How to Include your Dog in your Wedding or Elopement
How to Include your Dog in your Wedding or Elopement
Your dog is an important part of your family. You celebrate their birthday, have more photos of their cute little face on your phone than anything else, and design parts of your life around their needs. They may have been an integral part of your relationship, either accepting your partner into your lives after being your only co-pilot for their entire life or as your shared child that you adopted and raise together. So it’s a no brainer that you want them to be a part of your wedding or elopement day in any way. Included below are 5 different ways for them to be a part of your day in person or in spirit.
Honored Guest
If you have a location that allows dogs, you can simply have your dog be an honored guest at your wedding or elopement. Dress them up in a dog of honor bandana or cute outfit, whatever fits your pup’s styling! It’s helpful to have someone designated to take care of your special pup, so they can take care of their needs during the day and make sure they get to their spot during the ceremony. It’s one less thing you have to think of or worry about during the day.
Ring Bearer
Your pup can be the one to bring you your wedding bands, be it on a string tied to their collar or other means. I recommend attaching the rings just before they’re needed or before the start of the ceremony so they don’t accidently fall off or get lost. Be sure to practice with your pup multiple times before the big day so they are confident in their role. The fun thing is that even if it doesn’t exactly go to plan, that’s the charm of the experience! It makes for an even more memorable moment on your day and lots of laughs.
Sign Marriage License
Some states only require one witness or no witnesses which leaves room for your pup to sign! Remember to bring an ink pad for them to have the best signature as well as something to clean their paw after so no one has inky paw fives after signing.
Vow Photos
If your pup can’t be there in person for the big day, write your vows on the back of photos of them. How sweet for your partner to see their smiling fluffy face while hearing your promises to them. I’m sure you’re missing your pup in those moments as well and it’s a great mood boost to see their face as well. Feel free to print more than one photo instead of trying to fit all of your vows onto just one. They make a great keepsake as well to adorn your home for years to come.
Gifts
Chances are there are other dog lovers in your life, so even if your pup can’t be there in person, they can give a gift to the other dogs in your friends and family’s lives. Dog treats, toys, or bandanas are a few options. Personalize it with treat bags with their photo and name on it!
Have any other ways you’re thinking of including your pup into your celebration? Comment them down below so other engaged dog lovers can take inspiration from you!