If your pet is part of the family, it only makes sense to include them in one of the most meaningful days of your life: your wedding! From adorable outfits and custom decor to meaningful, candid portraits, there are countless ways to make your pet feel like an honoured guest on your special day. Incorporating your pet can add a unique, personal touch that will make your wedding unforgettable.
In this guide, we’re sharing some of the best ideas and inspiration for including pets in your wedding, from the ceremony to reception, and everything in between. These creative ideas—from inviting your pet to join your first look, to featuring their face on temporary tattoos or a signature drink menu—are sure to bring a smile to your face and provide you with lots of inspiration on how you can include your own pets in your wedding day and make it even more memorable!
one
Pet Processional
Photography: Justine Milton Photography // Venue: Hilltop Wedding Center
If you love the idea of your pet being part of the ceremony, why not have them join the processional? Whether they walk with the bridal party or lead the way, your pet can add a heartwarming and memorable touch to the ceremony.
two
Ring Bearer (or assistant ring bearer!)
Planning & Design: Rebekah Brontë Designs // Photography: Jackie Kalch Photography // Florals: Hen & Chicks // Venue: River’s Edge
Nothing is cuter than your dog trotting down the aisle with the rings! You can attach the rings to a special collar or tie them to a small pillow, turning your pup into the most adorable ring bearer. Alternatively, they could walk down the aisle with your ring bearers and flower girls as an honourary ring bearer, or “assistant ring bearer” for an unbeatable cuteness overload! Just be sure to practice walking with them beforehand!
three
Pet Accessories & Flower Crowns
Photo & Video: Court Amber Photo // Venue: Mount Engadine Lodge // Officiant: JP Weddings YYC // Florals: Pine For Cedar
Dress your pet for the occasion with a special accessory! Whether it’s a flower crown, matching bow tie, or custom bandad, your pet can be styled to match your wedding aesthetic in the most adorable way.
four
Formal Attire Required For ALL Guests
Planning & Design: Moments by Madeleine // Photography: Milton Photography // Videography: Parfait Productions // Venue: Fairmont Banff Springs // Hair & Makeup: Blush & Coco
Make your pets part of the dress code! Have them don mini tuxedos or bowties to match your wedding’s aesthetic. A dog in a dapper suit adds a fun, dressed-up touch and looks fantastic in photos, too.
five
Signature Cocktails Named After Your Pets
Planning & Design: Julianne Young Weddings // Photography & Videography: Justine Milton Photography // Florals: Flowers by Janie // Rentals: Modern Rentals // Wedding Venue: Fairmont Banff Springs // DJ & Lighting: PEZ Productions // Stationery: Seeking Light Studio // Dog Sitter: Suns Out Paws Out YYC
Photographer: Tara Hill Studios // Venue: Lizard Creek Lodge // Florist: Moonlight Flowers & Boutique // Hair & Makeup: Elu Hair & Makeup // Wedding Coordinator: Silver Lining Events
Create a signature cocktail named after your pet! Whether it’s a “Milo Mojito” or “Bella’s Bellini,” your pet can be part of the celebration in a delicious and creative way. Adding their name and a little paw print to the cocktail signage will give guests a smile every time they grab a drink.
six
Name the Whole Bar After Your Pet
Planning & Design: Jacqueline Rae Weddings // Photography: Nora Hanako Photography // Florals: Meadow & Vine Studio
Make your furry friend the star of cocktail hour by dedicating the whole bar to them! With a custom bar sign and a cute illustration of your pet, you can add a personal touch to the bar setup. Think of calling it “Molly’s Bar” or “Rex’s Refreshments” for a memorable, pet-inspired drink station.
seven
Favours
Photography: Lorissa Lee Photography // Location: Elkwater
Why not send your guests home with favours inspired by your pet? Consider custom cookies shaped like your dog or cat, or even mini bags of treats for their pets at home! It’s a fun way to share the love with your guests and their fur babies.
eight
Have Your Pets Join a Select Part of Your Day
Photography: Yuki Schell // Planning & Design: The Wednesday Wedding Co. // Venue: The Greenhouse
If having your pet involved all day is too much, choose a part of your wedding where their presence will be cherished and easy to manage, like the outdoor cocktail hour. This way, guests can enjoy some furry company while mingling, and your pet can relax or go home afterward.
