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Ways to include your dog
Ways to include your dog in your wedding ceremony
Written by Michelle Dowse
For many couples, their dog is much more than a pet – they’re part of the family. So when you're planning your wedding, it’s natural to want your four-legged best friend to have a special place in the celebration.
The good news is that your dog doesn't have to simply sit on the sidelines. There are lots of fun, meaningful and creative ways to include your dog in your wedding, whether they're confident enough to have an official role in the ceremony or would be happier making a shorter appearance for photos and cuddles.
From being your Dog of Honour or Best Dog to walking down the aisle, carrying the rings or simply being a special guest, the right role will depend on your dog's personality, training and comfort level.
The most important thing is to choose a role that your dog will actually enjoy. A wedding can be an exciting but overwhelming environment, with unfamiliar people, music, decorations, food and plenty of activity. Your dog's involvement should be about celebrating your relationship while also making sure they're happy and comfortable.
Popular roles for dogs at weddings
There are no official rules when it comes to giving your dog a wedding role. You can use traditional wedding party titles, invent your own or simply have your dog there as an honorary member of the wedding party.
Here are some of the most popular ways couples are including their dogs in their big day.
Dog of Honour or Best Dog
If your dog is one of the most important members of your family, why not give them a starring role?
A Dog of Honour or Best Dog can be as involved as you like. They might walk down the aisle alongside you, stand with the wedding party during the ceremony, pose for photographs or simply spend some time with you before and after the ceremony.
There's no need for your dog to perform a complicated task. Their role can simply recognise how important they are to you.
You could even give them a personalised collar, bandana or floral accessory announcing their official title.
This role can work particularly well for dogs who are comfortable around people and reasonably relaxed in busy environments. If your dog becomes nervous or overwhelmed around crowds, however, a quieter role may be a better choice.
Ring bearer
Having your dog bring the wedding rings down the aisle is one of the most popular ways to involve them in the ceremony.
There are plenty of cute ways to do this. Your dog could wear a small ring pouch attached securely to their harness, or carry a decorative ring box.
However, there's no need to put your actual wedding rings at risk. If your dog is carrying something, consider using imitation rings or having the real rings safely held by a member of the wedding party.
Your dog also doesn't necessarily have to walk down the aisle independently. They can walk alongside their chaperone or another member of the wedding party, which can make the experience much easier for a dog who might otherwise become distracted.
And remember – the success of this role isn't measured by whether your dog makes it perfectly from one end of the aisle to the other. If they stop to say hello to a guest, get distracted by a smell or decide the aisle isn't quite as interesting as expected, that's part of having your dog involved!
Flower pup
Who says the flower girl has to be human?
A dog can become your very own flower pup, either walking down the aisle alongside the flower girl or simply taking on the role themselves.
Rather than carrying loose flower petals, your dog could wear a floral collar, flower-adorned harness or lightweight floral accessory.
If you're using fresh flowers, make sure your florist knows that your dog will be wearing them. Some flowers and plants can be harmful to dogs, so it's worth discussing dog-safe options with your florist.
A floral collar can also make for some gorgeous wedding photographs, particularly if the flowers complement your bouquet or wedding styling.
Walk down the aisle with the bride or groom
Your dog doesn't necessarily need a formal title to have an important role in your ceremony.
One of the simplest and most meaningful options is having your dog walk down the aisle with you.
They could walk beside the bride, groom or another member of the wedding party, depending on how your ceremony is structured.
For some couples, this can be particularly special because the dog has been part of their relationship from the beginning. Having them physically beside you as you begin this next chapter can create a lovely emotional moment.
If your dog is easily distracted or excitable, having someone familiar walk alongside them can help keep the experience relaxed.
Walk with the wedding party
If you don't want your dog walking directly with you, they could instead join the bridal party or another member of the wedding party.
For example, your dog could walk alongside a bridesmaid, groomsman, parent or trusted friend.
This can be a great option if your dog needs a little extra support or if you want someone else to remain responsible for them while you concentrate on getting married.
It also gives your photographer another opportunity to capture your dog naturally interacting with the people closest to you.
Have your dog wait at the ceremony
Your dog doesn't necessarily need to walk down the aisle at all.
They could arrive before the ceremony and spend some time with you, then settle beside their handler while the ceremony takes place.
