You know one thing for sure—you absolutely want your dog to share in your wedding day. But now you’re feeling overwhelmed, flooded with Pinterest ideas, adorable Instagram inspiration, and endless options. Where do you even begin? How do you make sure your pet is safely included, comfortable, and happy, while ensuring the day runs smoothly for everyone? Take a deep breath—you’re not alone. At Pawfect for You, we specialize in bringing clarity, calm, and practical solutions to couples just like you who are excited (but slightly overwhelmed) about including their furry best friend on their special day.

Step 1: Create a high-level vision. Before diving into the details, start by considering which parts of the day you want your pet to participate in. Once you outline this, everything else falls into place. Here’s a breakdown of key moments to consider:

The Ceremony

The ceremony is one of the most meaningful moments of your wedding day. Imagine your dog walking down the aisle, standing by your side during your vows, or even making a surprise appearance. It’s an unforgettable moment, but it also requires planning:

• Do you want your dog to walk down the aisle as a member of the wedding party?
• Would you love your pet to be present during your vows?
• What happens if they get anxious or restless? 
• Do you want your pet to be a surprise to your guests? 

There are endless adorable possibilities—from ring bearer or flower girl duties to simply having your furry companion stand by your side. If you choose this route, a dedicated pet attendant is invaluable in helping to manage your pet’s behavior, providing treats, comfort, and if needed, an exit. 

Pictures

Most couples do opt to have their pet for photos at some point. As you think through this part of the day, ask yourself

• Will you have photos before or after your ceremony? 
• Where are you taking photos? Outside the church? A nearby park? At the venue? These answers will help to outline where your pet sitter should plan to take your pet. Consider logistics such as transportation and parking. 
• What’s the weather plan? If you plan to do outdoors photos, consider what to do in case of extreme temperatures or rain. Having a solid backup plan also ensures that you capture the best pictures with your pet (no one wants a wet dog in their photos on their wedding day lol!)

Planning a “First Look”? Decide if you’d like your pet to be present for that moment or brought in after. While some vendors advocate that the first look moment should be just for the couple, we do know some of our pet pawrents can’t imagine it without the pet they’ve shared. It is totally up to you.

Pro tip: As a rule of thumb, if your photographer hasn’t given you a time for the first look yet, we generally estimate it to be 2.5 hours until we nail down a firmer time closer to the big day.

Getting Ready with Your Pet

Some of the most cherished photos include a bride with her pup in a silk robe or a groom’s dog sporting a bow tie. If you want your pet included in this part of the day, consider:

• Excitement level: Is your pet energetic? A sitter should be present to manage them while you focus on getting ready.
• Space constraints: Will they be comfortable in a crowded bridal suite?
• Noise sensitivity: Loud music, champagne popping, and hairdryers can stress some dogs. Know their comfort level.

The Cocktail Hour: A Social Pup’s Dream

Cocktail hour is a a great opportunity to show off your pet IRL especially if you’ve been sharing lots of photos on social media. 

• Does your venue allow pets during the cocktail hour? If yes, take advantage! Guests adore interacting with your pet, capturing cute selfies and candid photos.
• Are all guests comfortable around dogs? If anyone has allergies or fears, a pet attendant can ensure they keep a safe distance.

Reception Entrances & First Dance

Do you dream of making a grand entrance with your pet or having them join your first dance? If so:

• Keep in mind that the music and guests cheering can be loud. Let your DJ know so he or she can make an announcement to keep the crowd calm and music at an appropriate level. You might even want to choose a song for your dog to enter to. 
• First dance? This of course can be a little tricky, but it can work if timed correctly. Communication is key, so be sure to advise your pet attendant and DJ how you envision this working ahead of time.

During the Reception

• Will your pet stay or leave the venue? Unless your reception is outdoors, the venue will likely request that your pet leave the reception room.  Some couples request that a sitter stay with the dog on site in a private room. This works great for small events, it’s always nice to go back and visit your pup when you want. However, for larger events or an already long day, we actually advise against it. You’ll be so involved interacting with your guests and the festivities that you won’t have a few minutes to go back to your pet. And if it’s already been a long day (8+ hours), then your pet probably needs to go back home, to a hotel/rental home, or to their overnight caretaker for some time to rest and relax. 
• Remember – we’re taking our pups away from their usual daily schedule, so naturally they’ll get tired sooner than they normally do.

Pre and Post-event Logistics

Once you’ve decided when your pet will be involved, think about transportation and care:

• Where will your pet be picked up and dropped off? Home, a hotel, or a sitter?
• Consider any pre-event and post-event care that your pup may need. Plan meals, medication, and bathroom breaks accordingly.

Uh oh: What if Your Wedding Venue Isn’t Pet-Friendly?

While many venues gladly welcome pets, some, unfortunately, do not. But don’t panic—this situation is completely manageable:

• Double-check policies Post-pandemic, we’ve seen more and more religious venues (churches, mosques, other establishments) open their doors to pets on the wedding day, provided they follow certain guidelines. It doesn’t hurt to ask. Pro tip: It also helps to let your venue know that you’re considering working with a professional handler. Most venues are tepid about allowing pets due to prior bad experiences or horror stories they’ve heard. Reassuring them that you’ll use a professional service does help to alleviate those fears. 
• Nearby Locations for Photos: Professional pet attendants like those at Pawfect for You excel at finding lovely nearby parks or picturesque outdoor spaces to capture beautiful photos with your pet.

Your wedding day should be full of joyful moments, not logistical headaches. Including your pet doesn’t have to complicate your day. With a professional pet attendant, you can rest assured that your pet is safe, calm, and lovingly cared for.

At Pawfect for You, we pride ourselves on our unique combination of professional pet sitting and expert wedding planning services. From understanding venue limitations and developing practical solutions to ensuring your pet is happily by your side during key moments, we handle it all.

Ready to Get Started?

Your wedding day is about love, family, and memories—and your beloved pet is undeniably a part of all these things. You don’t have to navigate these details alone; our experienced team is excited to support you every step of the way.

Schedule your complimentary consultation today and let’s discuss how we can make your wedding “pawfectly” unforgettable!