Founder of DogCo, Caroline Bate, suggests her top tips for making sure your four-legged BFF can play a part in your big day

Your wedding day can be one of the most incredibly nerve-wracking experience and having your pet by your side might make all the difference as you deal with missing flower girls, late caterers and inevitable weather situations. But it is important that you make sure they are comfortable being a part of it. 

First consider their personality. Do they get anxious in crowds, nervously wee-ing in excitement? However much you may want them with you, it isn’t worth making them feel uncomfortable or scared. Instead, maybe consider having them there for your ‘getting-ready’ or include in a photo shoot before your big day. There’s plenty of ways to include them, without stressing them out. 

If you think they will be happy sharing your day, then a good rule of thumb is to limit the time to two hours and have a nominated chaperone who they adore (and who is not part of the ceremony and who can take them on a lovely long walk before), so they can join in the fun without getting stressed and you can too. Note: Male dogs do tend to want to mark their territory, so distract them from the lovely looking pews and Auntie Ethel’s coat, with a discreetly hidden but all-encompassing treat as you walk down the aisle! Speaking of impending toileting disasters, it’s a good idea to equip said chaperone with an emergency carry pack for quick clean-ups.

Of course, this assumes that your venue is pet-friendly. It is worth checking just how pet-friendly they are and making all your suppliers aware so that they can plan ahead and make it as safe and friendly as possible. There’s no point having a photographer who is allergic!

Most importantly, if you want your four-legged BFF in your photos make sure your wedding photographer and/or videographer knows in advance so they can think of some creative ideas of how to get them involved. It is also worth getting your pet used to the camera beforehand give them a treat so they associate it with something positive and practice poses if you can.

But be treat conscious. Typically, a time for you to overindulge give guests a heads up that treating your pet with human food isn’t a good idea.

Having your pet at your wedding isn’t for everyone. Even if they will be fine, perhaps you don’t want the added stress of making sure that they will be ok on one of the biggest days of your life. Don’t feel bad. Find them something special to do, or book them in with a sitter who will spoil them rotten with long walks and even longer strokes. Maybe they could join you on your honeymoon instead? 

DogCo offers beautiful yet practical dog beds to suit everyday life and is proud to be accredited by Made in Britain.

www.dogco.uk

Ideas to Include your Pet on your Wedding Day

• Walk down the aisle with them

• Dress them up

• Get them involved in the photos

• Include them as a ring bearer

• Incorporate their image in your favours or attire

• Giving back with a donation to an animal rescue charity

Hungry for more?

Read up on the latest news, delicious eats, travel treats and seasonal style trends in FEATURES, or browse a curated selection of our FEATURED PRODUCTS, meander through our guide to the finest things to do in Cheshire and beyond in WHATS ON or partake in our COMPETITIONS.

About The CHESHIRE Magazine

We are the definitive guide to luxury lifestyle in the North West. Latest news, delicious eats, travel treats and seasonal style trends. The Cheshire Magazine is the largest luxury lifestyle title for the North West of England, dropping directly through the letterboxes of VIP subscribers from the Wirral to Greater Manchester plus all the villages and towns in between and digitally available as a subscription in print and digital on issuu.com worldwide. We specialise in connecting luxury brands to likeminded consumers.

If you are interested on how you can partner with The CHESHIRE Magazine, read more about us. Or get in touch to find out more about marketing, featuring or partnering with the Cheshire Magazine in print or online.