If you're dreaming of a wedding ceremony that's full of personality, laughter and genuine heart, you're going to love meeting Klara McMurray, better known as The Funky Celebrant.
Based in Melbourne, Klara has built a reputation for creating fun, heartfelt and completely personalised ceremonies that throw tradition out the window in the best possible way.
We caught up with Klara to chat about her approach to weddings, why every ceremony should reflect the couple's unique story, and her advice for couples planning a dog-friendly wedding.
1. What inspired you to become a dog-friendly wedding celebrant?
I'm all for dogs, always have been, so it was a no-brainer really.
I'm also a big believer in the perfect wedding including a touch of unplanned chaos, which dogs tend to do.
It helps relax the couple and the crowd before we get into things and there is always a laugh involved, which I consider a perfect start!
2. What role can dogs realistically play during a wedding ceremony?
Most couples have them walk one or both parties up the aisle.
Depending on the dog's chill-factor, they can then proudly sit/stand up there with the wedding party, or scurry off with a trusted someone while their fur parents tie the knot.
They can also act as ring-bearers, but this heavily depends on the dog's recall and ability to follow instructions... then again, the chaos of an excited ring-bearer never gets tired either!
3. What are your favourite ways to include dogs in a ceremony?
See above!
4. Have you had any particularly funny, emotional or unforgettable experiences involving a wedding dog?
We had a sausage dog called Sizzles do the bolt once. Rings in tow around his neck.
The image of the best man chasing it down the beach in his aqua suit will always stay with me.
We all laughed so hard our stomachs hurt and I was so thrilled the photographer managed to capture the moment.
Needless to say, we got Sizzles back, rings were safe and it's a wedding from my very early career that I'll never forget!
5. What advice would you give couples who want to include their dog on the day but are feeling nervous about it?
Just do it, what could possibly go wrong?! ;)
No seriously, if the dog is anxious around crowds, you're not doing them any favours to ask such a big job of them.
But if they love the attention, bring them along – they're family after all.
If you don't want the responsibility of taking care of them all day/night, book a handler and they'll be BFFs together.
"I do like to warn couples to lower their expectations with how the dog will perform on the day though, and just let whatever happens, happen."
Klara McMurray
THE FUNKY CELEBRANT
6. How do you help keep ceremonies relaxed and stress-free when dogs are involved?
The dog's inclusion helps with this!
I do like to warn couples to lower their expectations with how the dog will perform on the day though, and just let whatever happens, happen.
No matter what that is, it will be cute… there will be awesome photos of the moment and they’ll win the crowd over every single time!
7. Are there certain dog personalities or temperaments that work best at weddings?
Oh, I'd just say the ones that are comfortable in a crowd, love pats and attention and not anxious by the prospect of being the centre of attention.
I don't think it's breed-centric, but more about how socially chilled they naturally are.
8. What should couples organise ahead of time to make sure their dog is comfortable and happy on the wedding day?
Book a dog-chaperone to mind them, so you don't have to.
It's great if you're somewhere they can just roam free, but even then... it's good to have someone that's only job is to keep an eye out, just helps everyone relax a little more on the day.
9. How do you work alongside wedding dog chaperones, photographers and venues during dog-friendly weddings?
Communication is key.
We all just chat about the basic details, so everyone's on the same page and the photographer knows what to expect (assuming everything goes to plan) and is still there to capture the moment, if it doesn't!
10. What’s one thing couples often overlook when planning a dog-friendly wedding ceremony?
A quiet space for the dog to chill in, should it all get too much.
And if it's a particularly hot day, ensure there are plenty of bowls around the venue where they can grab a drink.
A huge thank you to Klara for sharing her insights and passion with the Pawfect Weddings community.
If you're looking for a celebrant who will embrace your personalities, welcome your four-legged family member with open arms, and create a ceremony that's memorable for all the right reasons, The Funky Celebrant is well worth adding to your shortlist.
Whether your wedding is quirky, relaxed, elegant or completely unconventional, Klara is all about making your day authentically yours.
The Funky Celebrant is led by Melbourne celebrant Klara McMurray who has been creating unforgettable ceremonies since 2014.
With a background in theatre, comedy, cabaret and live events, Klara brings warmth, confidence and plenty of humour to every wedding she officiates.
She specialises in personalised ceremonies that are fun, engaging and completely tailored to each couple, whether it's a large celebration, an intimate elopement or something wonderfully unconventional.
Passionate about inclusivity and creating relaxed, stress-free experiences, Klara takes the time to get to know every couple so their ceremony genuinely reflects who they are.
