Dogs at weddings: why this isn’t such a bad idea!

Dogs at weddings! This actually isn’t such a bad idea.

Below are our former family dogs, Bryn & Mac, who passed away just over a year ago. Notice the muddy paws prints scattered over the floor! I’m sure incredibly annoying at the time, but now, on the wall… (the photographic print that is, not the paw prints) the details reveal so much character.

“Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend.
Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read”
– Groucho Marx

The saying, “never work with children or animals“, is pretty meaningless when it comes to weddings – why deny yourself something that genuinely enriches your life and the lives of others?

Well, you shouldn’t.

Because your wedding should be as personal as you desire it to be.

People are so much more open minded when it comes to planning their wedding these days, that you shouldn’t be put off by what is conventionally, or traditionally done. As mentioned before, it’s quite okay for the bride to make a speech at wedding, as it’s not 1927 anymore! What I’m getting at is this – today is the day to make your own traditions. 

But there are a few things worth thinking about before you start storing dog treats in your wedding dress, or putting your mum on 24 hour dog watch!

Consider Your Venue & Location

Does your venue have any rules regarding animals? Generally, a wedding venue such as a hotel or hall is going to be more limiting here, but you should always ask them directly.

Are you spending some of the day at a family home? I do love weddings set at family homes, even if only part of the day is there, due to the history and meaning behind it. This can also naturally present an opportunity for your pet to be ‘at your wedding’. So it doesn’t have to be that complicated.

Ask a Neighbour or Close Friend to help

If you’re at a family home for the reception (such as a marquee/tipi/yurt nearby), it might not be too feasible to have your pet bounding around the entire day. So, consider asking a neighbour to walk them once or twice in the day, which would naturally need doing anyway. That way, you can see them once or twice, but not have to worry about looking after them. Similarly, you can always ask a close friend to do this for you as it won’t take too long.

It should go without saying, this does suit a more laid back wedding, not one running by a military time sheet.

If you like that spontaneous, festival feel, then this is definitely something to consider. The effort is minimal, and it will definitely guarantee you spontaneity and fun.