Your wedding day is one of the biggest, most emotional days of your life — so it only makes sense that you’d want your best furry friend by your side too! 🐶✨
But as adorable as the idea is, bringing your dog to your wedding takes a little bit of planning and a whole lot of consideration. The goal is to make sure it’s a wonderful experience for both of you — not a source of stress, chaos, or muddy paw prints on your dress. 😉
Here’s how to include your dog in your wedding without the stress (for you or them) — and why having a wedding chaperone can make all the difference.
🐾 1. Know Your Dog’s Personality
Start with honesty (and love): is your dog the social butterfly type, or do they prefer quiet moments with just you?
Not every dog thrives in a noisy, crowded environment full of hugs, claps, and camera flashes — and that’s okay!
If your dog enjoys new people and settings, they’ll likely love being part of the big day. But if they’re more reserved, you might plan for them to attend just a small portion — like photos, or the ceremony entrance — then head home or to a comfy spot afterwards.
Remember: the goal is to make it fun for them, not overwhelming.
🎒 2. What to Pack for Your Pup
Just like you’d have an emergency kit for yourself, your dog needs one too!
Here’s a little “Wedding Day Dog Bag” checklist:
- 🦴 Food & Treats
- 🧻 Poo bags & wipes (inevitable!)
- 🐕 Leads, harness, collar, and name tag
- 🧸 Favourite toy or comfort item
- 🛏️ Blanket or bed for rest breaks
- 💌 Wedding outfit or accessories — if your dog is comfortable wearing them
Pro tip: practice wearing any special outfits before the big day, so they’re not distracted or uncomfortable when it counts.
🚫 3. What to Avoid
Even the best-behaved pups can get overwhelmed, so here’s what to skip:
- Loud fireworks or confetti cannons near your dog — they can be startling.
- Tight clothing or accessories that restrict movement or vision.
- Over-scheduling — give them plenty of time to rest and decompress.
- Overfeeding on treats or wedding food (it’s tempting, but their tummies won’t thank you later).
Your dog doesn’t need to be perfect — just comfortable and happy.
🐕🦺 4. The Secret Ingredient: A Wedding Chaperone
Here’s the part most couples don’t think about until it’s too late: who’s actually looking after the dog on the day?
You’ll be busy getting ready, saying vows, taking photos, chatting with guests — and the last thing you need is to be worrying about walks, water, or bathroom breaks. And family members and friends who would normally look after them will be at the wedding.
That’s where a wedding chaperone steps in (hi 👋 — that’s me!).
A chaperone handles:
- Transporting your dog to and from the venue
- Coordinating their part in the ceremony or photos
- Making sure they’re walked, fed, hydrated, and content
- Keeping them calm around guests, noise, and excitement
- Giving them the love and reassurance they need when you can’t
- We can also offer overnight care
It means your dog is part of your story — without you having to juggle all the logistics.
💛 5. Final Thoughts
Including your dog in your wedding should add joy, not stress. With a bit of planning, realistic expectations, and the right support, it can be one of the most heartwarming moments of your whole day.
So whether they’re walking down the aisle, sitting proudly in photos, or giving you that signature tail wag as you say “I do” — they’ll be right there, part of your love story. 🐾💍
If you’d like to know more about how a wedding chaperone service can make that happen (and keep your pup happy and calm), I’d love to chat. 💌
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