Including Your Dog in Your Wedding Without Stressing You or Them

Written by Rhona James at Breezit for Odie Pet Insurance

Hey there, fellow dog parents! Planning to have your furry best friend join you on your big day? You’re not alone! More and more couples are finding creative ways to include their dogs in their wedding celebrations—after all, they’re family too!

But let’s face it—weddings are already chaotic enough with relatives asking when you’re having kids and that one uncle who shouldn’t be near the open bar. Adding your pup to the mix? That requires some extra thought! I’ve seen both tail-wagging successes and unfortunate “who let the dogs out” moments at weddings, and I’m here to share what works.

Is Your Pup Really Wedding-Ready?

Before you order that doggy tuxedo, let’s be honest about a few things:

Your Dog’s Personality Matters (A Lot!) My cousin’s usually chill Lab, Max, had a total meltdown when the DJ cranked up “Sweet Caroline.” Not all dogs can handle wedding chaos! Think about how your pup reacts to:

• Crowds of unfamiliar people are trying to pet them
• Loud, unexpected noises (like cheering or music)
• Being in unfamiliar places for several hours
• The excitement and stress they’ll pick up from you

If your dog gets anxious at the dog park, they’re probably not going to love your 200-person reception!

Venue Rules Can Break Your Heart: Many venues have gotten dog-friendly, but not all! My friend Jess didn’t check and had her heart set on her Goldendoodle as ring bearer, only to discover her dream venue’s strict “no pets” policy after putting down a deposit. Ouch!

Your Guests Might Not Share Your Dog Love: Sure, YOU think Baxter is perfect, but Aunt Martha with severe allergies or your college roommate’s toddler who’s terrified of dogs might disagree. My friend Julia ended up creating a separate “dog-free” seating area for guests with allergies when she included her German Shepherd. 

Who’s Watching Fido When You’re Busy Being Married? You’ll be BUSY. Between photos, first dances, and chatting with that relative you haven’t seen in 10 years, you won’t have time to take your pup out for potty breaks. One couple I know realized halfway through their reception that their poor pup hadn’t been outside in hours!

Dogs Like Routine (Weddings Are Anything But): Your dog thrives on predictability—same walks, same meal times, same bed. Wedding days throw all that out the window, which can stress out even the chillest pups.

Test Drive Your Dog’s Wedding Readiness

Before making any promises, try a few “wedding simulations”:

Take your pup to busy parks, outdoor concerts, or pet-friendly stores that have wedding-like elements—strangers, noise, and commotion. Watch how they handle it! My sister’s rehearsal dinner turned into an unplanned temperament test when the venue allowed pets—turns out her rescue terrier was way more social than expected!

Finding a Dog-Friendly Wedding Venue

Get It In Writing: Don’t just hear “dogs are welcome”—get specific! Ask:

• Where exactly can dogs be on the property?
• Do you need special insurance?
• Are there extra cleaning fees?
• Are there quiet spaces available if your dog needs a break?

Use Smart Resources: Why start from scratch when others have done the hard work? Many wedding venue directories now include pet-friendly filters to make your search easier:

• Check out specialized wedding venue directories that highlight pet policies. For example, Curvier Club on Breezit has a special tag right in the information section showing they welcome pets on their premises.
• These directories often let you filter venues by pet-friendly status, saving you dozens of phone calls and emails.
• Look for venues with “Pet-Friendly Wedding” badges or specific mentions in their amenities list.

While many venues still maintain strict “no pets allowed” policies, these directories help you quickly identify places that either fully welcome dogs, allow service animals only, or handle requests on a case-by-case basis. This can save you from falling in love with a venue only to discover your furry friend isn’t welcome!

Think Beyond Permission: Your venue might allow dogs, but is it actually comfortable for them? That gorgeous stone floor might be slippery for paws, and that July outdoor ceremony might be brutal for your fluffy Husky! Map out a quiet area where your dog can escape when things get overwhelming. 

Traveling With Your Pup? If you’re planning a destination wedding, think about how your dog handles travel. My friend’s Beagle got carsick on the two-hour drive to her venue and arrived totally stressed before things even started!

Easy Ways to Include Your Dog (Without the Stress!)

Not every dog needs to be present for your entire wedding day. Here are some pup-friendly options:

Photo Session Superstar: Schedule a special pre-wedding or day-after photo session just for pictures with your dog. You’ll get those adorable shots without managing your pup during the main event.

Ceremony Cameos: Give your dog a quick, meaningful role with a clear exit strategy. Maybe they walk down the aisle but leave before all the “I dos.” I went to a wedding where the couple’s Corgi delivered the rings, got massive “awwws” from the crowd, and was whisked away by a handler, perfect for everyone!

Comfy Outfits Only, Please: That doggy tuxedo might look adorable in theory, but if it restricts movement or makes your pup overheat, it’s not worth it. Simple accessories—a fancy collar, a floral wreath, or a cute bandana—are usually more comfortable.

Get Creative Without Actually Bringing Your Dog

Can’t bring your actual dog? Include them symbolically:

• Custom cake toppers featuring your pup
• Signature cocktails named after them
• Table numbers with different photos of your dog
• Life-sized cardboard cutouts for photo ops

Prep Your Pup Like a Pro

Practice Makes Perfect: In the weeks before your wedding, help your dog get ready:

• Gradually adjust their schedule to match wedding day timing
• Have at least one rehearsal with your dog in the actual space
• Let them practice wearing their wedding outfit at home (start with short periods and work up)
• Prep a dog emergency kit with treats, water, medications, poop bags, and comfort items
• Visit the venue together before the big day if possible

Day-of Dog Management

Hire a Dog Handler (Seriously, This Is Key!): This is THE most important tip—designate someone whose ONLY job is to care for your dog. This should not be in your wedding party or immediate family! Consider:

• Hiring a professional pet sitter who specializes in wedding pet care
• Assigning a dog-loving friend who isn’t involved in other aspects of the day

Create a Doggy Comfort Zone: Work with your venue to set up a quiet retreat away from speakers and crowded areas. Stock it with:

• Your dog’s bed or crate
• Familiar toys and blankets from home
• Fresh water and treats
• Maybe even a white noise machine to block wedding sounds

Stick to Schedule When Possible: Give your handler a detailed rundown of your dog’s normal routine:

• Regular feeding times
• Walk/potty break schedule
• Commands they know
• Signs that they’re getting stressed

Have a Clear Exit Plan: Decide in advance what happens if your dog gets overwhelmed:

• What behaviors signal it’s time to leave
• Where will your dog go if they need to exit the celebration
• Having a nearby pet-friendly accommodation as backup can be a lifesaver!

The Bottom Line: Happy Dogs Make Happy Weddings

Including your dog in your wedding can add so much joy and personality to your special day! When done right, it creates those “OMG, did you see the dog?” moments that guests will talk about forever.

The key is being realistic about your dog’s temperament and planning accordingly. By understanding what your pup can handle, preparing them well, and making sure they have proper support on the day, you’ll create a positive experience for everyone.

Remember, sometimes the kindest choice is keeping them comfortable at home with a trusted sitter and finding other ways to include them. After all, the best wedding gift you can give your furry friend is putting their needs first—even on your big day!

Hey, at the end of the day, your wedding should reflect your whole family—four-legged members included. With these tips, you can make sure everyone has a tail-wagging good time!