Should I Include My Dog in My Wedding?
Hamptons Long Island bride and groom with their dog. © Dan Wagner 2023
Many bride and grooms may wonder if they should include their dog in the wedding. As your dog is a man and woman’s best friend and family member, I say, “Why not?” And as a photographer, some of my favorite wedding photos include dogs and other pets. Of course you run the risk of the dog stealing the show and possibly raiding your cocktail hour carving station. The only downside, if you want to call it that, is that you’ll need to get someone to babysit your dog during your reception. Although, many couple’s simply include their dog during their wedding photo session.
Dog-like wedding chauffeur waiting to drive the bride and groom home. © Dan Wagner 2023
Top 7 Tips for Including Your Dog in Your Wedding
Dogs are the best cure for stress—including wedding day gitters!
Flower girls and ring bearers will be happy to have a furry friend to play with
Your dog can be one of your ring bearers—talk about cute photo opps!
Hire a dog babysitter to keep your dog safe, fed, and happy
Consider having your dog stand with you at the altar
Make sure your wedding venue is cool with including your dog
Find out if any guests are allergic to dogs
Check out this 50 Too-Cute Ways to Include Your Pet in Your Wedding article from Brides!
I especially enjoyed the author’s thoughts on shopping for doggy wedding attire. While a festive bandana is fine, the doggy bowties were the epitome of canine elegance—and yes, that’s a thing!
Stay tuned for more wedding photography tips and advice!
“My friend recommended Dan to my husband and I, and we could not have been happier. Dan is calm, cool, and professional. I have a large Italian Family, and my husband has a large Irish Family. Dan was able to gather all of us for pictures, followed lists we had previously prepared, and did not miss one minute of our special day.”
—Christine and William
Every Bride and Groom Deserve Beautiful Wedding Photos!
Please feel free to share your thoughts about including dogs and other pets at weddings in the comment box below. Have a wonderful wedding, and many thanks for visiting my Long Island wedding photographer blog!