Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Incorporate Your Dog Into Your Wedding? Simple Ideas

teens walking with dog

Your wedding is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life. Celebrating love with your friends and family obviously includes your fur babies, right? More and more people are adding their dogs to their wedding party, so it’s really no surprise that when my fiancé and I began planning our wedding, a common question was “Are your dogs going to be in it?

Which brings me to my very first point about dogs and weddings. The answer to that question for us is no, our dogs will not be at our wedding. Is it because I don’t want them to be a part of our special day? Not at all. It’s because I know they wouldn’t want to be a part of it. Between Sadie’s stranger anxiety, Buster’s overexcitement and Daisy thinking that every person in the world would be there just for her, it would not be a relaxing experience for any of us. They will be much happier waiting for us to come home afterward.

Even if your dog can't be in your wedding, they can be in your pictures. (Photo by Shutterstock)
Even if your dog can’t be in your wedding, they can be in your pictures. (Photo by Shutterstock)

How to decide if your dog should be in your wedding

If you are considering having your dog be a part of your wedding, there are a few things to think about first:

  • Does your dog have the right temperament to be around that many people? Are they friendly and confident?
  • Do they listen to commands?
  • Does your venue allow dogs? (Many have a no-pets policy.)
  • Is there someone you trust to “be in charge” of your dog throughout the day, making sure they are in the right places, have bathroom breaks, and get fed?
  • Is there a place where your dog can safely hang out before and after?

Once you’ve figured out those logistics, the fun part begins!

What is he going to do during the wedding?

Just like everyone else at the wedding party, you need to decide what role your dog will have. Some ideas include:

  • Have them walk up with the flower girl (which is adorable, by the way).
  • Tie the rings around their collar and have them be the ring bearer.
  • They could simply be the “Hound of Honor” and walk with the Maid of Honor.
  • Have your dog walk in front of you with a “Here Comes the Bride” sign.
  • If your dog is well-behaved enough, have them sit next to the groomsmen/bridesmaids so they are truly a member of the wedding party.
With a little planning, your dog can definitely be a part of your big day. (Photo by Shutterstock)
With a little planning, your dog can definitely be a part of your big day. (Image by Shutterstock)

Other considerations

  • While you may get really excited and want to include your dog in every part of the wedding process, have a safe place for them to hang out after the ceremony. The reception can be really loud and a little too much for even the friendliest pups.
  • It’s also important to rehearse with your dog as much as you can. The more they are familiar with the smells and sounds of the venue and the area around it, the easier things will be on the big day. Be sure to have them wear a special collar/sign/outfit before the day of the wedding, too. While it would be cute for your dog to stop in the middle of the aisle to roll around and try to get the sign off of her, I think we can all agree that it’s not ideal.
  • Also let your photographer and guests know that your dog will be there. This way no one will be surprised, and people with allergies will be prepared.
  • Make sure your flowers are dog-friendly. There are some plants and flowers that are actually poisonous to dogs.
  • And last, but not least, make an appointment for the groomer before the wedding. It may sound like common sense, but once you get caught up in everything that needs to be done in the weeks and days before your ceremony, you might forget. As much as we love our dogs, no one wants to actually smell like one on the big day.

Featured Photo Credit: VH-studio, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Golden Shepherd Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & Traits

Dog lovers looking for an intelligent and loyal companion need to look no further than the Golden Shepherd. This hybrid dog was introduced...

Artificial Intelligence Takes on Cancer: The Only AI Dr. Karyn Doesn’t Hate

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred....

14 Labor Day Weekend Safety Tips for Pets (2025 Guide)

If you’re a pet parent, sharing Labor Day activities with your dog is a big part of the weekend. The question many of...

Do Dogs Have Belly Buttons? Vet-Reviewed Canine Anatomy

When you’re looking at your dog or giving them belly rubs, you’ve likely never seen a belly button that looks like ours. But...

More related

English Cream (White) Golden Retriever: Info, Pictures, History & More

Rare and unique dog colors are increasingly popular, catching the eyes of those who want dogs that stand out. English Cream Golden Retrievers...

How Strong Is a Pit Bull’s Bite Force? PSI Measurements & Facts (Vet Answer)

The Pit Bull’s impressive build is intimidating, and they make the headlines often when it comes to “dangerous dogs.” However, they are not...

8 Best Arthritis Medications for Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Arthritis is a common disease in older dogs and can become worse over time. Without proper management, many dogs live with long-term pain...

Maltipoo Yorkie Mix Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

As the universe of designer dogs continues to expand, allow us to introduce one of the newest options out there! The Yorkie Maltipoo...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Mochi? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks

Dogs don’t stop to think about whether or not they should eat something, so it’s up to us as dog owners to do the thinking for them. If you’ve made mochi and you’re wondering if your dog can have any,...

Can Dogs Eat_mochi

Are Dogs Carnivores or Omnivores? What Research Suggests

If you have a dog, you know that there are few things that they like more than pieces of meat, but they also like to steal just about any other kind of food off the table, causing many people to...

close up of a dog eating from the bowl

9 Cranberry Dog Treats Recipes to Make for Your Pup

Check with a veterinarian before adding any new foods to your pet’s diet, particularly if your pet has any underlying health conditions or is on a special diet. If you love baked goods and making all sorts of yummy snacks...

cranberry dog cookie treats

10 Best Dog Foods for Loose Stools in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Picking up after our dogs is one of the least enjoyable aspects of canine ownership. But this task is made even harder if your dog consistently produces stool too loose to be easily collected in a poop bag. If we...

boston terrier dog holding a bowl of food

What Kinds of Bones Can Dogs Eat? 3 Vet-Approved Options

It’s no secret that many dogs love to chew on bones. They’re tasty to dogs, and their texture can help clean your dog’s teeth and maintain their oral health. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that bones are safe for your...

Can Dogs Eat Bones

10 Best Dog Travel Bowls in 2025  – Reviews & Top Picks

Dogs often make some of the best travel companions. With so many dog-friendly places to visit, you can plan all kinds of trips with your dog. When traveling with your dog, it’s important to pack several essential supplies to make...

Border collie puppy drinking water from bowl in a park

Can Dogs Eat Plums? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks

While choosing and preparing fruits and vegetables for your canine friend, it’s essential to be mindful of specific options that may not suit them. For example, you might be curious whether plums are safe for dogs. While dogs can eat...

Can Dogs Eat Plums

Purina Beneful Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

Review Summary Purina is one of the largest dog food manufacturers out there today. They were actually one of the first to create dry dog food and remain one of the most popular options today. In fact, the history of...

Dogster_Purina Beneful Dog Food Review