Animals at Weddings, Wedding with Animals, and Animal Weddings
Should pets be included in wedding ceremonies? Can we give them a role? What are the dangers? Exploring the pros and cons of bringing your much-loved four-legged BFF to your wedding or renting animals to add that cute factor.
Including your pets in your wedding is a growing trend, and it’s easy to see why. Pets are often our first family members, so it’s natural to want them to take part in your special day? From riding a horse down the aisle to having your dog as a flower girl or ring bearer, there are many creative ways to make your furry friends a part of your wedding. And the good news is that a celebrant-led wedding gives you the freedom to do so! Many churches and registrars won’t allow animals whereas they can play key roles in celebrant-led weddings. This flexibility is one of the many reasons we highly recommend celebrant-led ceremonies.
Why bring your pet to the wedding?
- keep your pet close: Your pet can be with you during one of the most important moments of your life. It’s a special way to include your whole family in the celebration. Whether it’s riding down the aisle on your horse, walking down the aisle with your dog, using a dog as a ring bearer of “flower girl” or having your cat in a place of honor, their presence can make the day even more memorable
- spread joy: Pets can bring happiness to everyone. They are often seen as good luck charms, symbolizing family and a happy marriage. Their playful and affectionate nature can lighten the mood and make your guests smile. Imagine the joy your pet will bring, not only to you but also to your friends and family.
Fun ways to include your pet if you can’t have them at your ceremony
- When you propose or to break the news
Many couples now have their dog bring the engagement ring as a surprise element. Consider scheduling an engagement shoot. A funny sign on a beloved pet is a great way to break the exciting news to all your family and friends. You can also use an animal with a sign for your save-the-dates. - At your First Look or in a photo-shoot before the ceremony
Some couples choose to have a First Look prior to the ceremony, allowing for extra photo time. First looks with other loved ones, including pets, have become popular. A pre-wedding shoot is a great way to include pets. You can then use your favorite picture for your signing frame or display them around the venue. - Feature them in your signature cocktail
This is trending for sure. Couples name their signature drinks after their pets. Create a cocktail menu with drinks named after your pets’ personalities or favorite treats. This unique touch will delight your guests and keep your pets’ presence felt throughout the event.
The importance of guide dogs for the visually impaired or disabled at weddings
A guide dog is an essential aide at a big event such as a wedding for anyone who is visually impaired or disabled so that they can move around safely and participate fully in the event. Be it the bride, groom or a guest, the incredible bond between a guide dog and its owner is based on mutual trust and support, and can be a huge emotional comfort on such a stimulating day. Guide dogs for the visually impaired or disabled must therefore be welcomed at a wedding in recognition of the vital role they play in the daily lives of their owners.
What to think about if you want to include your pet in your wedding ceremony
When considering pet wedding ideas, first think about your pet’s personality and whether your venue allows pets on the premises. You could have your dog walk down the aisle with the bridesmaids, or stand with the groomsmen as you say your vows. Some couples even dress their pets up for the occasion: a bowtie that matches those of the groomsmen, or a little dress to make them honorary flower girl.
Check venue policies Make sure your venue is pet-friendly. It’s crucial to confirm with the venue beforehand to avoid any last-minute issues. Some venues might have specific areas where pets are allowed or certain restrictions to follow.
Find a pet sitter and let your pet get accustomed to the venue and any dressing up You need to find someone to take care of your pet throughout the wedding reception. The excitement and crowd can be overwhelming for pets. Ensure your pet is comfortable by having someone familiar take care of them. It’s also a good idea to visit the venue beforehand to help your pet get used to the surroundings. If you’re planning to dress up your pet, try the costume well before the wedding day. This helps your pet become accustomed to the attire and ensures they will be comfortable on the big day.
Inform your guests and consider how they might react to having a pet at the wedding. Some may have allergies or phobias, and you wouldn’t want this to spoil the celebration. It’s thoughtful to inform your guests in advance about your plans to include your pet. This way, those with allergies or fears can prepare accordingly, ensuring everyone enjoys the day.
