5 Ways to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding

If you live in Colorado and have a pet pooch, chances are your dog comes with you almost everywhere. From hikes and camping trips to the patio at your favorite pet-friendly cocktail bar, spending time with your pup is part of your daily routine. So why should your wedding be any different? I love my pups too and if you can’t imagine your big day without your furry companion by your side, here are five ways to include your dog in your wedding.

Engagement Photos

There’s excitement in the air, and your pup can feel it! So bring your dog along as you take engagement photos. This is a great way to capture the moment with the third member of your family, and probably one of the first chances you’ve had to get a professional photo taken of your pet. As a bonus, you can turn your engagement photos into Save the Dates, and make sure all your guests know how much your dog means
to you.

Wedding-Day Portraits

Did you find a pet-friendly wedding venue? Lucky you! Bring your dog along and include him or her in anything from your first look to your bridal portraits to group shots with the wedding party. If your dog doesn’t love to be the center of attention, hire a local dog-sitter to stop by before the ceremony and whisk your dog away for an evening of fun. If they’re a sucker for the spotlight, bring them along to…

The Ceremony

If you’ve got a dog who is great on a leash and doesn’t mind having to lie down and be quiet for 30 or 45 minutes (with a few treats, of course), consider having them fill the role of ring bearer. Have your florist make a flower collar to match your flower crown, then send your dog down the aisle with your maid of honor or best man. If your dog isn’t the best at staying still, keep a dog-sitter on-hand to bring your rambunctious pet to a nearby park for some fetch while you say “I do.”

Specialty Cocktails

If your venue isn’t pet-friendly, or your dog’s not one for crowds, consider including your pooch by naming your specialty cocktail in their honor. Whether it’s a Greyhound or a Salty Dog (or those barrel-aged Manhattans you and your fiancé love), your guests will get a kick out of ordering the Rover.

The Photo Booth

No, we’re not recommending that you park your pup in the photo booth all night. Instead, have a life-sized photo mounted on cardboard, then stick it amongst the props. Chances are, you’ll end up with some pretty great shots of Grandma with her arm around your golden retriever, feather boa and all.