Wedding Photography - Everything you need to know to include your dog on your wedding day
The ultimate guide for Australian couples to include your dog on your wedding day
Over the last few years we have seen couples wanting to include their dog but not knowing how to navigate the logistics on their wedding day. As a photographer I am all about getting couples to include significant parts of their story and their lives and a fur friend is a big one. Your dog will live through these milestones over the next few years and I am a big believer that they should be included on your wedding day.
How do you include your dog on your wedding?
We have searched far and wide for ways that you could include your dog on your wedding day, and here are a few ideas:
Decide what role you would like your dog to play on your day: do you want to have portraits with them? Would you like them to be part of your bridal party? or your bridal party?
Get ready together: if you are getting ready at home then this is the perfect time of the day to include your dog without stressing about the crowds or having a dog handler.
Have a first look: If your dog gets easily overwhelmed with strangers, loud noises or crowds then you could consider doing a first look. This is a great option to have some portraits and an intimate moment for your partner and you before the ceremony.
Display images of your dog: Consider including your dog by displaying photos of them through your reception or at your altar
Include your dog with a cardboard cut out: Get a cardboard silhouette of your dog to include them on your ceremony if they can’t make it on the day.
Include your dog on your wedding stationary: Use images of your engagement photography session with them through your stationary like your wedding invitations.
Use images of your dog on the Bombonieres. A great option is to consider a donation on behalf of your guests to an animal shelter, and instead of giving a Bomboniere, you can leave a message on each guests seat to let them know that a donation was made on their behalf.
Consider adding them by doing a cookie of their shape for each of your guests.
A present for your partner: if your dog can’t make it to your ceremony or your wedding celebrations consider adding them through a present for your partner like cufflinks, or a tie that will include a silhouette of your dog, or get some custom made socks with the picture of your dog.
Wedding day logistics: Things to keep in mind if your dog is part of your wedding ceremony
So you are considering to include your pet or your dog on your wedding day, what next? Here is a list of things to consider to workout the logistics of your day.
How far will your wedding ceremony and wedding venue be? Will you get ready at home? If not can your getting ready location accept or cater for pets/dogs?
Will your ceremony location be big enough to be able to host your pet?
Once your ceremony is done, who will take care of your dog?
Always keep in mind your dogs personality and how they handle new crowds and noises, if they get nervous or can’t handle new people then it might be better to include them in a quiet environment like before your wedding ceremony.
If you are getting married during summer remember to have a bawl with water to make sure that your dog is hydrated on a hot day.
Have a dog handler, this could be a designated member of your family that will be able to bring and take your dog back home on the day.
Loud noises beware: keep in mind your dogs sensitivities and tolerance to noises, some dogs can be very sensitive and will not tolerate loud music or some musical instruments.
5 things you will need to have handy if you want your dog to be part of your wedding day
So you have worked out what role you want your dog to play on your day and you have worked out the logistics, here is a list of all the accessories you will need on the day to make sure that everything runs smoothly.
A leash, maybe a decorated one?
Wedding dog harness
Team bride dog bandana
Dog water bowl
Dog treats
Dog poo bags
Keep your dog busy with a food maze
Everything you need to know to get your dog: wedding ready
If you are settled in including your dog on your wedding day then here are some tips you should consider a few months and weeks in advance to make sure that your dog is in the best frame of mind for your event.
Dog training classes: Consider your dogs personality and normal behaviour when you take him for a walk, how does he/she reacts to strangers? to other dogs? With this in mind, consider visiting a dog trainer to asses him/her and get recommendations on how to tackle the day, and teach him/her to walk nicely on the leash.
Bring your dog to the rehearsals and consider bringing his/her bed to the ceremony so that they can have a familiar place and smell.
Consider where your dog will go after the ceremony and who will take him/her back home.
Other great quirky ideas for wedding days that break up with the traditions
Weddings come in all shapes and sizes, but one of the most important things to remember is that your day should reflect you and your story. As a wedding photographer I have met several couples that have been brave enough to break away from traditions and decided to incorporate some quirky and new ideas. While planning your wedding day, this is a great time to consider some new things you could do or incorporate on your day. Here are some quirky wedding ideas:
Have a second dress for your wedding reception. This is common in certain cultures but it can also be a great way to be comfortable the rest of the night
Denim or leather jacket. This is a trend that I love and I love the couples that decide to embrace it using meaningful quotes on the back of their jackets.
Have a first look with a sunset ceremony: with the option of a an intimate first look you can have your wedding ceremony during the sunset and go from there to the reception.
If you choose to have kids on your wedding day, then how about a creche? getting a party entertainer and some activities for them is a great way to caterer for some family members and maybe your own kids?
Have a wedding Piñata? This one is close to my heart. As a South American, I was raised with Piñatas as part of epic parties and memorable moments! Why not consider having a fun moment with your guests and include a piñata on your day?
I hope that these quirky ideas will get you thinking about little ways that you can make your wedding day to be unique and meaningful to you.