Your wedding day will be one of the most special ones in your life, and it’s natural to want to share it with your loved ones. And what better idea than to include your dog in your wedding?. Whether you want your pet to play a big role in your wedding or simply want them to be there to witness your special day, including them can create some truly heartwarming memories. As an experienced wedding photographer, I’ve seen pets add an extra special touch to weddings, creating cute and emotional moments for everyone involved.
According to Newsweek: “Nearly two-thirds of people would have their dog involved in their wedding day–with some even willing to have man’s best friend play the role of best man, bridesmaid or ring bearer.” Here are some tips on how to include your pet in your wedding.
Top Tips for a Heartwarming Pet Friendly Wedding
Consider Logistics
While having your furry friend with you on your wedding day can be a dream come true, it’s important to consider logistics before making any decisions. If you want your pet to be present for the entire ceremony, you’ll need to ensure that the venue is pet-friendly and can accommodate your pet’s needs. This may include hiring a pet care company to take care of your pet during the necessary hours or making arrangements for a pet-friendly environment after the wedding. Additionally, some pets may find the wedding day stressful or overwhelming, so it’s important to consider their temperament and make sure they’re comfortable with the situation.
Plan Ahead
Once you’ve decided to include your pet in your wedding, it’s important to plan ahead. Make sure your pet is well-groomed and comfortable with any attire or accessories they may need to wear. Consider incorporating your pet into your wedding photoshoot by including them in some of your portraits or having them carry the rings in a specially designed ring holder.
Get Creative
Including your pet in your wedding doesn’t have to be limited to traditional roles or ideas. Get creative and think of ways to incorporate your pet’s unique personality into your wedding day. For example, if your pet loves to play fetch, you could include a game of fetch in your wedding photoshoot. Or, if your pet has a favorite toy or treat, you could use it as a prop in your photos. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it.
Pet-Friendly Venues
One important consideration when planning to include your pet in your wedding is finding a pet-friendly venue. While some venues may allow pets, others may have restrictions or rules that prevent you from bringing your furry friend. If you’re set on including your pet in your wedding, be sure to do your research and find a venue that is not only accommodating to pets, but also fits your vision for your special day. Some pet-friendly venues even offer services like doggie daycare or pet sitting, so be sure to ask about these options when considering different venues.
Include Your Pet in the Wedding Party
If you want to take things up a notch and include your pet in the wedding party, there are plenty of ways to do so. You could have your pet walk down the aisle with a special escort or even have them stand by your side as a groomsman or bridesmaid. Alternatively, you could have your pet wear a special collar or accessory that matches the wedding colors or theme. Just be sure to practice with your pet beforehand and make sure they’re comfortable with their role in the wedding party.
Consider the Needs of Your Pet
Make sure they are comfortable and happy during your special day. You might want to designate a trusted friend or family member to take care of your pet during the wedding ceremony and reception. This way, you can focus on enjoying your day without worrying about your furry friend.
Another important consideration is to think about how your pet will be included in your wedding formal photos. Will they be part of the formal portraits or do you want more candid shots of them throughout the day? You may want to discuss this with your wedding photographer to ensure that they capture all of the important moments involving your pet.
If you decide to include your pet in your wedding, you might also want to consider dressing them up for the occasion. There are many adorable pet outfits available that can add a special touch to your wedding. Just make sure that your pet is comfortable and doesn’t feel restricted or stressed in their outfit.
Including Your Pet in an After-Wedding Session
If your pet is unable to physically attend your wedding, don’t worry! You can still plan for a special after-wedding session with them in a pet-friendly environment. This can be a great way to include them in your special day and create some beautiful memories together.
When planning an after-wedding session with your pet, be sure to communicate with your photographer and let them know what you have in mind. They can help you choose the perfect location and suggest any additional props or accessories that could make the photos even more special.
For best locations consider a local park, a beach, or even a pet-friendly cafe or restaurant. Just make sure to check in advance that pets are allowed and that you have any necessary permits or permissions.
An after-wedding session can also give you the opportunity to get some more casual and candid photos with your pet. You can let them roam around and be themselves, capturing some playful and spontaneous moments that truly reflect their personality.
Overall, to include your pet in your wedding can be a beautiful and memorable experience. It’s important to plan ahead, consider the logistics, and make sure that your furry friend is comfortable and happy. With a little bit of preparation and some careful consideration, you can create a truly unforgettable pet friendly wedding day that includes your loved one.
Tips to include your Pet in Your Photoshoot in this article.
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