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Hen's or buck's night
Including your dog in your hen’s or buck’s night celebrations
Written by Michelle Dowse
Your hen's or bucks night is all about celebrating with the people who mean the most to you – so if your dog is an important part of your family, why should they miss out?
While your dog might not be able to join every activity, there are plenty of fun and creative ways to include them in your pre-wedding celebrations. You could organise a relaxed dog-friendly brunch, head outdoors for an adventure with your friends and your pup, plan a weekend away or simply include your dog for part of the day before the main celebrations begin.
Including your dog doesn't mean you have to completely change your plans. Sometimes, just a few hours together can create some wonderful memories and give your dog a special part in your journey towards the big day.
Why include your dog in your hen's or bucks night?
For many couples, their dog has been there through some of the most important moments of their relationship. They've shared your home, your adventures, your lazy weekends and probably quite a few of your celebrations too.
Your hen's or bucks night can be another opportunity to include them in your wedding story.
Having your dog there can:
- Make the celebration feel more personal and meaningful
- Give you some lovely photographs and memories with your pup
- Add a relaxed and fun element to the day
- Give your dog a chance to spend time with members of your wedding party
- Help your dog become familiar with some of the people who may be around them on your wedding day
- Create another special memory before you get married
And let's be honest – if your dog is usually the centre of attention, your friends probably won't mind them stealing the spotlight for a while!
Dog-friendly hen's night ideas
A hen's night doesn't have to involve a big night out. If you'd rather celebrate during the day or have a more relaxed experience, there are lots of ways to include your dog.
Dog-friendly brunch or picnic
Start the celebrations with a relaxed brunch or picnic at a dog-friendly location.
You could organise a beautiful picnic with grazing boards, drinks, flowers and decorations, while your dog enjoys some dog-friendly treats of their own.
A backyard or private outdoor space can work particularly well because your group can relax without worrying about whether your dog is welcome.
For a more casual celebration, simply pack a picnic and head to a dog-friendly park or beach. Add some games, music and plenty of treats and you've got an easy way to spend time together.
A dog-friendly garden party
If you want something a little more styled, turn your backyard or another suitable outdoor space into a mini hen's party.
Think pretty table settings, flowers, cushions, grazing platters and personalised decorations – with a comfortable space set aside for your dog.
Your pup could even have their own special place at the party, complete with a water bowl, treats and a comfortable bed or blanket.
A group walk or outdoor adventure
If you and your friends enjoy being outdoors, organise a walk or easy hike that your dog can join.
Choose a location that's suitable for your dog's fitness level and check the rules before you go, particularly if you're visiting a national park, beach or other public area.
You could finish the walk with lunch, a picnic or drinks somewhere dog-friendly.
This can be a particularly good option for dogs that aren't comfortable sitting around at a busy party but love getting out and exploring.
A dog-friendly getaway
Why limit the celebrations to one night?
A pet-friendly weekend away can be a great option if you want more time with your bridal party and your dog.
Look for pet-friendly accommodation where everyone can relax together, then plan activities around the location. You might spend the day exploring, visiting dog-friendly cafes, relaxing at the accommodation or heading to the beach.
Before booking, check the accommodation's specific pet rules. Some places allow dogs but have restrictions on where they can go or whether they can be left unattended.
A dog-friendly photo shoot
Give your dog their own moment in the spotlight with a pre-wedding photo shoot.
You could organise some photographs with your whole group, capture individual photos with your dog or simply have a relaxed session documenting everyone together.
Your photographer can capture natural interactions rather than formal poses, which can make the photographs feel much more like your actual celebration.
These photos could also be a lovely addition to your wedding album or social media in the lead-up to the big day.
Dog-friendly bucks night ideas
A bucks night can also include your dog without turning the entire event into a dog-themed celebration.
Backyard BBQ with your pup
A backyard BBQ is one of the easiest ways to include your dog.
Set up an outdoor area where everyone can relax, add some lawn games and make sure your dog has their own comfortable space away from the cooking area.
You could even prepare a special dog-friendly treat so your pup has something to enjoy while everyone else is eating.
Just be careful with food around dogs. BBQ leftovers, alcohol, onions, garlic, cooked bones and many other common party foods aren't suitable for dogs.
Beach or outdoor day
If your dog loves the outdoors, plan an activity around something they already enjoy.
A beach walk, bushwalk or visit to a dog-friendly outdoor area can give everyone an opportunity to spend time together without the pressure of a traditional night out.
Add lunch or a BBQ afterwards and you've got a relaxed bucks celebration that includes the whole family.
Camping or cabin weekend
For an adventurous group, a pet-friendly camping trip or cabin getaway can be a great way to celebrate.
Spend the day outdoors, enjoy a BBQ in the evening and let your dog relax around the group.
Just make sure your dog is comfortable with the environment before committing to a full weekend. A dog that loves sleeping at home may not necessarily enjoy camping, crowds or unfamiliar surroundings.
Dog-friendly brewery or pub
Some breweries, pubs and outdoor venues welcome dogs, making them another option for a more traditional celebration.
Always check the venue's current dog policy before you go. "Outdoor seating" doesn't necessarily mean dogs are permitted, and some venues may have specific areas where dogs can stay.
It's also worth thinking about your dog's personality. A busy venue with loud music, crowds and lots of unfamiliar people may be exciting for some dogs but overwhelming for others.
