Much more than just your pet, your dog is your best friend, your fur baby, the one you’d move heaven and earth for. So, it makes sense to include your precious pooch on your most special day of your life! As a dog mum myself and self confessed doggo lover, I am here for including your dog in your wedding. If you’re wondering how best to go about this, read on:

Include your dog in your getting ready photos

If it’s just not viable or your venue does not allow dogs on site, why not allow your hound to be present in your getting ready photos. Just the cutest ever!

Can’t include your dog on your wedding day? Think about having an engagement shoot instead! You could include photos from the shoot in your wedding website, invite or photos at the venue.

What role can your dog play on your wedding day?

The best way to include your dog on your wedding day is have them be the ring bearer and have them bring the rings to you when it comes time to exchange them. Before you have nightmares of your dog losing your rings, the best and most secure way to do this is to have them secured in a pouch and tied around their neck. Practice beforehand so there’s no suprises on the day and to ensure your dog is comfortable in having something around tied around their neck. You’ll want to be able to retrieve the rings swiftly with all those eyes on you so practice this element also!

Of course, you’ll want lots of swoon worthy pics of your new spouse and fur baby post ceremony! It’s best to get these photos done as soon as possible after the ceremony so your dog can then relax and be away from the crowds especially if they’re a bit anxious.

Think about only including your dog in a few of the family pictures. It can be tiring to try and make a dog sit and look at the camera for all the shots.

If you have a smaller dog, picking them up for extra big snuggles is just adorable.

Go Pro it

Looking for a unique perspective on your wedding day? What about a go pro to capture all the unedited, raw moments from your dog’s perspective.

What to consider when including your dog on your wedding day

The obvious question is: will your venue allow your precious pooch onsite? More and more venues are recognising that couples want to include their dog on their wedding day but do check first!

Think about your dog’s temperament. Are they are an anxious dog who wants to hide and feel overwhelmed with large crowds or excitable who wants to greet everyone? There is no shame in bribery and dog treats!

Invest in a dog day sitter. This will take the stress away and help your dog to feel comfortable and looked after throughout the process. They can also bring your fur baby to you when required and even drop them back to a designated place when their job is done, help get them dressed or even assist with photos. Melbourne has lots of reputable dog day sitters. Silly Wagz Bridal Pups is a top choice for couples for their expertise and experience.

Alternatively, if you have a trusted friend or even mature and reliable kids whose sole job it is to look after your fur baby, that could be an option. How adorable are these kiddos with Cavoodle Nev?

Style Me Pretty

You’ll be looking your absolute best on your wedding day, so to should your pup. Think bow ties, flower crowns or pretty leashes. Have a look at Swanky Paws or Etsy for cute as a button designs.

Timing is key

Consider when you’d like your pup to be present to maximise the time with them. Are you doing a first look and would like your dog on site for that? Or would you prefer your pooch to be present down the aisle and for portraits afterwards.

Come prepared

Don’t forget the poop bags, old towel for drying dirty paws and treats!

Thank you

How about acknowledging the special role they’re played by including them in your wedding day favours, personalised cocktail, napkins or on the cake.

If you can’t actually have your dog at your wedding, cardboard cutouts make a fun and cute close second. So fun to include in your Photo Booth!

How cool is it that more and more venues are allowing dogs on site now. But here are my favourite Melbourne wedding venues that allow dogs. All venues feature in this article:

Acacia Ridge Winery is a Yarra Valley venue

Inglewood Estate, located in Kangaroo Ground complete with chapel and barn style reception

Gather and Tailor is a warehouse space in West Melbourne

Rokeby 100 is a warehouse space in Collingwood

Carlei Green Vineyards is a winery in Upper Beaconsfield

All images supplied by Tamara Little Photography