A word about butterfly and dove releases
Butterflies and doves used for ceremonial releases can suffer harm. Many butterflies don’t survive the release and die in the box, or as so lethargic when they come out, the symbolic effect is lost. Then same is true for doves, who may face immediate danger, such as when the Pope recently released a dove and it was instantly attacked by a seagull. Doves are also often bred to make them white for such ceremonial occasions, which is not ethical. It’s better to avoid these practices. Instead, consider alternative ways to create a magical moment, such as releasing biodegradable confetti or balloons.
Avoid rented animals
We’ve all seen the pictures of the hipster wedding couple standing side by side with a pair of llamas. It may look cute, but the trend raises ethical questions about the treatment and purpose of these animals. It’s crucial to consider animal welfare rather than image before renting them for your wedding.
If you’re holding a themed wedding such as Harry Potter or Game of Thrones, you may be thinking of renting an owl or a raven. But again, stop and think about that animal’s welfare before making that call, and check that the handlers have their subjects’ best interests at heart.
It is a sad fact that rented animals may be mistreated, drugged, or starved, to ensure they “behave” during events. Unfortunately, the growing wedding industry has led to an increasingly unethical trade in animals used for entertainment, which often lacks regulations to protect the animals being exploited.
To sum up, some key recommendations for including your pets in your ceremony
- references: Obtain references from other couples who have included pets in their weddings to learn what worked well and what didn’t
- testimonials: Look for venues and vendors with positive reviews about handling pets at weddings
- socialization: Make sure your pet is well-socialized with other animals
- insurance: Secure the necessary insurance to cover any potential issues that might arise from having your pet at the venue
- risk assessment: Perform a comprehensive risk assessment to identify any potential problems and address them beforehand
- vaccinations and treatments: Confirm that your pet’s vaccinations and parasite treatments are current
- guidelines for guests: Provide guidelines for guests on how to interact with your pet to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort
- photography tips: Coordinate with your photographer to plan specific shots that include your pet
- parking requirements: Ensure there is adequate parking for any trailers or vehicles needed to transport your pet
- experience of the handlers: Choose handlers experienced in managing animals at events
- experience of the animals: Ensure the animals are accustomed to crowds and comfortable in busy environments
- weather plans: Develop a contingency plan for different weather conditions
- house-training: Confirm that your pet is house-trained if they will be indoors for parts of the event
- familiarity with children: Make sure your pet is comfortable around children if there will be kids at the wedding
- venue information: Provide detailed information about your pet to the venue, including their behavior, any special needs, and plans for their care during the event
- special requests: Verify that any special requests for your pet can be accommodated
- breaks for animals: Schedule breaks for your pet to rest and recharge during the event
And Now to the Absurd
A recent article in the Italian press featured a full-blown wedding ceremony between two pet chihuahuas, including a wedding cake, prosecco for dogs and a buffet-style reception for all the pet guests. This may be a fun way to celebrate your love for domestic animals but let’s bear in mind that an essential requisite of marriage — the main reason why children cannot marry—is being able to give your informed consent, which animals clearly cannot do.
Remember the “Bark Mitzvah” episode in Modern Family? Complete with “pupparazzi” taking pictures? In this scene, Jay says to his wife, who is complaining about the party, “It’s just fun” and Gloria, ever the voice of reason, says “I tried to play along, but this is crazy. I’m ok with the dogs. I’m just not a dog person person.” As with everything, moderation and consideration is the golden rule. Never over-do the pet involvement in your ceremony, keep it tasteful and understated, and always consider your guests.
Ceremonies for the important milestones in our life are significant moments. Your celebrant will help you create a special role for your much-loved pets, involving them in a considerate and correct fashion. They will also guide you in avoiding the pitfalls of exploiting rented animals. In general, every moment of a personalized, celebrant-led ceremony —including the involvement of a pet— should be significant and unique to the couple. Let’s not trivialize things just for the sake of a cute picture!
Ceremonies for the important milestones in our life are significant moments. Your celebrant will help you create a special role for your much-loved pets, involving them in a considerate and correct fashion