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Wedding favours for dogs
Thoughtful wedding favours for your four-legged guests
Written by Michelle Dowse
Wedding favours are a lovely way to thank your guests for celebrating with you, so why should the four-legged members of your wedding party miss out?
If your dog is joining you on your wedding day, their own favour can be a simple but meaningful way to make them feel included. And if you're having a dog-friendly wedding with several canine guests, you could create a small favour for every dog attending.
From personalised biscuits and toys to bandanas and keepsakes, there are plenty of ways to create a dog wedding favour that suits your celebration. You don't need to spend a lot – even a small bag of their favourite treats with a personalised tag can make a lovely gift.
Why give your dog a wedding favour?
Your dog may have been part of your relationship for years, so giving them something special on your wedding day can be a fun way to recognise their place in your family.
A dog-friendly wedding favour can:
- Give your dog something special to enjoy during or after the wedding
- Recognise their role as part of your wedding day
- Provide a fun photo opportunity
- Create a keepsake to remember the occasion
- Give canine guests something to take home
- Make your dog feel included alongside your human guests
You can make the favour as simple or elaborate as you like. The most important thing is choosing something that suits your dog and won't interfere with their comfort or routine on the day.
Personalised dog biscuits
Personalised biscuits are one of the easiest wedding favour ideas for dogs. Dog treat bakers can create biscuits in all sorts of shapes, colours and designs, including hearts, bones, wedding rings and even miniature versions of your wedding cake.
You could have your dog's name, your wedding date or a short message added to the biscuit. For example, "Dog of Honour", "Best Dog" or "I do too!" can make a cute finishing touch.
If you're making biscuits for several canine guests, consider having each one individually packaged so every dog gets their own treat.
Just make sure the treats are suitable for dogs and check the ingredients if any of your guests have known allergies or dietary requirements.
Click here for DIY dog treat recipes >>
A toy to enjoy after the ceremony
A new toy can make a great favour, particularly if your dog enjoys playing more than they enjoy treats.
You could choose a small plush toy, rope toy, ball or chew toy that suits your dog's personality. Wedding-themed toys can also make a cute photo prop, particularly if you choose something in a colour that complements your wedding styling.
If you're providing toys for other dogs at the wedding, choose durable options that are appropriate for the dogs' sizes and playing styles. Some dogs are enthusiastic chewers, while others prefer a soft toy or something they can carry around.
Remember that toys should always be supervised if dogs are playing together, particularly when you don't know all of the dogs well.
Dog-friendly treats and chews
A bag of your dog's favourite treats can be a simple and inexpensive wedding favour.
You could package their usual treats in a personalised pouch or small box, or choose a special long-lasting chew for them to enjoy after their wedding duties are finished.
If your dog is attending the reception, it's worth sticking with treats they already know rather than introducing lots of unfamiliar foods on an already exciting day. A wedding isn't the ideal time to discover that your dog has a sensitive stomach!
If you're preparing favours for multiple dogs, check with their owners before giving out treats. Not every dog can eat the same ingredients, and some may have allergies, food sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
For more ideas, see our guide to treat stations for four-legged wedding guests.
A personalised dog tag
A personalised dog tag can turn a wedding favour into a keepsake that your dog can continue wearing long after the wedding.
You could have your wedding date engraved on the tag, along with your dog's name and a short message such as "Wedding VIP" or "Best Dog".
A tag is particularly nice if your dog already wears a collar every day, as it becomes a lasting reminder of the occasion rather than something that gets used once and forgotten.
Make sure any new collar or tag is comfortable and properly fitted before your dog wears it for an extended period.
A bandana or bow tie
A wedding-themed bandana, bow tie or collar accessory can double as both a favour and part of your dog's wedding outfit.
Choose something that complements your wedding colours or matches the style of the bridal party. You could even have your dog's name or a small message embroidered onto a bandana.
If your dog is already wearing wedding attire, you could give them a second accessory as their favour so they have something special to take home.
Take a look at our guide to dog wedding attire and accessories for more ideas.
A personalised gift box
If you can't decide on just one favour, create a little wedding gift box for your dog.
You could include:
- A few of their favourite treats
- A small toy
- A personalised biscuit
- A bandana or bow tie
- A chew
- A personalised note
- A photo from the wedding
You don't need to include everything. Choose two or three items that you know your dog will enjoy and package them together.
For a particularly special touch, you could give your dog their gift box after their role in the wedding is finished, almost like a little "thank you" for being part of your big day.
Wedding favours for canine guests
If you're having several dogs at your wedding, you don't have to limit the favours to your own dog.
A small favour for each canine guest is a lovely way to make a dog-friendly wedding feel genuinely welcoming. You could put together matching treat bags or individual boxes and place them somewhere that is easy for owners to find.
A simple sign such as "A little something for our four-legged friends" can let guests know that the favours are there for their dogs.
