For many couples, a wedding isn’t a complete family affair without their four-legged best friend. Whether your dog is the “Dog of Honour,” the “Ring Bearer,” or simply the VIP guest of the day, including them adds a layer of joy and personality that is truly unmatched. However, once you’ve decided to include your pup, a new question often arises: “How do we tell our guests?”
Communicating your dog's attendance is more than just a cute announcement; it’s about managing expectations, ensuring the comfort of your human guests (especially those with allergies or phobias), and setting the stage for a seamless event.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to communicate your dog-inclusive plans, from the "Save the Date" to the reception, and how hiring a professional pet chaperone can make the experience better for everyone involved.
Why communication is key
In Australia, the trend of pet-inclusive weddings is booming. From the Hunter Valley to the Gold Coast, more venues are becoming "paws-friendly." However, guests don’t always expect to see a dog at a formal event.
Proactive communication helps:
- Manage allergies: Guests with severe allergies can take antihistamines in advance.
- Ease anxiety: Guests with a fear of dogs can feel more relaxed knowing the dog will be supervised.
- Prevent surprises: It ensures your guests aren't surprised when a Golden Retriever trots down the aisle before the bride.
- Highlight your values: It shows your guests that your pet is a cherished family member.
Using your "Save the Dates" as a sneak peek
Your "Save the Date" is the first impression your guests will have of your wedding style. If your dog is going to be a major part of the day, why not drop a hint early?
Creative wording ideas:
- "Save the Date: [Names] are getting married! (And yes, [Dog's Name] is the Ring Bearer!)"
- "Save the Date: We’re fetching our 'I Do's' on [Date]. Expect plenty of tail wags!"
- "Save the date for the wedding of [Names]... and the paws-itively adorable [Dog's Name]."
Pawfect tip: Use a photo from your engagement session that features your dog wearing a sign that says, "My humans are getting married!" This visual cue is the most effective way to signal a dog-friendly wedding.
Formal invitation wording
When it comes to the formal invitation, you might want to keep the main card elegant while using the "Details" or "Information" card to mention your dog.
The subtle approach:
If your dog is only appearing for the ceremony and photos (which is common), you can include a small note:
"We are so excited to share that our beloved dog, [Dog’s Name], will be joining us for the ceremony. A professional chaperone will be caring for them to ensure a smooth experience for all guests."
The "dog-theme" approach:
If your wedding is more casual or deeply centered around your pet:
"The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of [Names]... accompanied by their Dog of Honour, [Dog's Name]."
Crafting the perfect wedding website page
Your wedding website is the best place to provide detailed information. Create a specific section or an entry in your FAQ titled "A Note About Our Furry Guest."
This is where you can be transparent about how the logistics will work. Mentioning that you have hired a professional pet chaperone is a huge relief for guests who might worry about a dog running loose or barking during speeches.
Example website text:
Will there be animals at the wedding? Yes! Our dog, [Dog’s Name], is a huge part of our lives and will be attending the ceremony and some of the cocktail hour. We want all our guests to feel comfortable, so we have hired a professional chaperone to help us out. They will ensure [Dog's Name] is supervised, hydrated, and on his best behaviour. If you have a severe allergy, please let us know so we can ensure you are seated comfortably away from the aisle.
Signage on the big day
On the day itself, signage can help remind guests of the dog's role and set boundaries.
- Welcome signs: "Welcome to the wedding of [Names] & [Dog's Name]."
- Program mentions: List your dog in the wedding party section of your program as the "Flower Pup" or "Best Dog."
- The "treat station": If your dog is staying for the reception (or just the beginning), a "favours" table with dog treats for guests to take home to their own pets is a beautiful touch. A sign could read: "A treat from [Dog's Name] to your best friend at home!"
Plan your wedding day, your way
Every couple is different, and so is every dog. Take a look around, explore our guides, and discover the best ways to celebrate your love – together with your furry family.
Managing guest expectations and safety
Not everyone is a "dog person." To ensure your dog's presence is a highlight and not a headache, consider these points when communicating:
The "no-pet" policy for guests
While your dog is invited, you likely don't want 50 other dogs showing up. It’s important to be clear about this.
"While we love all animals, we kindly ask that guests do not bring their own pets. Only [Dog's Name] will be joining us for the festivities."
Supervision is everything
The most common concern guests have is: "Who is looking after the dog?" By telling your guests that you’ll be hiring a professional dog sitter for your big day, you are telling them:
- The dog won't be jumping on their expensive wedding outfits.
- The dog won't be begging for food at the tables.
- The dog has a "retreat plan" if they get overwhelmed.
How a professional dog chaperone helps you (and your guests)
A professional dog sitter will handle the logistics so you – and your guests – can focus on the celebration. When you tell your guests about your dog plans, you can confidently mention that a professional is in charge.
Common services include:
- Safe transport: They pick up your pup and bring them to the venue.
- Ceremony assistance: They ensure they walk down the aisle at the right time and stay quiet during the vows.
- Photo coordination: They work with your photographer to get those "pawfect" shots.
- Guest interaction: They manage the "meet and greets," ensuring the dog doesn't overwhelm anyone.
- After-care: Once their role is done, they take them home or to their pet-sitting location, allowing you to party the night away.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) for your guests
To save you from answering the same questions 50 times, here is a list of FAQs you can put on your website:
Q: Is the dog going to be there all night?
A: Usually, no. Most couples have their dog present for the ceremony and photos. Our dog chaperone will whisk them away for a long walk and dinner before the reception starts.
Q: What if I am allergic?
A: Our dog will be kept on a leash and under professional supervision at all times. The ceremony is outdoors (if applicable), and we can ensure your seat is at a safe distance from the aisle.
Q: Can I bring treats for the dog?
A: We prefer that guests don't feed the dog, as they are on a special "wedding day diet" to ensure no tummy upsets! Our chaperone has plenty of approved treats to keep them happy.
Q: Can I take photos with the dog?
A: Absolutely! Our chaperone will be available during the cocktail hour to help facilitate photos with guests.
Sample wording templates
Template 1: Casual & cute
"We’re saying ‘I Do’ and [Dog's Name] is too! Our furry best friend will be joining us for the ceremony. Don't worry, he’s hired a professional babysitter (a professional dog chaperone) to keep him on his best behaviour!"
Template 2: Formal & informative
"We are delighted to include our dog, [Dog's Name], in our wedding ceremony. To ensure the comfort of all our guests, [Dog's Name] will be under the care of a professional pet attendant throughout his stay at the venue."
Template 3: The "allergy alert"
"Please note that our dog will be a guest at our wedding. If you have any concerns regarding allergies or phobias, please let us know so we can make the necessary arrangements for your comfort."
Conclusion: A stress-free "I Do"
Including your dog in your wedding is a beautiful way to celebrate your complete family. By communicating clearly with your guests and hiring a professional dog sitting service, you ensure that your dog’s presence is remembered for all the right reasons.
No stress, no mess – just a lot of love and a few extra tail wags.
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.