When planning your wedding, it’s easy to get caught up in all the details—venue choices, guest lists, flower arrangements—but what about the most loyal member of your family: your dog? Whether it’s inviting your dog to the ceremony, having them part of the wedding photos, or incorporating them into your décor, the decision of whether to have your furry friend at your wedding is one that many couples face. But is it the right choice for you?
Let’s explore the pros and cons of having your dog at your wedding to help you make the best decision.
Pros of Having Your Dog at Your Wedding
1. Cuteness Overload
One of the most obvious pros of having your dog at your wedding is the sheer cuteness of it. There’s something magical about seeing your beloved dog dressed up in a little tuxedo or adorable dress, walking down the aisle or being part of your special day. It adds a heartwarming element to the wedding and lets everyone see the love you share with your pet. Whether they’re a big dog or a tiny puppy, their presence can definitely be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, who doesn’t love a cute dog photo?
Photo Credit: Chelsea Erwin
2. Capturing Special Memories
There’s no better way to commemorate your wedding day than by including your dog in the photos. Dogs are often considered members of the family and having them as part of your wedding memories can make for some of the most unforgettable photos. Imagine seeing your dog walking down the aisle as your ring bearer, or getting a few candid shots of them interacting with guests or just looking adorable in their wedding attire. These photos will be priceless, and they’ll serve as a beautiful reminder of how your furry friend was part of your big day.
3. Bringing Joy and Excitement
Whether your dog is calm and collected or a bundle of energy, their presence can add an extra dose of joy and excitement to your wedding day. Dogs are naturally happy creatures and tend to bring positive energy wherever they go. Having them at your wedding means that even during the hustle and bustle of the event, you’ll be surrounded by love and comfort. Their wagging tail and cheerful demeanor can help keep the mood light and fun, reminding you to enjoy the moment, especially if wedding day stress starts creeping in.
4. A Special Part of Your Wedding
For many couples, their dog is an integral part of their lives. They’re there through the highs and lows and having them by your side on your wedding day can make the day even more special. Whether your dog is walking you down the aisle, standing with the bridal party, or just sitting in the front row, having them involved in the ceremony or festivities creates an emotional connection that’s hard to beat. It’s a way to honor their role in your life and show your love for them as part of your big day.
Photo Credit: Melissa Chu Photography
Photo Credit: Ariana B
Cons of Having Your Dog at Your Wedding
1. Someone Always Needs to Watch the Dog
When getting married at larger venues like Castle Farms, or even smaller, more elaborate locations, it can be difficult to keep your dog under control. If you have a lot of guests or are moving between multiple areas during the day, someone will need to constantly supervise your dog. Depending on how social or trained your dog is, it may be challenging to find someone who can keep an eye on them and ensure they’re comfortable, especially if they’re not used to large crowds or unfamiliar spaces.
2. Stress for the Dog
While your wedding may be the most exciting day of your life, it can be a source of stress for your dog, especially if they’re not used to being around crowds or in new environments. The sounds, people, and chaos of the wedding may overwhelm them, causing them anxiety or making them behave unpredictably. For some dogs, this could lead to undesirable behaviors like barking, hiding, or even wanting to escape the situation. If your dog isn’t comfortable in large crowds or unfamiliar places, it might be best to leave them at home and avoid causing them unnecessary stress.
3. Logistics of Transporting Your Dog
A less glamorous aspect of having your dog at your wedding is the logistics involved. If your wedding takes place at a location away from where you’re staying or where your dog normally lives, transporting them can be a bit of a hassle. You’ll need someone reliable to transport your dog to and from the wedding venue, which adds an extra layer of responsibility to an already busy day. It’s important to plan this carefully, especially if your dog needs to be dropped off before the ceremony and picked up after the reception. Having someone available to handle these tasks is crucial to ensuring your dog doesn’t become an added stressor.
Pros of Not Having Your Dog at Your Wedding
1. No Worries About Dog Care
One of the biggest benefits of leaving your dog at home is that you won’t need to worry about their well-being throughout the day. You won’t have to arrange for someone to watch them, transport them, or keep an eye on them during the ceremony. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the wedding festivities without distraction, knowing your dog is safe and sound at home or in a familiar space.
2. Less Stress for Your Dog
As mentioned earlier, weddings can be overwhelming for pets. By not including your dog in the ceremony, you avoid the possibility of causing them undue stress in a new and unfamiliar environment. Not all dogs are comfortable in crowded spaces, and some may struggle with the noise, people, and long hours of the event. Keeping them at home, where they are comfortable, will likely ensure they’re much happier.
3. Easier Logistics
Having one less thing to worry about on your wedding day is always a plus! By leaving your dog out of the wedding, you don’t have to figure out transportation, where they’ll stay during the event, or if someone is going to monitor them. You can focus entirely on the celebration, knowing everything is taken care of.
Cons of Not Having Your Dog at Your Wedding
1. Missing Out on Photos and Moments with Your Dog
One of the biggest downsides of not having your dog at the wedding is that you’ll miss the chance to take photos with them. Many couples cherish the moments when their dog is dressed up in wedding attire, and these pictures often become some of the most memorable. If you choose to leave your dog at home, you’ll miss out on those photo ops and won’t have them physically present during your wedding day.
Photo Credit: Nicole Geri Photography
Photo Credit: DiGiovanni Photography
2. Less Personalization
If your dog is a big part of your life, not having them at the wedding can feel like a missed opportunity to include them. However, you can still honor your dog in subtle ways. From incorporating their likeness into décor, such as a dog-themed cake topper or personalized napkins, to having specialty cocktails named after them, there are plenty of ways to make them feel included in spirit. This can be a great compromise if you want to keep your wedding day dog-free but still want to show your love for them.
Photo Credit: Darrell Christie Photography
Photo Credit: Treehouse Studios
Final Thoughts: To Have or Not to Have Your Dog at Your Wedding?
Ultimately, the decision of whether to include your dog in your wedding depends on your unique circumstances. Consider their temperament, the wedding venue, and how much responsibility you’re willing to take on. While having your dog at the wedding can be a heartwarming and memorable experience, it does require careful planning. If you feel that having them there might add stress to the day—for you or your pet—there are still plenty of ways to honor them from afar.
Whichever path you choose, remember that your wedding is about celebrating love and creating meaningful memories. Whether or not your dog is physically present, they will always be an important part of your life and story.
Photo Credit: Hatfield Photography
Photo Credit: Veil of Grace Photography