Today’s post enables me to marry two of my very favourite topics together: weddings and pets.
I just can’t help going weak at the knees when a beautiful real wedding lands in the inbox here at Brides Up North HQ, but if it’s one that happens to feature a bride and groom’s cute pet dog too, my love for it grows all the more.
I make no secret of the fact that I’m
animal-obsessed
and have no doubt (when I finally get a Dachshund and Miniature Schnauzer – oh and engagement ring!) that I too will be joining the new surge in wedding couples that are including their pets in their big day proceedings.If, by chance, you have been so buried in wedding planning that this cute trend has passed you by, I’ll quickly bring you up to speed. The ‘no pets allowed’ signs have been well and truly removed from weddings with dogs, cats, horses and even pet rabbits getting in on the big day act, posing for ‘ahhhh’ provoking images with the bride and groom.
Now clearly the trend isn’t for everyone, but if you have a preened pooch or fine feline that you’d love to make a part of your wedding day, we have a few key pointers to help you keep their paws in-line with proceedings, with some cute images from some of our very own Brides Up North real weddings.
involved from the start
It’s not just the wedding day that we’re seeing pets crop up in, but also engagement shoots too. If you do intend to include your pooch on your wedding day it’s a nice idea to get them involved from the start, particularly if your pre-wedding shoot is taking place in open countryside or at an idyllic coastal location. Having your pet with you can also act as welcome distraction if you’re a little nervous about having your photo taken, as they’ll help you relax in front of the lens, resulting in some fabulously natural shots.
make them key
While some brides and grooms are happy enough to simply pose with their pet for a quick picky, others want to fully involve them in the day by giving them their very own role. We’ve seen owls act as ring bearers before so why not a Labrador or Poodle? Perhaps only a job for obedient pets, the rings can be simply attached to your furry friend’s collar who will then safely deliver them to the other end of the aisle. Elsewhere we’ve seen handsome hounds and pretty pooches become honorary page boys and bridesmaids, complete with bow ties and flower garlands! Which brings me onto my next point…
fitting attire
With pets now often having wardrobes all of their own, surely a wedding is an occasion that calls for some new threads. Whether going all out with a miniature tux jacket or silky gown-style coat, or keeping things simply with a floral collar or smart bow tie, your pets will want to look their very best and can even be dressed to match your wedding colour scheme or theme.
logistics
They do say never to work with animals (or children – but that’s a different post) so a little pre-wedding planning will be required to ensure your pets are well cared for on the day. Initially, does your chosen venue allow pets? If not, you might just have to try to include your pet in the morning preparation pics, or alternatively see if you can get someone to bring your pet along for a few outdoor shots after the ceremony. If the venue does allow animals then you will need to allocate someone to take responsibility for your pet and to help them complete any jobs, such as the delivery of the rings. If there is accommodation at the venue that allows pets be sure to take along some toys, food, water bowl and bed so they can retire early, before the evening celebrations get underway.
snap happy
Now you’ve gone to all the trouble of getting your pet to the church, be sure to cash in any the many super-sweet photo opportunities that they can offer (and then send them to me for my ever-growing collection of cuteness!)
