For many couples, their pets are an important part of their family, and they want to have them by their side while they begin their new journey of marriage. If you are planning to get married soon and want to include your fur baby in your big day, then here are a few things you should consider:
Is your dog confident in large crowds with noise?
A crowded, noisy place like a wedding can be overwhelming or even frightening for your fur baby, so it is important to consider if your dog is confident enough to be in large crowds. They may not be able to adapt well to a new environment or may feel uncomfortable around strangers. For your wedding to go smoothly, consider your dog's welfare throughout the day so they can have a great time just like everyone else.
Have you practiced what you expect your pup to do?
Practice, practice, practice! Practice as much as you can with your pup before your big day arrives. This will let your dog know exactly what to do, what to expect, and when to do it during the day. Practicing will help your pup get comfortable in the new environment and help them understand your expectations. Ensure you make time before your wedding, or on the day itself, to familiarize your fur baby with the venue as well.
Do you have someone to watch your dog after the ceremony/throughout the day?
Make sure you have someone to help look after your dog. It could be a family member, friend, or a hired expert; preferably someone your dog is comfortable with. You will be busy enjoying your wedding and talking to guests, so having a designated helper will ease a lot of stress for both you and your dog.
Are your guests/wedding party aware that your pup will be involved?
If you have decided to have your fur baby attend your wedding, it is important to notify your guests. Let your wedding party and guests know that it is going to be a pet-friendly wedding. Some of your guests may have allergies or even a fear of dogs. It is best to be upfront with them so arrangements can be made ahead of time if needed.
Expect your dog's duty not to go as planned.
Expect the unexpected! Remember, even weddings without pets don't go completely according to plan! Be prepared for your dog's performance not to go as you had envisioned, and be okay with it!
If you take these aspects into consideration and plan ahead, having your pet involved in your wedding day will be a positive experience for you as well as your pet.
At Addison Woods we LOVE having your fur babies join you on your wedding day! We welcome both you and your pet to come meet us and check out our pet friendly property by scheduling a tour.