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Getting Ready
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Ceremony & Reception
50 Too-Cute Ways to Honor Your Pet in the Wedding Plans
Updated on May 4, 2017
Whether you own a cat, dog, horse, rabbit, reptile, or even a pig, there are plenty of ways to have them play a special role in your special day.
Pet parents: We've compiled some of the most adorable ideas for incorporating your beloved four-legged BFF into the wedding celebrations! Whether you own a cat, dog, horse, rabbit, reptile, or even a pig, there are plenty of ways to have your animal play a special role.
First, take into account their personality and whether your venue allows pets on the premises. Many couples choose to have their furry companions present for the "I dos" and reception festivities. However, if that isn't an option, consider scheduling an engagement or bridal shoot in the months leading up to the wedding, or taking photos with them during the getting-ready portion of the day. No matter which route you choose to go, notify all of your vendors so they can help you plan ahead and ensure a pet-friendly environment.
You can even use your relationship with your pet as inspiration for your wedding stationery, décor, favors, cake, and more. From subtle details to bold themes, check out some of our favorite wedding photos geared toward die-hard animal lovers.
Emilia Jane Photography
A dapper dog makes himself right at home in fluffy layers of tulle.
Krystal Zaskey Photography
Ask your photographer to take a portrait of the two of you in your bedroom before the wedding chaos takes over.
Photo by Sonya Khegay; Planning by Ajur Wedding; Décor by Latte Decor
Nothing eases wedding-day jitters like a cuddle sesh with your kitten.
Millyjane Photography
This bride shows off her stunning vintage-inspired dress with a little help from her feline friend.
Julie Wilhite Photography
Safeguard your rings with a pet-inspired accessory holder.
Caroline Studios
If your pet is very obedient, snap a well-timed photo of your ring resting on their nose or paw.
Joy Michelle Photography
Stoop down to your dog's level for some well-deserved nose kisses.
Sawyer Baird Photography
Scoop your furry friend into your arms for a heartwarming pic that will be a wedding album highlight.
Photo by Austin Gros Photography; Event Design by Fête Nashville
Here, two adorable bystanders look on as a pair of grooms exchange rings.
Photo by Susan Stripling Photography; Event Design by Erganic Design
Are you having a non-traditional bridal party? Bestow your dog or cat with the title of best man or maid of honor.
Krystal Zaskey Photography
A groom gave a shout-out to his pup with a customized pocket square in his likeness.
Photo by Dennis Kwan Photography; Event Design by Gather Events
The Ceremony
Lots of squealing will ensue when your flower girl or ring bearer walks your little pride and joy down the aisle.
Photo by Justin Tinapay Photography; Event Design by Rothweiler Event Design
Have your dog carry a specially designed pillow for his or her grand debut (entrust the real rings to the best man).
D&A Photography
This couple attached a GoPro to their canine, capturing one-of-a-kind footage during their wedding ceremony.
Austin Gros Photography
We're swooning over this Southern groom's cowboy-style entrance on his steed.
Photo by Megan Jones Photography; Officiated by Tracy Brisson of Savannah Custom Weddings & Elopements
If you plan on eloping, take a cue from this couple and consider inviting a very important guest: your pooch!
Jordan Voth Photography
Dressing Them Up
Deck out your dog with a gorgeous wreath or collar made of greenery.
Kaysha Weiner Photographer
A harness and leash completely covered with flowers are 100% Instagram-worthy.
Flora + Fauna
If your pup isn't a fan of dressing up, you can attach a small bow tie onto their collar just to take a quick photo or two.
Elly's Photography
For a black-tie wedding, consider going all-out with a doggie tuxedo, like this well-dressed pup.
Rebecca Yale Photography
With a pink tutu and fancy collar, this canine duo stole the show.
