By Abigail Preiszig
More than half of pet owners in the United States say their pets are as much a part of the family as humans, according to an April 2023 study by Pew Research Center. Sixty-two percent of Americans own a pet, and 51% of pet owners consider their pet equally important as people.
So, if your mother’s friend’s neighbor is invited to the wedding, shouldn’t the couple’s pet be there, too?
“Couples are having dogs (and other pets) before having kids and even before getting married,” says Mariana Edelman, owner of Mariana Edelman Photography & Design based in Northeast Ohio. “It’s meaningful for them because it’s part of the family.”
Edelman, Amy Finkenthal, owner of Noteriety Invitations in Beachwood, and Michelle Salm, owner of Basil Place Farm & Venue in Munson Township, discuss 10 ways to incorporate a couple’s “fur baby” into their special day.
PRE-WEDDING PARTICIPATION
1. Engagement photos and card stock.
Including pets in engagement photos can convey they are a part of the couple’s family without the stress on the day of the wedding, Edelman says.
“I think an engagement is easier to coordinate versus the wedding day,” she says. “… Even though they’re the most loyal in the world, you cannot reason with pets. A lot of things could go wrong (on the wedding day).”
When a pet is present at a photo shoot, be sure a friend or family member is available to hand them off to after their moment in the spotlight, Edelman says. That way, the couple can take photos together without worrying about their pet.
Photos with pets are a great keepsakes, but can also be used in card stock, including engagement announcements, save-the-dates, invitations and thank you notes, as well as in other ceremony and reception imagery.
Finkenthal says she has yet to see pet-themed wedding invitations but suggests adding a personalized pet pattern to an envelope liner.
2. Pre-wedding festivities
The pet can join for pre-wedding festivities including the bridal shower or rehearsal dinner. That way, they can interact with a smaller group of family and friends without the day-of hustle and bustle.
3. Wedding registry
Pet appreciation can also be apparent in the wedding registry by listing items intended for the couple’s animals or suggesting guests donate to a local animal shelter in their name.
PET-INSPIRED WEDDING ELEMENTS
Pets can be involved in the ceremony and reception in fun and creative ways without being physically present.
“It is a trend,” Finkenthal says, adding that over the past year, she’s seen more pet-themed wedding items than ever before. “People are doing it as a little accent, not to take over the whole wedding.”
4. Pet portraits on favors, signage and more
Pet portraits or drawings in a pet’s likeness have made way into signage, table numbers, cake toppers, props and favors, Salm says.
Favors with pet images may include cookies, match boxes, hand sanitizers and even stuffed animals for younger guests.
“Create a pet-themed guest book or have guests sign a photo of the couple with their pet,” she suggests.
Custom cardboard cutouts of a couple’s pet can also serve as a fun prop in a photo booth or on the dance floor.
5. Cocktail hour
One place the pet theme has sat and stayed is at cocktail hour.
Couples have opted for signature cocktails or drinks named after their pets and created cocktail napkins and “swizzles,” or stir sticks, in their pet’s likeness, Finkenthal says.
6. Clothing
Embossed pins of a pet’s silhouette may be added to the bouquet or boutonniere, or embroidered on a dress, tux, veil or pocket square.
DAY-OF PARTICIPATION
The couple should be aware of their pet’s behavior and be realistic about what parts of the day would be enjoyable to have their furry friend around.
Edelman and Salm suggest having a pet handler – either a professional or a close neighbor or coworker who is not a wedding guest – bring the pet to the venue for certain parts of the day.
7. Pet photo opportunities
Allowing the pet to visit while the couple is getting ready to walk down the aisle can provide the pair comfort and a nice photo opportunity early in the day, Edelman says. It will also limit concerns over the pet getting dirt or hair on ceremonial clothing.
Pets can also visit during bridal party photos between the ceremony and reception.
Lauren Gabrielle Photography
8. Involve pets in ceremony roles
Pets, especially dogs, have been trained to walk down the aisle as ring bearers, flower pets – with flowers attached to their collar, harness or leash – or having a spot in the wedding party as the “pet of honor,” Salm says.
9. Dress them for the occasion
If a pet is present, be sure they are dressed for the occasion, Salm says
“Dress pets in wedding-themed outfits, such as bow ties, tuxedos, dresses and floral collars to match the wedding color and theme,” Salm says. “Ensure the attire is comfortable and safe for the pet.”
10. Reception pet participation
During the reception, pets can be involved in key moments, like the cake cutting or the couple’s first dance, Salm says. She suggests considering a pet-friendly dance floor or play area if the couple plans to have the pet present the whole night. (JS)