The Rise Of Dog Friendly Weddings

It’s official...dog-friendly weddings are on the rise, and we couldn't be happier about it!

According to WeddingWire, 91 percent of couples decide to include their dogs in some fashion on their wedding day.

Maybe you’ve seen it too…dogs in weddings stepping into roles as groomsmen or bridesmaids or as the most adorable ring bearers trotting the rings down the aisle.

There seem to be an endless number of ways couples are choosing to have dog-friendly wedding ceremonies. Couples might include their dog in their engagement photos, have their dog's photo front and center on the wedding invites, or even emboss their dog's illustrated face on the cocktail napkins. Even if your dog isn't at the wedding, they could still be the inspiration behind a signature drink. In some states, dogs can actually stand in as a wedding officiant (!!!) or a legitimate wedding witness.

But why this rising trend of including our four-legged family members when we get married?

When it comes to saying “I do" most people probably imagine the stereotypical and formal wedding inside a church or a house of worship, places where pets typically aren't invited.

Today, though, more and more couples are opting for ceremonies that go beyond the four walls of a church. People are getting married in historic homes, on local farms, or in restored barns. They're inspired to get married on the coast, at the beach, or on a mountaintop overlooking a valley vista. There’s a freedom that comes with having a ceremony reflect who you are and how you and your partner want to celebrate, and with that comes a chance to make the wedding look like whatever you want it to look like...dogs included! Getting married might be one of the most special days of your life, and to be surrounded by friends, family, and your four-legged family member(s)...we don't think it could get any better. In our opinion, dogs at weddings seem to only add joy to such an occasion.

If you are getting married soon and plan on having a dog-friendly wedding, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Start with some fashion. We would love to help dress your dog for your big day. We are extremely proud of our thoughtfully curated dress wear for dogs from designers from around the world. Might we suggest our smart and distinguished Sir Dogwood bowties for the gentlemen (the Bond Velvet Bow Tie by max-bone seems exceptionally elegant for a wedding...) or a lovely, slightly sheer Pink Cut Jacquard Dress by Mon Cheri with some precious frill details for the ladies. Let us know if you need any help with sizing.

Make sure everyone knows. It's important to be upfront with your plans that you’ll be including your pup(s). Tell everyone. This includes your guests, the wedding venue, any caterers and/or restaurants, the band, the DJ, the florist, and your photographer. This way if anyone is frightened, allergic, or if there needs to be any health code considerations, everyone can plan ahead. Plus, your florist and photographer may want to get creative!

As much as you want to celebrate every moment with your beloved dog, consider hiring a pet sitter (yes, "wedding pet attendants" are now a thing) or enlist the help of a friend to keep watch over your dog. This is your big day, and as much as you love your dog, there may be times when you need to step away for a moment or two to visit with the friends and family who have traveled to join you. Or you may want to simply soak up the experience of being fully present on your wedding day.

And, lastly, if you haven’t picked a wedding location just yet but know you do want to book a dog-friendly wedding venue, check out these dog-friendly places in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. A few ideas!

And, if you're the one getting married...congratulations!