How To Include Your Dog In Your Wedding

We love our dogs! It's no surprise that some brides and grooms would want to include their dog in the most important day of their life. Your dog can add a lot to your special day, or it could be a nice idea that turns into a bust.

1. Dog or no dog?

Decide whether or not your dog should be part of the wedding. If there are people on your guest list who are not comfortable around your dog, you may want to rethink your decision. If your future father-in-law is alergic, or your flower girl is terrified, you more than likely will want to leave your dog out.Make certain your dog is welcome at the sites where your wedding will take place. You will want to check with your officiant, your vendors, and venue.

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2. Choose an Appropriate Role For Your Dog

Choose an appropriate role for the dog depending on behavior and temperament. An energetic dog might need to be on a leash held by an usher or ring bearer, while a relaxed, older dog can be free to lounge during the ceremony. It would be unrealistic to expect an untrained puppy to walk down the aisle with the ring pillow, but your older, trained dog may do a great job. Practice, practice, practice. If you can, take your dog to the location where the event will take place. If that is not an option, take him/her to a variety of locations to practice so he/she will be used to performing in a strange location.

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3. Designate Someone To Watch Your Pet

Designate someone to watch your pet. Even if your pet's role in the wedding is as simple as sitting next to you, neither you nor your fiancé can really be expected to give the pet your full attention during the wedding. Try to choose someone your pet already knows and trusts. If you can't, arrange a meeting ahead of time so your pet can get used to its minder for the day. Make sure the person you choose is physically up to the job; don't have your 4 year old ring bearer trying to wrangle your full grown Great Dane.
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4. Clean Up

Wash your pup right before the ceremony to keep people with allergies from having a reaction to dander.
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5. Dress Up

Dress your dog in a fancy collar, ribbon, or dog tux. You will not want to have your wedding day to be the first time your dog tries on a new outfit or collar, so it's best to have practiced your dog's role with the new items on.
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6. Be Flexible

No matter how well you plan, something may not work out as you planned it, especially with your pet involved. Be prepared for scenarios like your pet getting stage fright or having an accident (in which case your pet minder should be prepared to clean it up). Also, make sure your pet minder has the option of taking your pet outside or even back home if your pet acts up or seems uncomfortable.
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7. Remember that...

...not all dogs are meant to be at weddings. Consider carefully whether your pet will be comfortable and happy at your ceremony or reception. As much as you may want your pet there, your pet may be far more content staying at home with a favorite toy. A photo of you and your spouse with your pet in a place of honor at the reception can show how much your pet means to you without causing you (or your pet) as much stress.
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Orange County Entertainment staff loves dogs!