Impressions Photography
4. Safe Transportation
As your pup may be travelling to and from the wedding in a vehicle other than yours, organise safe transportation in advance – for example safe crate, booster seat and seat belting.
5. Be Equipped
Ensure your assigned dog concierge person is well equipped with a lead, a water bowl, a large bottle of water for replenishing (to keep the pup hydrated amongst all the excitement), some wipes to clean paws so the bride’s dress doesn’t get covered in muddy paw prints when she needs a puppy cuddle and of course some treats to reward all that excellent behaviour!
Image by Studio Impressions Photography
6. Choose a dog friendly ceremony location
If you are planning on booking a local council park for your ceremony, do your research and check which parks and wedding sites are dog friendly. On cue, Kaia and Anthony’s dog ‘Bindi’ ran to his humans with the rings tied (securely) to her collar – such a precious moment and a very well trained pup!
Image by Tennille Fink
7. Choose a dog friendly Celebrant
Finding a Celebrant that shares your love for dogs and is as excited as you are about including your four pawed baby in your ceremony is so important. Knowing they are on the same page as you when it comes to including your dog will really help to put you at ease on the day.
Image by Tennille Fink
8. Wedding Florals Health and Safety
Given that there are a whole variety of flowers that can be highly toxic and dangerous for dogs to ingest, do your research and find out how ‘dog safe’ your preferred blooms are. Also let your florist and ceremony stylist know that your dog will be attending so they can ensure all florals used are 100% dog friendly.
9. Doggie Ring Bearer
If you’ve decided to give your dog the role of ‘ring bearer’ we have found the safest way to have the ring bearer present the rings is as follows:
Celebrant: “Can the very special ring bearer/ Best dog please present the rings.”
The dedicated ‘dog concierge’ person walks the dog up to the couple and hands over the ring. The couple give the dog a pat, hug or a kiss on the head. All captured perfectly by the photographer. In the picture below, Sasha the ring bearer was a big surprise for her Mum (the bride) on their wedding day; the groom secretly arranged for her to be the ring bearer.
Image by Kate Cornfoot Photography
10. Include them in your bridal photos
Make the most of having your dog present and talk to your photographer about bringing them along with the bridal party on your wedding photo shoot. You’ll get some great shots and it will add to the memories of your day.
Image by Studio Impressions Photography
Ms Chinoiserie Says: Some adorable – and helpful – advice on how to include ‘fur babies’ in wedding day celebrations; the matching tuxedos are very stylish!
About Brisbane City Celebrants: We are a modern, happy and passionate Wedding Celebrant duo that simply LOVE celebrating love!
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