10 tips for using your pet in your wedding

1. Dress in a cute outfit

This seems like an obvious one, however try taking it a step further and using the same fabric from your bridal party for a really custom outfit. Hit up your local seamstress to have it made, or alter an existing pet outfit.

2. Accessorise

If your fury friend is unlikely to keep on an outfit, try dressing them up with a bow tie or bling collar. You can even weave flowers into a woven leash for extra special flair!

3. Have a minder

Make sure you nominate someone (preferably someone your pet knows) or hire a pet sitter to look after them for the day. Make sure the minder is not in the bridal party!

4. Check with the venue

Make sure your call the venue and check if having an animal there is ok. Many indoor venues and national parks will not allow your fury friend there.

5. Take lots of photos

Don’t let them steal your thunder, but there’s nothing quite as cute as a pet dressed up for an occasion. Get your nominated minder to come along on the photoshoot and make sure to pre-warn the photographer of your pet. A quality pet photo can take time as they like to wriggle around - be patient!

6. Secure the rings

Secure the rings, then secure them again. If you are using your pet as a ring bearer, I recommend having the rings on for the least amount of time as possible. Have a bridesmaid secure them just before “showtime” then once the doggo makes it to the other end, have the groom take them off and give them to the celebrant for safe keeping.

7. Tell your guests

If you are having a RSVP website, chuck a mention on there. If not, put an additional sign on the guest seating sign with a warning just in case there are any allergies. If you have ushers, get them to guide allergic guests to seats furthest away from your pet.

8. Bring them to rehearsal

Bring them to the wedding rehearsal and have them practice walking down the, sitting at each end. Do this over and over again to train it into them. They might be nervous or overexcited on the day, so this should give them some confidence in knowing what to do.

9. “Groom” them

Give them a bath the day before and a huge brushing down the morning off. The last thing you want is malting fur around the place. Have one of the bridal party keep a lint brush on hand just in case.