For many couples, a wedding day wouldn’t feel complete without their beloved pet by their side. Whether it’s a pup trotting down the aisle or a cat featured on your cocktail napkins, including your furry friend can make your celebration feel even more personal. But pulling it off seamlessly requires careful preparation, clear communication, and a genuine understanding of your pet’s needs.
Prepare Your Pet in Advance
Preparing your pet for the big day is essential. Lily Hansen of HappiLily Events advises, “Before involving any pets in your actual wedding, you need to first be honest about your pet’s behavior and demeanor. Be sure they are properly trained and know that your animal isn't going to be overwhelmed or too crazy around people. An anxious or misbehaved pet can cause unnecessary stress and chaos!"
Assess Your Venue's Pet-Friendliness
Determining whether your wedding is truly pet-friendly is the first step. Becca Bjork of Becca’s MN Petcare emphasizes, “Even if pets are permitted, it’s best to assess whether the space is truly pet-safe. Loud music and large crowds are hallmarks for celebrating your big day, but it's best if there's a quiet room for your pup to sneak off to to decompress with their wedding pet attendant. A calm, quiet setting (preferably without carpet) is always a beneficial factor for your dog's comfort and well-being as well as cleaning up any potential messes.”
Kat Larrea with Glass House
Confirm Venue Boundaries and Rules
Lorah Palmer, Director of Hospitality & Senior Event Specialist at 7 Vines Vineyard, notes, “7Vines is proudly pet friendly for weddings-we love when couples include their dogs in their celebration. Whether walking down the aisle or posing for photos, your furry friend is welcomed.” That said, it is important for couples to confirm the venue’s boundaries and rules in advance, including where pets are allowed and any leash or supervision requirements, to ensure a smooth and safe celebration for everyone.
Hire a Dedicated Pet Attendant
Once you’ve confirmed a pet-friendly space, assigning a dedicated pet attendant is key. "We love when couples include their pets, but it’s key to think through how they’ll handle the excitement," states Christy Pulkrabek from Mintahoe Catering & Events. “A professional pet handler is always the way to go so your pet stays happy and the team can focus on guests. They can manage bathroom breaks, water, and transportation without adding stress to the couple.” Having someone solely responsible for your pet allows you to relax and enjoy your day.
Ensure Comfort and Breaks
Comfort and breaks are just as important as appearance. Grace Eberhardt from Northern Pacific Center notes, “A pet-friendly wedding prioritizes the animal’s comfort and well-being throughout the day, ensuring they have access to water, shade, and rest and are never left unattended or kept in a vehicle."
Laura Leigh Images with Northern Pacific Center
Include Your Pet in Calm, Controlled Moments
Anna Mazumdar of Style-Architects Weddings & Events shares, “Instead of having your four-legged friend walk down the aisle, have them join you while you get ready beforehand. You’ll get some great photos and share a quiet, relaxing moment with them before the bustle of the day begins. Another plus? Their hair won’t get all over your gown or suit!"
Communicate with Your Wedding Team
Communication with your wedding team is critical for a smooth day. Lara Leinen of Doggy Social LLC explains, "Let your planner, photographer, and venue know your pet will be there. A heads-up helps everyone adjust timing, flow, and photo plans. Most vendors love when pets are involved - it just takes a bit of coordination so everyone knows who’s holding the leash (literally!)."
Include Pets in Pre-Wedding Moments
Even pre-wedding moments are an opportunity to include pets. Carrie Scarfino from Cragun’s Resort says, “Before asking your pet to take on a big role, consider how they handle crowds, excitement, and noise. If you feel unsure, plan a special photo session instead or have your photographer edit them into your wedding pictures."
Eileen K Photography with Mintahoe Catering & Events
How to Include Pets Who Cannot Attend
For many couples, a wedding day wouldn’t feel complete without their beloved pet by their side. Even if your furry friend can’t be physically present, there are plenty of creative ways to celebrate them, keeping their spirit part of the celebration and giving guests a glimpse of the love you share.
Invitations and Signage
Lauren Wooden of Glass House suggests, “Consider creating a custom stamp or illustration of your pet to feature on your bar signs, invitations, programs, and thank-you cards.” These thoughtful touches make your pet part of the wedding story from the very start, giving guests small, charming reminders of your furry companion throughout the day. Incorporating your pet in printed materials can also serve as a keepsake for friends and family.
Personalized Cocktail Napkins
Melody Hall of Events by Melody shares, “One of my favorite touches is featuring your cat or dog on personalized cocktail napkins. It's such a fun surprise for guests, and it keeps your four-legged friend part of the festivities in spirit. Whether it’s a sketch of your cat or a custom illustration of your pup, it’s a subtle yet meaningful way to keep them ‘by your side’ throughout the day.” This adds a playful and memorable detail for guests to notice during cocktail hour, while also highlighting your pet as an honorary member of the celebration.
Carly Mac, artwork by Mango Ink with HappiLily Events
Signature Details
Cyndi Secrest, Sales Manager at Hewing Hotel, shares, “Couples often include pets through signature cocktail names, photo displays, or small personal details like bouquet charms. Even if their pet cannot attend the wedding festivities, we love helping couples find meaningful ways to honor them.” These subtle touches infuse your celebration with warmth and personality, reminding guests that love extends beyond the human members of the family.
Giant Prints
Cynthia Strauser of Chankaska Creek Ranch Winery & Distillery explains, “There may be factors that make it hard to have them present the day of but you’d like to honor them one way or another. A playful way to celebrate is by getting huge print outs of their faces to enjoy during the dancing portion of the night.” Oversized photos or portraits make for a bold and fun statement on the dance floor or at key areas around your venue, ensuring your pet’s presence is felt even if they can’t be there in person.
With a little planning, your four-legged family members can share in your wedding day memories, whether they’re physically present or celebrated in spirit. Each expert agrees that preparation, comfort, and creativity are the keys to making pets part of your wedding safely and meaningfully.
Brian Bossany with Wildtrails Studio courtesy of 7 Vines Vineyard
Main photo by Abigail Ann Photography courtesy of Doggy Social LLC
