The Hilarious Truth About Having Pets at Your Wedding

Let’s face it, we all love our pets. Whether it’s a loyal dog who greets you with wagging tails and sloppy kisses or a mischievous cat who rules your household with a silent paw of dominance, our furry friends hold a special place in our hearts. And when it comes time for the big day – the wedding – it’s only natural to want them by your side. After all, they’re family, right? But, before you rush out to buy your pet a tuxedo or make them the flower petal-pusher, let’s talk about the real reasons you may want to think twice about inviting your beloved fur baby to your wedding. Spoiler alert: it’s not all belly rubs and Instagram-worthy moments.

Bride at the wedding with her favourite furry friend - her dog.

The “Ring Bearer” Disaster

The idea of having your dog walk down the aisle with the rings tied to their collar sounds utterly adorable, doesn’t it? The picture-perfect moment of your golden retriever trotting down the aisle, proudly bearing your wedding rings. It’s a dream! Until, of course, your dog gets distracted by the smell of food, another favourite family member, or decides that the “aisle” is really just one big racetrack. Next thing you know, your ring bearer is off-leash and sprinting toward the parking lot, your Maid of Honour's heels are in the air, and you’re left hoping your dog doesn’t eat the rings before someone catches up to him.

So you might want to think about hiring a pet attendant for your ceremony. They mind your dog, bring them to the ceremony area before everyone else arrives so they can sniff (and pee) to their hearts content. Come time for the ceremony to start, they'll be chilled and ready to proudly bring those rings - for a treat of course!

Footprints On Your Wedding Gown or Suit

You’ve spent months perfecting your wedding dress and suit, making sure that every last detail is flawless. Your friends and family are dressed to the nines. Then, your dog strolls into the ceremony and with one leap onto the shiny wedding gown you’ve been dreaming of wearing, it's now a canvas for an impromptu paw collection. Whoever is bringing in your dog, make sure they can handle pooch and any wayward greetings, and have a short leash for extra control.

The Barking Choir

I get it. You want your dog to be part of the ceremony. You want them to be a part of the memories, and yes, they can even be part of the family photos. But, have you considered what happens when the ceremony is supposed to be sweet, emotional, and silent, and your dog is having a full-blown existential crisis about being in a place full of strangers?

That’s right, your dog may decide that the moment you exchange vows is the perfect time to let out a series of loud, enthusiastic barks. Cue awkward glances and muffled giggles as your dog’s “I DO!” interrupts the entire thing. Just like you'd expect parents to quickly take their crying child away, have your pet attendant at the ready, just in case.

Dog at wedding wearing bib that says, "I do too."

The Final Verdict

So, what’s the conclusion here? Should you invite your pets to your wedding? And let me just say, I love dogs, and I've officiated heaps of ceremonies where the couple have brought their dog along.

If you're planning on bringing your pet along for the ride, make sure you’ve thought about all the potential hazards: the bark that will steal the spotlight, and the curious “special talents” your pet might exhibit at the worst possible time. However, if you can manage to get your pet to behave during the ceremony, and if you have a designated handler (read: someone other than you) to keep them entertained and out of trouble, having your pet there can definitely be a fun, memorable part of your day. But, for the love of all things furry – don’t forget to bring some extra lint rollers and have a backup plan for when things inevitably go sideways. You never know when your dog will decide to add a little extra chaos to your big day.

Remember: it’s your wedding, so if your pet is an important part of your life, let them join in the fun (even if it means some unexpected surprises). And when it’s all said and done, you’ll have one heck of a story to tell.