7 Ways to Incorporate Your Dog into Your Wedding Ceremony

Your wedding day is a celebration of love, a joyous occasion to share with your significant other, family, friends, and not to forget, your furry companion. Dogs are not just pets; they are family members who play a significant role in many couples' lives. Including your dog in your wedding can add a unique touch of love and joy to your special day. Below, explore various creative and memorable ways to make your dog a part of your wedding celebration, ensuring they're just as involved in your big day.

Including Your Dog in the Wedding Processional

1. Walk Down the Aisle Together

One fun way to involve your dog is by having them walk down the aisle with you. Whether they walk beside you or are carried by a trusted friend or family member, this can be a heartwarming addition to your ceremony. It's essential to practice this walk to ensure your dog feels comfortable and behaves as expected on the big day. Having treats on hand can help keep them calm and focused.

Assigning a Special Role

2. Your Dog as the Ring Bearer or Flower Pup

For those who want their dog to have a more active role, consider appointing them as the ring bearer or flower pup. You can secure the rings or flowers to a special collar or have your dog carry a small pillow or basket. It’s crucial to ensure a trusted individual escorts your dog down the aisle and manages the retrieval of the rings at the altar, providing both style and security.

3. Dressing Your Dog in Wedding Attire

Dress your dog in special wedding attire to make them stand out. The market offers a variety of dog-friendly wedding outfits, including tuxedos, bowties, flower collars, and dresses. Ensure that whatever they wear is comfortable and does not restrict movement, allowing them to enjoy the event as much as the guests.

Enhancing the Ceremony

4. Incorporate Your Dog into the Ceremony Script

Personalize your ceremony by including your dog in the ceremony script. Whether mentioned by the officiant, included in your vows, or even performing a small trick, it’s a wonderful way to highlight your dog’s significance in your life. Access to dedicated readings about dogs is available through various resources, such as Provenance's Rituals and Readings library, which offers over 300 readings including the reading below.

‍

Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog

‍
by Taylor Mali

‍
Falling in love is like owning a dog
First of all, it’s a big responsibility, especially in a city like [insert city].
So think long and hard before deciding on love.

On the other hand, love gives you a sense of security: when you’re walking down the street late at night and you have a leash on love ‘ain’t no one going to mess with you.

Because crooks and muggers think love is unpredictable. Who knows what love could do in its own defence?

On cold winter nights, love is warm. It lies between you and lives and breathes and makes funny noises.
Love wakes you up all hours of the night with its needs. It needs to be fed so it will grow and stay healthy.

Love doesn’t like being left alone for long. But come home and love is always happy to see you.
It may break a few things accidentally in its passion for life, but you can never be mad at love for long.

Is love good all the time? No! No!
Love can be bad.
Bad, love, bad!
Very bad love.

Love makes messes. Love leaves you little surprises here and there.
Love needs lots of cleaning up after. Sometimes you just want to get love fixed.
Sometimes you want to roll up a piece of newspaper and swat love on the nose, not so much to cause pain, just to let love know don’t you ever do that again!

Sometimes love just wants to go for a nice long walk. Because love loves exercise.
It runs you around the block and leaves you panting. It pulls you in several different directions at once, or winds around and around you until you’re all wound up and can’t move.

But love makes you meet people wherever you go. People who have nothing in common but love stop and talk to each other on the street.
Throw things away and love will bring them back, again, and again, and again.

But most of all, love needs love, lots of it.
And in return, love loves you and never stops.

‍

5. Honor Your Dog as a Special Guest

If your dog is shy or uneasy around large crowds, they can still be acknowledged as the guest of honor. Reserve a special seat or spot for them with a personalized sign. Alternatively, feature a photo of your dog in the wedding décor, include them in wedding favors, or even incorporate a dog-inspired design on your wedding cake. These gestures ensure your dog feels like an integral part of the celebration without overwhelming them.

6. Feature Your Dog in the Ceremony Pamphlet

Adding your dog’s photo and designated role (e.g., “The Goodest Boy”) to the ceremony pamphlet is a playful way to include them. It not only serves as a cute addition but also makes your wedding feel more personalized and inclusive.

FAQs: Including Your Dog in Your Wedding

7. Can a Dog Be a Witness for a Wedding?

While traditionally human witnesses sign the marriage license, In Colorado and other states, your dog can legally act as a witness and leave a paw print on your wedding license. Colorado is a state that doesn't mandate human witnesses for weddings, so your pet can be a witness. All they'll need is their paw print, and ink.

‍

How Do I Ensure My Dog is Comfortable at the Wedding?

It's crucial to consider your dog’s comfort throughout the event. Familiarize them with the venue beforehand, keep them hydrated, and ensure they have quiet spaces to retreat to if the festivities become overwhelming.

What Preparations Should I Make for My Dog's Role in the Wedding?

Preparations should include rehearsals, selecting comfortable attire, and arranging for a caretaker who can attend to your dog's needs throughout the event. Also, prepare a contingency plan in case your dog becomes restless or stressed.

Are There Any Legal Considerations for Including My Dog in My Wedding?

While there are no specific legal considerations for simply including your dog in your wedding, always ensure that your venue is pet-friendly and that you adhere to any regulations they might have regarding animals.

Incorporating your dog into your wedding not only makes your day more memorable but also signifies the important role your pet plays in your life. With thoughtful planning, your dog can safely and joyfully participate in your celebrations, creating cherished memories for years to come.

‍