For a calm and well-trained dog, simply being nearby while you exchange your vows can be incredibly meaningful.
However, think realistically about whether your dog can cope with sitting or lying quietly for the duration of the ceremony. If they become restless, bark at unfamiliar noises or want to greet every guest, it may be better for them to make a shorter appearance before or after the ceremony.
Your dog as a guest of honour
Some dogs are simply not suited to having a formal job – and that's perfectly fine.
Your dog can still be a very important part of your wedding without having to perform a particular task.
As a guest of honour, your dog might spend some time greeting guests, relaxing with their handler, joining you for photographs or making an appearance during the ceremony.
This can be a particularly good option for older dogs, dogs who are less confident around crowds or dogs who simply don't enjoy being the centre of attention.
There's something lovely about seeing a dog happily enjoying the day without putting pressure on them to "perform".
Include your dog in your wedding photographs
Your dog doesn't have to be involved in the ceremony to be a memorable part of your wedding.
In fact, photographs can be one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to include your dog.
Talk to your wedding photographer before the day and let them know you'd like some photographs with your dog. They can then build some dog-friendly photo opportunities into your schedule.
Depending on your venue and your dog's personality, you might capture photographs:
- Before the ceremony
- During your getting-ready preparations
- When you have your first look
- With the bridal party
- With your immediate family
- During portraits of the newly married couple
- Around the ceremony location
- In the gardens or outdoor areas
- At sunset or golden hour
- Before your dog heads home for the day
You don't need to spend hours taking formal photographs. A short, relaxed session can be enough to capture some beautiful memories.
And don't worry if your dog isn't particularly interested in posing. Some of the best wedding photographs involving dogs are the completely unplanned moments – a nose appearing in the middle of a group photo, a kiss from your pup or your dog sitting proudly beside you.
Let your dog be part of the getting-ready preparations
If your dog is comfortable in a busy household or accommodation environment, they could spend some time with you while you're getting ready.
Imagine your dog curled up beside you while you're having your hair and makeup done, sitting on the bed while everyone gets dressed or wandering around greeting the bridal party.
These quieter moments can result in some beautiful photographs and give your dog a chance to be part of the day before the ceremony begins.
Just make sure someone is responsible for your dog while everyone else is getting ready. It can be surprisingly easy for a dog to slip through an open door or become overwhelmed when several people are moving around at once.
Give your dog a special entrance
If a traditional aisle role isn't quite right, you could give your dog their own special entrance.
Perhaps they arrive with a member of the wedding party, make an appearance after the ceremony or are introduced to your guests as your four-legged guest of honour.
You could even incorporate their entrance into your wedding styling with a personalised sign or a special song.
This can work particularly well for dogs who enjoy attention but may not have the patience to remain beside you throughout the entire ceremony.
Include your dog in your wedding reception
Depending on your venue's rules, your dog may be able to stay for part of the reception.
They could join you for photographs, spend some time greeting guests during the early part of the celebration or simply relax nearby with their handler.
Not every dog will enjoy a reception environment, though. Music, dancing, speeches, clapping and lots of people moving around can become overwhelming.
For this reason, many couples choose to have their dog leave after the ceremony and photographs. This doesn't make their involvement any less special.
In fact, a shorter appearance can often be the best option for everyone.
Give your dog a special role in the wedding details
Your dog doesn't have to physically attend your wedding to have a meaningful role.
If your venue doesn't allow dogs, or you've decided your pup would be happier at home, there are plenty of ways to include them in the day.
You could feature your dog on:
- Your wedding invitations
- Welcome signs
- Table numbers
- Seating charts
- Menus
- Wedding programs
- Cocktail menus
- Your wedding cake
- Cake toppers
- Guestbook signage
- Wedding favours
- Custom illustrations
- Reception decorations
You could even name a signature cocktail after your dog or include a photograph of them on a memory table.
These little touches can make your dog feel like part of your wedding story, even if they're not physically there.
Include your dog in your vows or speeches
For couples who want to acknowledge their dog in a more personal way, your vows or speeches can be a beautiful opportunity.
You might mention the role your dog has played in your relationship, the adventures you've shared or the fact that they're part of your family.
You could also include a short story about your dog during the speeches.
It doesn't have to be elaborate. Sometimes a simple mention is enough to acknowledge the important place your dog holds in your life.
