• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Find the perfect role for your dog on your wedding day

Posted May 26, 2021

Australian shepherd sits between bride and groom on their wedding day. Traditional wedding roles for dogs include ring bearer, best pooch, or pooch of honor.
Traditional wedding roles for dogs include ring bearer, best pooch, or pooch of honor.

Around one-third of people getting married include their pet in their wedding festivities — as found in a study conducted by WeddingWire. It makes perfect sense when you consider that most Americans see their pets as one of the most important beings in their lives. Dogs also make beautiful photo subjects in a wedding album, with aspects such as nature, flowers, and (if you’re a sartorial type) doggie wedding fashion adding a bit of artistry to your images. If you will be tying the knot in a few months and you’d like to find the perfect role for Fido, keep the following considerations in mind.

A pup for all seasons

Making your pooch part of your wedding begins with knowing their personality and assigning them the appropriate role. Researchers of pet behavior have found that dogs do indeed have personalities that can be energetic or calm, quick to learn or a little distracted, and sociable or introverted.

Traditional roles for dogs in wedding celebrations include ring bearer, best pooch (part of the bridesmaids or groomsmen entourages), or pooch of honor. However, if your dog is the shy, retiring type who may get overwhelmed by large groups, then you may choose to bring him along for the pre-reception photographs with the bride and groom. 

Dogs in the spotlight

If your dog is highly trainable and you authentically enjoy music and dance, then including your pooch in a quick wedding reception dance choreography is a memorable way to share his importance in your life with your friends and loved ones. Just a few tricks your dog can perform to music include walking in reverse, twisting or spinning around, and walking on two legs.

Your dog can also take part in a short but sweet show, surprising guests by jumping through a hoop, spinning, and crawling commando-style.

Making it safe and comfortable for your dog

If your dog is very young or a senior, or if he has a health condition that may make him tired, consider including him in a couple of meaningful photos. If his health is good, but you still don’t want to tire him out, consider a relatively easy role — such as guest of honor. Your dog can be present at the ceremony but be taken home by a trusted family member or friend right after, so he can enjoy a restful nap while you celebrate with guests until the sun rises. Hiring the services of a pet sitter can be of aid if friends and family are busy or if your wedding celebration is far from your home.

Finding the perfect wedding outfit for your dog

Many couples go all-out when it comes to dressing their pooch for a wedding, purchasing a doggie tuxedo or wedding dress for their pet. Many dogs feel uncomfortable when dressed in costume, though, and a full-body outfit can be uncomfortable in the spring and summer seasons.

You can get around this by using simple accessories such as flower clips in your dog’s hair (if he has long hair) or the use of a soft flower necklace or wreath (which can be removed once the photographs have been taken). If you opt for natural flowers, make sure they are safe for dogs. Just a few good choices include roses, African violets, asters, lilies, and hollyhocks.

Find the right wedding role for your dog

Dogs are an important part of the family for most Americans. It is only logical, therefore, that many couples wish to include their dog in their wedding. If you wish to do the same, make sure to find the right role for your dog, take time to train him (teaching him to behave well socially and to learn new tricks if you wish), and make sure he is safe and rested while you are celebrating.

Spoil your pup: Dog cakes for special occasions

Related Posts

  • Bride and groom pose with dog in a tuxedo for a dog-friendly wedding.
    7 tips to plan a dog-friendly wedding

    Before planning a dog-friendly wedding, you need to consider your…

  • Woman with curly hair cuddles poodle mix puppy. Want to understand your (potential) partner's character? The dog breed he chooses reveals key personality traits.
    Your partner’s dog breed reveals secrets about his character

    Want to understand your (potential) partner's character? The dog breed…

  • Make your dog part of your wedding day

    With a little planning, you can include dog in your…

  • dog in divorce
    Who gets the dog in divorce? More prenups include pets

    Dog in divorce: Who gets custody of your beloved dog?…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Fun Tagged With: Major life changes

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

Two dogsOutdoor activitiesValentine's DayRottweilerThanksgivingSheddingSeparation anxietySmall dogsPit bullYorkshire terrierWorking dogsService dogsVeterinarianPawPomeranianPetfinder.comTicksSocializationPet parentsPandemicPuppy kindergartenPoodlePet sitterPuppy-proofRescue dogWaterVacation dog caretraining tipsPotty trainingOld dogs

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • 5 benefits of canine massage therapy
    Canine massage therapy helps keep your pup happy, healthy, and relaxed. It can improve digestion, reduce anxiety, and more. […]
  • Sleeping with your dog? Strengthen your bond with cuddle time
    Sleeping with your dog provides comfort, but it's important to consider the potential risks and benefits. Explore both sides of the debate. […]
  • Does my dog show love? Understand 12 signs of affection from dogs
    But how do dogs show their love? Let's take a closer look at some of the most common signs of affection from dogs. […]
  • Is a smart, loyal, hard-working wolf dog your dream dog?
    Wolf-dog breeds like Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes are loyal, smart companions that make ideal family dogs. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.