Many couples feel that their pets are more than man’s best friend to them, their family. Naturally something so special, a bond so strong, should leave its paw print on your big day.

Roles your pet can play

Besides the obvious memorable moments, sentimental value and absolutely adorable photo opportunities, having your furry child with you can mean unexpectedly playful roles for them, as well as careful planning for you. Including a pet in your wedding can be tricky, but not impossible, as long as you plan ahead, we don’t see why family should get left behind.

From taking on classic roles like the ring bearer or “flower dog”, to walking down the aisle with the couple , there are so many fun and out of the box ideas for beloved pets that you can play with. Posing in your wedding pawtraits or even going the extra mile to get them a colour coded collar, bow tie or floral garland. make them feel part of the party by bringing them in on the fun.

Some practical considerations

Incorporating your pet into the reception or post ceremony celebrations is a huge and meaningful injection of cuteness that any wedding would benefit from, but there are also some practical aspects to consider to make sure your best friend and wedding planners are happy too.

Searching for pet-friendly wedding venues is step one. Luckily you can look no further than the Tabor group and Warwick House in particular. We are always happy to accommodate any request from a couple to make their day perfect. As long as the basics are covered we will always go the extra mile to make it work. Checking for potential hazards before is a good way to avoid problems down the line which will make both the venue and couple feel happy long before the wedding day. Another thing to consider before is assigning a pet-handler for the day with someone familiar to your pet. They can make sure of the wellbeing of your pet by taking care of their needs like water, food and rest breaks.

Not all pets are placid and calm, they have just as much individual personality as your two-legged family. Ensuring there is a quiet space for them to retreat to when they get riled up or nervous will give respite to your pet who may feel overstimulated or just fancy a nap, it will also bring peace of mind to you to know they have their own space to feel comfortable and cared for when they need it.

Capturing the special moments

Planning ahead with your photographer will be key to capturing adorable moments. Consider arranging a pet friendly photoshoot before or after the ceremony somewhere quiet and away from the gathering to keep them calm and playing ball.

Alternatives for those a little to anxious

If you know your pet is too nervous for such an occasion but you want them to still be a part of your day, alternatives to think of would be including them in the wedding stationary, cake topper or signage. You might even create a photo display or tribute to your bestie to make sure those who are most meaningful to you don’t get left out.

We know how much your best friend means to you, and that means it’s important to us too. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to see what can be done to accommodate your pet at one of our venues. With well trained and experienced staff we have seen it all and can always find a way to figure out how to include your dog in your wedding.