We all love our pets and want to have them included in our most precious day, but it’s not always an easy task to implement due to limitations. However, with a little creativity and planning, the presence of your pet can be felt throughout your wedding, even if they can’t make the guest list! Here are 6 of our favorite ways to include your furry loved one.

Photo: The Maine Tinker Studio

1. Signature Drink in their Honor

Will you have a signature drink during cocktail hour or your reception? Pick a fun name that includes your pet’s name that guests can call for by name at the bar. Include a cute picture of them and signage at the bar of the drink to showcase this cute subtle way of involving your pet. You can even opt for an edible cocktail topper or stir sticks with your pets face to really take your pet themed cocktail to the next level.

Photo: Wild Bloom Design Studio

Photo: Etsty TheEdibleDesignCo

2. Include Them in Pictures

If your venue is pet-friendly, coordinate with a trusted friend, family member or babysitter to watch and bring your pet at the appropriate time to be included in your formal family or bridal party photos. Your pet can be dressed up in festive wedding attire to be included in your precious photos.

If they are not allowed at the venue, check with your hotel, bridal suite or getting ready location if pets are allowed so your pet could be included in getting ready and details pictures before you go to the venue. If you go this route, ensure the person responsible will have a cage or a place to return your pet. Also make sure you make all vendors, such as your photographer aware in case of allergies.

Photo: Jeremy Chou Photography

Photo: Etsy OliviasDoggieDesigns

3. Walk Down the Aisle

A wedding classic. Your pet can walk down the aisle with the flower girl, groom, bride or even alone as the ring bearer. There is no right way to do this! Your pet can even be escorted in a mini car or cart down the aisle. Just ensure your pet behaves well in new environments before doing this and decide if they will be standing up at the alter with the bridal party or going to the babysitter after coming down the aisle. It is also thoughtful to let guests know they will be part of the ceremony in case of allergies. If having your pet at your ceremony is essential for you, make sure this is something you ask in the venue selection stage.

Photo: Simply Splendid

Photo: Faces Photography

4. Favors

Thinking of guest favors? Personalize fun favors with your pet that guests can take home such as custom cookies or shot glasses. Or you can create doggie bags filled with your pet’s favorite treats that guests can take home for their pets.

Photo: Zazzle Black Dog Art

5. Stationery

Include your pet’s picture or a pet theme in your wedding stationery. Whether it is your save the date, custom stamps, invitations, menu cards, thank you cards, welcome sign, pet-themed table numbers or seating chart, any personalization on your stationery such as a cute illustrations, paw prints, animal-themed verbiage, or photos are simple ways to incorporate them in a way for guests to feel the presence.

Photo: KathrynKahlDesign

Photo: Sarah Jayne Photography

6. Sweet Treats

A creative cake topper involving your pet or a dessert bar with animal themed treats will be a hit with guests. Search Etsy for custom toppers!

Photo: Flour and Sun Bakery

Photo: Chudleigh Weddings

J. Ladson Weddings is experienced in incorporating special details like these to create a memorable and flawless wedding day. Found these helpful? Check us back every month for a new topicBook a complimentary consultation if you’d like to chat all things weddings!

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