Julie Wilhite Photography
Engagement Photos
If it's not feasible to include your pet in the actual wedding festivities because of their temperament or size, then have them accompany you to your engagement shoot instead. Compared to a full-blown wedding, it involves a much smaller window of time and there are fewer people around, making it the perfect low-pressure environment for animals who tend to be anxious or excitable. Plus, you'll still get to take lots of dynamic and memorable shots, like this one.
George Street Photo & Video
Announce the epic engagement news from your pet's POV with a save-the-date photo.
Krystal Zaskey Photography
A bride-to-be even got creative by enlisting the help of her horse.
Courtesy of Pickett's Press
Stationery
Ask your stationer to create a custom illustration of your pet for your save-the-date, like this charming design by Pickett's Press.
Photo by Kristi Odom Photography; Event Design by Bellwether Events
A couple who owns chickens paid homage to their feathery friends in their wedding invitation.
Brandon Kidd Photography
Reception Details
"Best in show" ribbons guided guests to their seats in this equestrian-themed wedding.
Caroline Tran Photographer
How clever is this fetching escort card display?
Caroline Tran Photographer
At the same wedding, each partygoer's place setting included a "funny bone" with a joke on the back, serving as a fun icebreaker.
Zac Wolf Photography
Add some personality to your table numbers with a close-up of your adorable pup or cat's mug.
Britta Marie Photography
Or use an illustrated motif throughout all of your wedding stationery for a whimsical feel.
Let's Frolic Together
In this quirky wedding, the couple's adorable felines served as the inspiration behind their "cat party" theme.
Caroline Tran Photographer
Memorable Photo Ops
Personalize your wedding lounge furniture by including a pillow with your favorite breed.
Photo by Gina Paulson Photography; Event Design by Gather Events
A bulldog joined the new Mr. and Mrs. for their first dance as husband and wife.
Tyler Branch Photo
Gather all of your animal companions for a breathtaking bridal shoot.
Photo by Lindsay Collette; Event Design by Antonia Christianson Events
Sneak away from the reception to take a few shots with your furry pal.
Photo by Sonya Khegay; Planning by Planning by Ajur Wedding; Décor by Latte Decor
Who says just cats and dogs get to join the wedding festivities? This hippity-hoppity pair is too precious.
Caroline Tran Photographer
Just when we thought we'd seen it all, this tuxedoed pig oinked its way into our hearts!
Sarah Goss Photography
If you're a fan of exotic animals, then an offbeat wedding venue such as a zoo or animal ranch will provide lots of fun photo ops for your nuptials. Here, the bride poses with a Kudu (a species of antelope) named Farah.
Eric & Jamie Photography
Fun Extras
No formal group shot would be complete without the cutest member of the family: your pet.
Photo by Kristyn Hogan; Event Design by Fête Nashville
Hire a pet sitter to care for your pet on the big day—you'll also want to have plenty of food and toys available to keep them comfortable and happy.
Krystal Zaskey Photography
At this wedding, the couple gifted horseshoes to their guests (in many cultures, placing a horseshoe over the door is believed to bring good luck).
Photo by Mary Kate McKenna Photography; Event Design by Bellwether Events
Instead of a traditional wedding favor, pay it forward with a donation to an animal rescue program or the ASPCA.
The Danger Booth
A large cutout of your cat's face is a must-have in your photo booth props arsenal. That way, they can photobomb all of your guests' pics!
Jenny DeMarco
Cake Toppers
A stunning floral wedding cake came with a hidden surprise—a replica of the couple's dog peeking out from beneath the bottom layer.
Chudleigh Weddings
A cake topper with your pet's seal of approval is a crowd-pleaser.
Julie Wilhite Photography
A couple displayed cute miniature wooden figurines of their pet family on their buttercream-frosted cake.
Courtesy of Concarta
Concarta's gorgeously intricate and hyper-realistic cake toppers serve as precious mementos that you will cherish long after the big day is over.
Krystal Zaskey Photography
Wedding Exit
Ride off into the sunset with your furry friend in tow (or in basket!).
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