For their intimate greenhouse wedding, Michelle and Charles chose to include both of their darling pups (who also happen to match perfectly in white!) in their garden portraits during cocktail hour.
nine
Include Your Pet In Your Wedding Portraits
Photography: Jenny Jean Photography // Videography: Nory Films // Floral Design: Therese Lopez Florals // Hair: Hair Designs by Maggie // Make-Up: Allure by Miriam // Bridal Boutique: Delica Bridal
Make your portraits extra special by having your pet join you at your portrait location for some adorable shots. They could pop in during family photos, or at the end of your wedding portrait session, adding a lighthearted moment to your formal photos, adding a personal touch to your photo album and of course, creating memories with the whole family.
ten
Or Set Aside A Specific Time or Location For Some Casual Portraits Alone With Just Them!
Photography: Nicole Nawrot Photography // Tent: Vivid Venues // Hair: Blush Blonde Co. Beauty // Makeup: Karissa Brynn Makeup // Bridal Gown Designer: Essense of Australia // Bridal Boutique: Pure Bridal // Groom’s Attire: Indochino
Plan for a few casual photos with your pet in a specific spot, like your front porch or a cozy corner at your venue. Couples who schedule this time in their day can enjoy candid, intimate moments with their pets, capturing photos that feel like “home”—even on their wedding day.
eleven
Custom Napkins
Photography: Justine Milton Photography // Planning & Design: Ashley Creative // Venue: Elk Ridge Resort // Video: Parfait Productions // Makeup: Holly Decker Makeup Artist // Hair: Kyy Tang // Tent & Decor: Modern Rentals // Floral: Blossoms Florals // Stationery: Paper Ocelot // Dress: New White Bridal
Get creative with custom napkins featuring your pet’s face, name, or a cute paw print. It’s a small touch but adds a unique, playful element to your reception tables or bar.
twelve
Custom Stir Sticks & Bar Accessories
Planning & Design: Rebekah Brontë Designs // Photography: Nora Hanako Photography // Florals: Meadow & Vine Studio // Signage & Illustrations: Rebekah Brontë Designs
Add a nod to your pet at the bar with custom stir sticks, coasters, or even cocktail napkins with their face on them. Small details like these add personality and make for adorable drink photos, too!
thirteen
Invite Your Pets to Get Ready With You
Planning & Design: Moments by Madeleine // Photography: Milton Photography // Videography: Parfait Productions // Venue: Fairmont Banff Springs // Hair & Makeup: Blush & Coco
Having your pet by your side while getting ready can be comforting and fun! Invite them to your getting ready location during the morning preparations, let them sit beside you as you dress or join in some candid “getting ready” shots with your friends and family.
fourteen
Get Ready at Home
Photography: Minted Photography // Wedding Dress: Novelle Bridal // Bride’s Hair & Makeup: Blush Artistry // Florals: Fabloomosity
If you’re able, consider getting ready at home so your pets can more comfortably be part of the pre-wedding excitement. This way, they’re nearby for morning photos, last-minute cuddles, and calming moments before the festivities.
fifteen
Include Your Pet In Your First Look Experience
Photography: Lorissa Lee Photography // Florals: Sweet Stems // Hair: Kelsi Wagenaar // Makeup: CW Makeup Co. // Bride’s Dress: Magic Moments Bridal // Location: Elkwater
For couples doing a first look, consider inviting your pet to share in this special moment. Let them be there as you see each other for the first time—creating a memorable and heartfelt experience for all three of you.
sixteen
Have a First Look WITH Your Pet
Photographer: Pam Kriangkum // Bride’s Dress: The Bridal Boutique (Edmonton, AB) // Makeup: HP Makeup Artistry by Pamela Neufeld // Hair: Nikki Snips
Surprise your pet with their own “first look!” Capture the moment you and your furry friend see each other on your big day; it’s a sweet, playful twist on the traditional first look that’s sure to make everyone smile.
seventeen
Include Your Pet In Your Engagement Session
Photography: Lorissa Lee Photography
Bring your pet to your engagement session for photos that feel authentically “you.” These pre-wedding photos capture a more casual vibe and give you the chance to create lasting memories with your pet by your side.
eighteen
Feature Your Pet On Your Save The Date
Photography: Lorissa Lee Photography
Using your engagement photos featuring your pet, design a Save the Date card with their cameo. It’s a delightful way to share the news with guests while showcasing the whole family!
nineteen
Look-a-like Cake Topper
Photographer: Court Amber Photo // Venue: River Café // Florals: Pine For Cedar
Add a touch of your pet to the wedding cake by using a custom pet cake topper. Whether it’s a mini sculpture of your dog or cat or a paw print design, your cake can be a sweet reflection of your love for your furry friend.
twenty
Lifesize (Or Larger) Cut-out
Planning & Design: Rebekah Brontë Designs // Photography: Breanne Allyssa Photography // Lead Coordinator: Our Jonrah Events
If your pet can’t be there on the day, consider creating a lifesize cutout of them instead! Place it at the entrance or at your reception so guests can snap photos with it and feel like your pet is part of the festivities, or bring the cutout into the reception during speeches!
