Your dog will always be my favorite guest at your wedding! I think I see more dogs at weddings than I do children in Seattle. We are a dog city! For many couples, pets are part of the family, so it makes sense to consider including them on the wedding day. While having your dog present can be meaningful, it does require more planning than most couples initially expect. Before committing to the idea, there are a few practical considerations that can make the difference between a smooth experience and an unnecessarily stressful one.
Start with the venue rules
Before you even imagine your dog at your wedding, confirm that your venue allows animals. Some venues are fully pet friendly, others have strict restrictions, and some do not allow pets at all outside of service animals. If having your dog present is important to you, this is something to verify before you book your venue so there are no surprises later. Even pet friendly venues may have limitations on where dogs can be, how long they can stay, or whether they can be indoors.
Hire a professional dog handler
One of the best decisions you can make if your dog is attending your wedding is hiring a dog sitter who specializes in weddings. Yes, this is a real thing, and yes, it is worth it. These professionals can pick up your dog from home or meet you at the venue, handle them throughout the day, and take full responsibility for their care. I’ve event seen one whip out a squeaker during photos so they look alert!
They manage leashes, outfits, feeding, water breaks, potty needs, and comfort. They also act as a buffer between your dog and guests, which is huge in a room full of strangers who all want to say hello. This allows your dog to be present without you or your loved ones having to manage them on a day when you already have enough going on.
In Seattle, there are several great wedding specific pet sitters, and even some Rover sitters are happy to attend events as a handler if discussed in advance. If you don’t have room in your budget I’ve had some couples invite their neighbors teenager or delegate to an older niece or nephew. You just want someone who is sober and is comfortable with dogs.
Here are some companies in Seattle
Fun ways to include your dog
If your dog is social and comfortable, there are so many creative ways to include them:
- Ring bearer or flower dog
- Have your dog walk you down the aisle
- Have them be a greeter
- One of my all time favorites: a dog in a bubble vest, which absolutely stole the show
These moments can be adorable and meaningful, as long as your dog is comfortable and supported.
Creative alternatives if your dog cannot attend
If your venue does not allow pets or you decide it is best for your dog not to attend, there are still so many fun ways to incorporate them into your wedding:
- Naming a signature cocktail after your dog with a bar sign saying “This drink’s on [Dog’s Name]”
- Cocktail napkins with your pet illustrated or printed
- Cake toppers inspired by your dog
- Large printed signs or illustrations on the dance floor
- Party favors inspired by your pet, like tennis balls or themed treats
Cats especially tend to make appearances this way, since they are almost never actually attending weddings, but still very much part of the family.
Know your dog’s limits
This is one of the most important parts of the conversation. Some dogs are deeply loved but are not social butterflies. Loud noises, crowds, and high energy environments can be overwhelming.
For dogs that are more anxious or reserved, many couples choose to involve them only for the ceremony or for photos before the ceremony. This allows you to get beautiful photos and meaningful moments without putting your dog in a stressful situation for the entire day.
It is also worth thinking about sound. DJs, bands, cheering, and dance floors can be a lot for dogs. Sometimes the best plan is having your dog attend the ceremony and cocktail hour, then be taken home before the music and energy really ramp up.
