They lift us up when we’re blue and celebrate our joys. They share our homes and sometimes snuggle in our beds. Pets are our family, and they weave themselves into every thread of the tapestry in our lives. Considering the powerful impact our furry friends have on our lives, it just makes sense we should include them in our most special events. So why not celebrate a wedding by having our furry family members participate? If you’re planning a wedding, here are a few fun ways your pets can get involved to make your big day even more spectacular.
Ideas for Pet-Themed Weddings
One of the best ways to include your pet in a wedding is to make them the focus of the theme. This can be done in a number of clever ways. Read on for ideas about how to make your fuzzy family friend the VIP at your pet-themed wedding.
Custom Invitations: Put your best paw forward and leave a lasting impression with pet-themed wedding invitations. You can take a print of their paw (use non-toxic tempera paint) to leave an impression on the invitation. Once you have the template, you can take it to the printer, and they’ll duplicate as many as you need. Or, you could have a picture of your family pet as the focal point of your invitations.
Dress to Impress: Think about matching your attire with your family pet on the big day. Obviously, this won’t work for every animal, as some of our babies don’t like to wear clothes. But, if you have a pet with a wardrobe as big as yours, think about matching outfits and you can both walk down the aisle together. You may have to check wedding dress alterations cost for a custom tailoring job, but it will be worth it for the lasting impression on your happy day.
Favorable Wedding Favors: Consider incorporating your pet with cute wedding guest favors. You can pack up clever “doggie bags” with human-grade sugar cookie dog bones, or fill these favor bags with whatever you like. Put a picture or paw print on the bag so it appears to be a personalized party favor given from your family pet.
Other Ways to Include Your Pets in Your Wedding
We’ve talked about unique pet-themed wedding ideas, now how about getting your pet in the action? Here are a few ways you can incorporate your pet on your wedding day.
Ring Bearer: Depending upon the temperament of your family pet, you might be able to honor them with the prestigious role of ring bearer at your wedding. If you go this route, just take safety precautions so your pet doesn’t eat the rings. Yikes!
Walk the Aisle: What better way to start your new life as a couple than to have your precious pet walk you down the aisle? Talk about putting your best foot (or paw) forward for a fabulous future with your partner and your pet by your side!
Be Our Guest: If your pet is a little skittish around people, think about having a trusted friend, family member or pet-sitter bring your pet to the wedding for a brief visit. Because pets are such an integral part of your family, it would be a shame to have him or her miss out on one of the biggest days of your life.
Say Cheese: Wedding photos are a must on every bride and groom’s list on the big day. You can include your family pet in your nuptials by having him or her pose with you in the wedding party pics. This is a lovely way to remember your loyal family member and savor the memories of your wedding.
The Gift That Keeps Giving: Consider setting up a donation box for guests and let them know their contribution will go to an animal cause or emergency animal shelter in your pet’s name. This is a noble way to include your pet (or remember a pet that has passed away) on your special day. It’s a way to pay it forward, as well as honor your family friend.
The Last Word About Your Pet on Your Special Day
These ideas for including your pet on your wedding day are just the tip of the iceberg. In truth, you’re only limited by your imagination, budget, and creativity when it comes to a pet-themed wedding. So let your pet share the limelight on your special day so you both can enjoy your wedding with furry flair.