twenty one
Custom Pet Tattoos
Photographer: Tara Hill Studios // Venue: Lizard Creek Lodge // Florist: Moonlight Flowers & Boutique // Hair & Makeup: Elu Hair & Makeup // Wedding Coordinator: Silver Lining Events // Tattoos: Shop Tattitude
How about offering custom temporary tattoos of your pet’s face as a fun activity during cocktail hour?! It will make for a fun, lighthearted addition that guests of all ages will enjoy.
twenty two
Pet-Inspired Seating Chart
Photography: Lorissa Lee Photography
Design a seating chart with a pet-themed twist. Include your pet’s face or paw print as part of the design, or name the tables after breeds, pets’ names, or favorite treats for a unique touch that’s totally “you.”
Incorporate your pet into the decor by including small pet-inspired elements throughout your venue. From paw print place cards to custom pet illustrations on your seating chart, there are so many ways to give a nod to your furry friend in a subtle yet meaningful way.
twenty three
Pet Table Numbers
Planning & Design: Melissa Dawn Designs // Photography: Keara Maria Photo // Videography: Janaye Films // Venue: The Brownstone YYC // Florist: Flowers by Janie // Rentals: Modern Rentals // Stationery: The Social Page Design Studio
Add your pet’s name or a photo to your table numbers for a subtle but personal touch on each table. Each table could have a different pet photo, creating a gallery of their cutest moments.
twenty four
Choose a Pet Friendly Venue
Photographer: Court Amber Photo // Venue: River Café // Florals: Pine For Cedar
If your venue allows pets, let them be part of the celebration! Make sure to check with your venue beforehand, and if they’re pet-friendly, your dog or cat can roam the event, greeting guests and being part of the celebration.
twenty five
Include Your Pet In Your Vows
Photography: Lorissa Lee Photography // Dress: Blush & Raven // Suit: Indochino // Florals: Sweet Stems // Makeup: Makenzie Shooter and Western Beauty Co. // Hair: Hair by Kelsie and Boho Beauty Room // Officiant: Donna Morgan // Decor + Coordination: Stages by Candice
A personal and meaningful way to include your pet is by mentioning them in your vows. Whether your furry friend is part of your love story or a shared companion you both adore, adding them to your vows is a heartwarming touch.
twenty six
Hire a Pet Sitter or Handler
Photography: Lorissa Lee Photography
While you’re busy with your ceremony and reception, having a pet handler or sitter is a great idea to ensure your pet is well taken care of throughout the day. They can help with everything from walking your dog to making sure your pet is comfortable during all the excitement.
twenty seven
Pop Your Pet’s Face on Anything & Everything
Vendor Credits: Planner: I DO Weddings Okanagan // Photographer: Mona Mobin Photography // Venue: Neverland Tea Cottage // Hair & Makeup: Luxe Bride by Camille // Florals: Floral Date
Planning & Design: Melissa Dawn Designs // Photography: Keara Maria Photo // Videography: Janaye Films // Venue: The Brownstone YYC // Florist: Flowers by Janie // Rentals: Modern Rentals // Stationery: The Social Page Design Studio // Officiant: Love Speaks YYC // Hair & Makeup: Makeup by Mylynn // Signature Coffee Bar: T2722 Experience // Bride’s Attire: Blush & Raven and Daalarna Couture // Pet Wedding Attendant: Suns Out Paws Out YYC
For a playful and personalized touch, incorporate illustrations of your pet on key details throughout your wedding decor!
We’ve already shared lots of ideas involving custom pet illustrations, but there are so many more things you could do! Whether it’s a subtle sketch on a place card or a bold illustration on a photo backdrop, this fun design feature is sure to be a guest favourite and will add extra personality to your wedding aesthetic.
twenty eight
Include Your Pet In Every Part of Your Day
If your pet is truly part of the family, let them wander through the day, popping up in photos and moments naturally. This can be a memorable, candid approach to making sure they’re part of the experience, just like every other guest!
This adorable dog decided he just HAD to be a part of every picture and every moment of this beautiful wedding day. Look through the gallery below to see him pop up in pictures throughout the entire day!
Photography: Justine Milton Photography // Venue: Hilltop Wedding Center
Including your pets in your wedding can make your celebration even more meaningful and personal. Whether they’re part of the portraits, ceremony, or even the décor, your beloved pets can help create memories you’ll cherish forever. Embrace the possibilities and find the perfect way to let your pets share in your big day!
Pets are family and weddings that have pets involved are simply the best!!! You featured so many fun ways to get pets involved too, I hope couples are taking note!