Your Dog & Your Wedding: 5 Tips for the Big Day

Unconditional love. Afternoon snuggles. Putting someone else’s needs first. Your relationship with your dogs can go a long way in prepping you to be a great life partner. So of course you both want your four-legged bestie to play a special role in your special day. 

According to a recent Rowan survey, 63% of pup parents said that if they were to get married, they would want to include their dog in the wedding festivities. So whether your pooch is playing Dog of Honor or simply making a special appearance for the wedding pics, here are some quick tips to make the big day a big success.

Keep things simple. Your pooch doesn’t need to be the star of the show. It’s you and your partner’s day, after all. So tailor your dog’s participation to their temperament. If a walk down the aisle with flowers seems ambitious, keep your pup’s appearance to a minimum—think pictures and post-vow kisses. 

Practice and plan ahead. Practice well beforehand and make sure to include anyone escorting your dog in the practice runs. Also, have a clear plan for who’ll be caring for your pup before and after their wedding moment. This job can go to someone your dog loves who doesn’t have any wedding party duties. Make sure your chosen dog sitter takes your pup for a walk prior to the main event so they can burn off any excess energy.

Stock up on treats. A little bribery can go a long way to keeping your dog’s behavior in check. That’s why it’s important to have a lot of their most favorite treats on hand. They’ll be more inclined to pay attention and listen to commands when you need them to. 

Give them the perfect groom. You’ll be sporting the perfect ‘do—and your dog should too. If your pooch’s coat needs regular trimming, make an appointment before the wedding day. Also squeeze in a bath to keep their coat looking 100. No time to suds up? We created The Happy Fur-ever After Kit to ease your stress and keep their coat clean and fresh on the big day.