Your wedding day is one of the most important events in your life, and if you’re a dog lover, it’s only natural to want your furry friend by your side as you say, “I do.” But while the idea of having your dog involved in the celebration is heartwarming, ensuring they remain calm and happy throughout the day can be a bit of a challenge.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to keep your dog calm and happy on your big day, ensuring they feel as special as you do.

Assess Your Dog’s Personality

It's important to consider their personality before deciding to include your dog in your wedding. Not all dogs will enjoy the hustle and bustle of a wedding, especially if they are easily anxious or overwhelmed by new people and loud noises.

Know Your Dog’s Limits

If your dog is shy, anxious around strangers, or sensitive to loud environments, you may want to think about how they will handle the event. Including them in a smaller, more intimate part of the day or event is okay. Find a safe, quiet space where they can relax when the festivities get overwhelming.

Familiarize Them with the Venue

Whether you’re having a wedding by the coast of Long Beach or the city of Pasadena, take your dog to the wedding venue ahead of time. Let them explore the space, sniff around, and get used to the new environment. This will help ease any anxiety they may feel on the actual day.

Hire a Dog Handler

One of the best decisions you can make to ensure your dog stays calm and happy on your wedding day is to hire a professional dog handler or sitter. This person can take care of all your dog’s needs, from walks and feeding to helping them stay calm during key moments.

Why a Dog Handler Helps

As pet lovers, ensuring our furbabies are safe and attended to is part of our priorities; that’s why hiring a dedicated and professional dog handler can keep your dog entertained, give them breaks from the action, and ensure they have time for rest from the excitement. This will also free you up to enjoy your wedding without having to check on your dog constantly.

Include Your Dog in the Ceremony (But Keep It Simple)

Many couples want their dog to participate in the wedding ceremony, whether walking down the aisle, acting as the ring bearer, or simply standing by during the vows. While this can be a fun and memorable experience, keeping things simple and stress-free for your dog is important.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Practice beforehand if your dog walks the aisle or performs a specific role. Rehearse the walk, and make sure your dog is comfortable with the sounds, people, and surroundings.

Keep Expectations Realistic

Be prepared for things not to go perfectly! Your dog might get distracted, bark, or wander off. Go with the flow and embrace any cute mishaps—they’ll make for great stories later!

Plan an Exit Strategy

After the ceremony, consider having someone escort your dog to a quiet area or even home, depending on how they’re handling the excitement. This way, your dog can unwind while you and your guests enjoy the rest of the celebration.

Create a Calm Environment

Weddings can be sensory overload for dogs. All these elements can cause stress for your four-legged friend, from loud music to flashing cameras. Creating a calm and relaxing environment for your dog will help them stay happy throughout the day.

Set Up a Quiet Space

Designate a quiet room or area at the venue where your dog can relax if they get overwhelmed. You can also set up an outdoor resting area with shade cloths to provide your pets with an area to cool down and protect them from heat stress. Indoors, you can offer a comfy bed, familiar toys, and freshwater to make them feel more at home.

Minimize Loud Noises

Loud music or fireworks might be part of your wedding celebration, but they can be terrifying for dogs. If you plan to have these elements, ensure your dog is either in a soundproof room or away from the venue during those moments.

Bring Familiar Items

Pack your dog’s favorite blanket, toys, and treats. Having familiar items around can help soothe them and reduce anxiety in an unfamiliar environment. Images from Deposit Photos

Consider the Weather

If your wedding is outdoors, you must plan for the weather and ensure your dog is comfortable, no matter the conditions.

Hot Weather

If you’re getting married in the summer, ensure your dog has access to shade and plenty of water. Overheating is a real risk, especially for dogs with thick coats. You might also want to limit their time in the sun by bringing them out for key moments and then allowing them to relax in a cooler space.

Cold Weather

For winter weddings, ensure your dog is warm enough, especially if they are a shorthaired breed. You might consider a dog-friendly coat or sweater to keep them cozy while they’re outside.

Food and Hydration

Keeping your dog well-fed and hydrated is essential during the wedding day. With all the excitement and potential distractions, it’s easy for this to slip your mind.

Pack Snacks and Water

Ensure you bring your dog’s regular food and a few treats to satisfy them. While they shouldn’t indulge in the same food as your guests, a few small, cooked portions of something like grilled chicken or lobster tail (free of seasoning and butter) can be a fancy treat for your pet during quiet moments.

Avoid Human Food

With so many tempting sights and smells, your dog might beg for food from the wedding buffet. While it’s tempting to let them indulge, many human foods are unsafe for dogs. Remind guests not to feed them from their plates and watch for unattended food.

Capture Special Moments with Your Dog

Your wedding is one of the most photographed days of your life, so don’t forget to include your dog in some of the pictures! Many couples love having their dog in formal shots, candid moments, or playful scenes during the reception.

Work with Your Photographer

Let your photographer know beforehand that you want to include your dog in some photos. They can suggest the best moments for your dog to be part of, ensuring you get those perfect shots without overwhelming your pet.

Get Your Dog CameraReady

On the big day, consider brushing or grooming your dog so they look their best for the photos. You can even dress them with a cute bow tie or flower collar to match the wedding theme.

Know When to Call It a Day

While having your dog at your wedding can be a wonderful experience, it’s also important to know when to call it a day for them. Weddings are lengthy, and dogs, especially younger or older ones, may get tired or overstimulated after a few hours.

Give Them a Break

If you notice your dog showing signs of stress or fatigue, like excessive panting, whining, or hiding, it’s time to let them rest. You can have your dog handler take them home or to a quiet area where they can relax.

Plan for Their Comfort

Let your dog leave the party early and relax in a comfortable environment rather than forcing them to stay at the reception. You can always reunite with them after the celebration.

Conclusion

Including your dog in your wedding can make the day even more special and memorable. With thoughtful planning, consideration of your dog’s needs, and a few stress-reducing strategies, you can ensure your furry friend stays calm, happy, and joyful during your big day.

By assessing your dog’s personality, hiring a dog handler, and creating a comfortable environment, you’ll set your pup up for success on one of the happiest days of your life. Keep their comfort in mind, and your wedding day will be an unforgettable experience for both you and your four-legged friend.