Your dog doesn't have to stay for the whole celebration
One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning a dog-friendly celebration is assuming their dog needs to be involved from beginning to end.
They don't.
Your dog might love joining you for a morning walk, brunch or photos but be much happier spending the evening at home.
You could:
- Start the day with a walk together
- Have your dog join you for brunch or lunch
- Organise some group photographs with your pup
- Include your dog in a backyard celebration before heading out
- Have your dog join you for the first part of the day and then go home with a family member or sitter
- Arrange for a professional pet sitter or dog chaperone to look after them afterwards
This can actually be the best option for dogs that become tired or overwhelmed easily.
The goal isn't to have your dog present for every minute. It's to find a way of including them that is enjoyable and comfortable for everyone.
Give your dog their own special accessory
A hen's or bucks night is a fun opportunity to give your dog a little pre-wedding makeover.
You could choose a simple accessory that complements the celebration, such as:
- A bow tie
- A floral collar
- A bandana
- A personalised collar tag
- A "Bride's Bestie" or "Groom's Best Mate" accessory
- A colour-coordinated accessory that matches your outfits
There's no need to go overboard. Choose something comfortable that your dog is already happy wearing.
If your dog isn't used to clothing or accessories, don't introduce something restrictive or uncomfortable just for photographs.
For more ideas, take a look at our guide to dog attire and accessories.
Make your dog part of the decorations
Even if your dog can't attend the main celebration, they can still be part of the theme.
You could use photographs of your dog on invitations, signs, menus or table decorations. Personalised cookies, cake toppers or other decorations featuring your pup can also be a fun way to bring them into the celebration.
For example, you could have a sign saying:
"The bride's best friend"
or
"The groom's best mate"
You could even create a photo display showing some of your favourite memories with your dog.
This can be especially meaningful if your hen's or bucks night is being held somewhere dogs aren't permitted.
Give your dog a role in the celebrations
Your dog doesn't need an official wedding role to be part of the lead-up to your wedding.
They could become the unofficial mascot of your hen's or bucks night, appear in group photographs or simply spend some time with the people who will make up your wedding party.
If your dog will be attending the wedding, this can also be a useful opportunity for them to become familiar with your bridesmaids, groomsmen and other important people.
Those relationships can be helpful on the wedding day, particularly if someone will be responsible for helping with your dog.
Things to consider before bringing your dog
As exciting as it sounds, not every dog will enjoy a hen's or bucks night.
Think about your dog's personality before deciding whether they should attend.
Is your dog comfortable around groups?
A celebration involving lots of people, noise and activity may be overwhelming for a nervous or anxious dog.
If your dog prefers quiet environments, a smaller gathering may be a better option.
Is the venue genuinely dog-friendly?
Always check directly with the venue before making plans.
Ask whether dogs are allowed, where they can go, whether they need to remain on a lead and whether there are any restrictions during busy periods or events.
Is the weather suitable?
Australian weather can be unpredictable, and a hot summer afternoon can quickly become uncomfortable or dangerous for a dog.
Make sure there is shade, plenty of fresh water and somewhere cool for your dog to rest.
Who will look after your dog?
It's easy to forget about your dog's needs once the celebrations get underway.
Nominate someone before the event to keep an eye on your pup. If everyone is drinking, socialising or participating in activities, a professional pet sitter or dog wedding chaperone may be a better option.
That way, you can enjoy yourself without constantly worrying about where your dog is.
When your dog can't attend
Sometimes the best decision is to leave your dog at home.
That doesn't mean they have to be left out of the experience.
You could start your day with a special walk, have breakfast together, take some photographs or spend some quiet time with your dog before heading off to your main celebration.
You could also include photographs of your dog in the decorations, create personalised party favours featuring them or simply share some stories and memories about your pup with your friends.
And if you're having a weekend away, you might arrange for someone your dog knows and trusts to spend some time with them while you're gone.
Your dog doesn't need to be physically present to be part of your wedding story.
Capture the memories
If your dog is joining your hen's or bucks night, don't forget to take plenty of photographs.
Ask someone in your group to capture candid moments rather than relying only on posed group shots. Photograph your dog interacting with your friends, playing, relaxing and generally being themselves.
You could also organise a few planned photographs, such as:
- The whole group with your dog
- You and your dog together
- Your dog with the bridesmaids or groomsmen
- Your dog's special accessory
- A close-up of your dog's face
- Your dog relaxing with the group
- A funny or unexpected moment from the celebration
These photographs can become part of your wider wedding memories and may even inspire some of the photographs you'd like your wedding photographer to capture on the big day.
For more inspiration, check out our Picture Paw-fect guide and ultimate wedding dog shot list.
Make it about your dog, too
The most important thing to remember is that a dog-friendly hen's or bucks night should be enjoyable for your dog as well as for you.
Don't feel as though you need to take your dog somewhere crowded or busy simply because it looks good in photographs. If your pup would rather go for a walk, enjoy a picnic or relax in the backyard with you, that's perfectly fine.
The best celebrations are the ones that suit everyone involved.
Whether your dog spends the entire day with your friends, joins you for a few special hours or simply makes an appearance in your photographs, there are plenty of ways to make them part of this exciting stage of your wedding journey.
After all, your dog has been there for so much of your relationship. Including them in the celebrations before your wedding is one more way to show just how much they mean to you.
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.