Choose a role that suits your dog's personality
It's easy to get carried away when looking at photographs of dogs walking down wedding aisles or wearing adorable wedding outfits.
But the most important question isn't "What would look cute?"
It's "What would my dog actually enjoy?"
Some dogs love attention and happily trot into a room full of strangers. Others are much happier sitting quietly beside their favourite person.
Before deciding on a role, think about how your dog reacts to:
- Crowds
- Strangers
- Children
- Loud music
- Applause and cheering
- New environments
- Other dogs
- Being handled by different people
- Sitting still for periods of time
- Wearing collars, harnesses or accessories
A confident, social dog might love being the centre of attention. A nervous dog might be much happier appearing briefly for photographs before heading somewhere quiet.
There is no right or wrong way to include your dog.
Your dog doesn't have to stay all day
One of the biggest misconceptions about having a dog at your wedding is that they need to be there from morning until night.
They don't.
In many cases, the happiest arrangement is for your dog to attend for just a few hours.
For example, they might:
- Arrive with their handler or chaperone.
- Spend some time with you while you get ready.
- Take part in the ceremony.
- Have some photographs with you.
- Spend a little time with guests.
- Head home or to their accommodation with their handler.
This allows your dog to be part of the most important moments without expecting them to cope with a long and potentially tiring wedding day.
It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your dog has somewhere quiet and familiar to go once their part in the celebrations is finished.
Have someone responsible for your dog
Whatever role you choose, your dog should have a dedicated person looking after them throughout the day.
That could be a trusted friend or family member, although many couples choose to hire a professional wedding dog chaperone or pet attendant.
The important thing is that responsibility for your dog isn't left to chance.
You don't want to discover halfway through your ceremony that everyone assumed someone else was watching the dog!
Your dog's handler can manage things such as toilet breaks, water, food, leads, transport, photographs and knowing when your dog has had enough.
Most importantly, they can give your dog their full attention while you concentrate on getting married.
What if your dog isn't suited to a wedding role?
Not every dog will enjoy being part of a wedding – and that's okay.
If your dog is nervous around strangers, uncomfortable in crowds, reactive to other dogs or easily overwhelmed by noise, being surrounded by dozens of people may not be a positive experience.
You don't have to force your dog into a traditional wedding role just because the idea sounds lovely.
Instead, consider involving them in a quieter way.
You could have a pre-wedding photo shoot with your dog, include them in your stationery, feature them in your wedding decorations or organise a special family photograph before or after the wedding.
Your wedding is about celebrating your relationship, and that includes making decisions that are genuinely kind to your dog.
Make the role personal to your dog
The best dog wedding roles aren't necessarily the most elaborate ones.
Think about what makes your dog special to you and how you can reflect that in your wedding.
Maybe your dog is famous for carrying around a particular toy. Perhaps they're always beside you on walks, have a very distinctive personality or have been part of your relationship for many years.
You could incorporate those details into their role, their accessories, your photographs or your wedding styling.
And don't be afraid to make up your own title. Dog of Honour, Chief Cuddle Officer, Ring Security, Director of Treats or Head of Guest Relations might not appear in a traditional wedding handbook, but your wedding doesn't have to be traditional.
Making your dog's wedding role memorable
Ultimately, your dog's role should add to your wedding rather than create extra pressure.
The goal isn't to have the perfect Instagram moment or a perfectly choreographed aisle entrance. It's to create a meaningful memory that reflects the special relationship you have with your dog.
Your pup might walk down the aisle perfectly – or they might stop halfway to investigate someone's shoes.
They might sit beautifully for photographs – or decide they'd rather sniff the garden.
They might confidently greet every guest – or spend most of the time curled up beside their handler.
That's all part of having your dog involved.
Choose a role that matches their personality, plan for their needs and give them plenty of opportunities to take a break. When you take the pressure off, you're much more likely to enjoy those genuine, spontaneous moments that make having your dog at your wedding so special.
Whether your dog is your ring bearer, Dog of Honour, flower pup, photo companion or simply your much-loved guest, there's no doubt they'll bring their own personality and plenty of love to your wedding day.
Need ideas, inspiration or practical planning tips?
Browse our other articles to find the best way to include your dog in your wedding, from ceremony roles to outfits, safety tips and more.