You could also personalise each favour with the dog's name if you know who will be attending.
If you're expecting lots of dogs, keeping the favours simple will make them much easier to prepare. A small bag containing a few suitable treats may be all you need.
Make the packaging part of your wedding styling
Your dog's wedding favour doesn't have to look out of place alongside your other wedding details.
Use the same colours, materials and stationery style as the rest of your wedding. For example, you could use:
- Kraft paper bags for a rustic wedding
- Small white boxes for a classic or elegant celebration
- Linen or canvas pouches for a relaxed outdoor wedding
- Personalised tags matching your wedding invitations
- Ribbon in your wedding colours
- Custom stickers featuring your dog's name
If you're making individual favours for canine guests, a small name tag can make each one feel more personal.
Keep treats and favours somewhere safe
Where you place your dog's favour is important, particularly if it contains food.
Keep edible favours somewhere dogs can't help themselves until you're ready to give them out. This is especially important if the favour table is accessible to children or other dogs.
Human wedding sweets, chocolate, alcohol and other foods that aren't suitable for dogs should also be kept completely separate from canine treats.
If your dog has food allergies or a sensitive stomach, their favour should contain only ingredients you know they can safely eat.
And if several dogs are attending, it's best for their owners or a designated dog carer to supervise treats and toys rather than allowing dogs to help themselves.
Give the favour at the right time
Your dog doesn't necessarily need to receive their favour as soon as they arrive.
Depending on what you've chosen, there may be a better time to give it to them.
A special toy could be given after the ceremony when things become quieter. A long-lasting chew might help occupy your dog while you're having photos taken or enjoying part of the reception. A treat bag or keepsake can simply be given at the end of the day to take home.
If your dog is working with a dog wedding chaperone, they can help decide when your dog is most likely to enjoy their favour without becoming overexcited or distracted.
Don't forget the photos
A personalised wedding favour can also create some lovely photographs.
Ask your photographer to capture your dog with their favour, whether that's a portrait with their personalised biscuit, a photo wearing their new bandana or a playful shot with their new toy.
You could also photograph the favour alongside your wedding stationery, rings, flowers or other details before the celebrations begin.
These small details can become some of the favourite images in your wedding album because they capture the personality of your dog as well as the style of your wedding.
For more ideas, take a look at our photo inspiration and ideas and ultimate wedding day shot list.
What if your dog can't attend the wedding?
Your dog doesn't have to physically attend your wedding to be included in the celebrations.
You could prepare a special favour for them to receive when you return home. A personalised toy, treat box, bandana or engraved tag can still make them part of the occasion.
You could even have a photograph taken with their favour and include it in your wedding album as a reminder that they were very much part of your day, even if they couldn't be there in person.
Keep your dog's favour personal
There are no rules when it comes to wedding favours for dogs.
You don't need an elaborate gift box or an expensive personalised present. Think about what your dog actually enjoys and choose something that reflects their personality.
For one dog, that might be a beautifully decorated biscuit. For another, it could be a favourite toy, a new bandana or a long-lasting chew.
The best dog wedding favour is simply something that makes your four-legged family member feel like they were part of the celebration.
Frequently asked questions
What can I give my dog as a wedding favour?
Some popular dog wedding favours include personalised biscuits, treats, toys, chews, bandanas, bow ties, personalised dog tags and small gift boxes. Choose something that suits your dog's personality and that they can safely enjoy.
Can I make wedding favours for all the dogs attending?
Absolutely. Small treat bags or individual boxes are an easy way to welcome canine guests. Check with their owners about allergies, dietary restrictions and anything their dogs shouldn't eat before preparing food-based favours.
Click here for our home-made dog treat recipes >>
What treats are safe for dogs at a wedding?
Stick to treats that are specifically made for dogs and that your own dog already tolerates well. Avoid ingredients that are toxic or unsafe for dogs, including chocolate, grapes and raisins, xylitol and alcohol. If you're unsure about an ingredient, check with your veterinarian.
Should I give my dog their favour during the wedding?
It depends on the favour and your dog. A toy or familiar chew may be useful at an appropriate quiet time, while a keepsake can simply be given at home. If your dog is easily excited, saving their favour until after the wedding may be the better option.
How should I package a dog wedding favour?
Small boxes, paper bags, canvas pouches and treat bags all work well. Add a personalised tag, your dog's name or your wedding date, and use colours or materials that match your wedding styling.
Do dogs need their own wedding favour?
Not at all. A wedding favour is simply a fun way to include your dog or canine guests in the celebration. If your dog doesn't need or enjoy gifts, you could instead include them through photographs, a special role or another meaningful detail.
What if my dog has allergies?
Choose treats and other edible favours based on your dog's individual dietary requirements. If you're making favours for multiple dogs, ask their owners about allergies and restrictions rather than assuming every dog can eat the same treats.
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.