Paw-fect Weddings

It’s becoming increasingly popular between couples to invite their fur babies to the wedding. With our family pets becoming more involved in our day to day lives for some couples saying ‘I do’ without their beloved pets by their side wouldn’t be the same.

Involving your pet in your ceremony could be the sweetest and most adorable thing imaginable. The most fashionable way to include your furry friends on your special day is giving them the important job as the ring bearer or flower girl.

Whilst having man’s best friend at your wedding could make for the cutest pictures it also could result in disaster if not properly thought out.

Before even thinking about including your pet firstly you need to consider their feelings and how they would react in such an event. Ask yourself these questions:

1. How friendly (really) is my pet

Think about how your pet would react whilst you are not around. Would they get scared or irritated? The last thing you need is your pet nipping your guests.

2. Is my pet obedient?

How well trained is your pet? Will they take commands from other people? You need to be sure that if by chance your pet gets loose they will obey and return to their handler. Also do you think they will be able to walk down the aisle calmly by themselves or perhaps get one of your bridal party attendees to walk them down by lead.

3. How will my pet react in a crowded situation?

During the recessional, all your guests want to get up and congratulate you and your partner, you w

ill need to make sure your pet is comfortable with lots of people and won’t freak out.

I would suggest doing a little rehearsal prior to the wedding to see how your pet will react with all the points above taken into consideration.  If you truly believe your pet would have a ‘ball’ (yeah I said it) at your wedding then the next step is to seek approval from your venue to make sure that pets are allowed onsite and if so what rules you need to abide by.

Now that you have confirmed that your pet is allowed on the premises you will need to delegate a guest to take care of your pet. Their role of pet sitter includes picking your pet up, feed and water them, giving them treats to keep obedience and to pick up any presents they might drop. Once the ceremony and photographs have been taken your pet should then be taken home. It’s a big day for them and you don’t want your guests feeding them anything they shouldn’t eat.

If you don’t want to burden one of your guests with looking after your pet you can now hire a Pet Attendant to do all of the looking after, pickups and drop offs. Amazing right?!

Now all that’s left to do is to have a purrrr-fect wedding. Congrats and sparkle with kindness.

Tips on attire:

• Please remember when dressing your pet to make sure what they are wearing is not constricting or distracting for them. You want to make sure they are comfortable and not irritated. We suggest a floral collar or bow tie which can be situated behind the head or under the chin.
• Please note clothing will often result in overheating

Happy planning, Janette xx

Written by Janette Newell I Olive Rose Weddings & Events

Photography Styled Shoot Credits:

Olive Rose Weddings & Events – Event Planner   I   Brisbane Wedding Decorators – Stylist   I   Brisbane City Celebrants – Celebrant   I   Wendy B Photography – Photographer   I   Miss Popsy – Florist   I   Paper Alphabet – Stationery   I   Lainie Hogan – Makeup Artist   I   Cake My Day by Jo – Cake Decorator   I   Jordanna Regan Couture – Bridal Gown Designer   I   Black Jacket Suiting – Suiting   I   Wendy Louise Designs – Jewellery