Including your dog in your wedding is one of the most heartwarming trends in modern celebrations. From ring bearer duties to reception entertainment, here's your complete guide to wedding day dog accessories and toys.
Why Include Your Dog in Your Wedding?
Your dog has been with you through ups and downs — they deserve to be there for the biggest up of all. Including dogs in weddings has become increasingly popular because they're family, they make amazing photos, and they add a relaxed, joyful energy to the celebration.
Wedding Day Toy Picks
Love Bone
The Love Bone is the ultimate wedding day dog toy. Its love-themed design perfectly matches the romantic occasion and keeps your pup occupied during the ceremony.
Champagne Bottle Plush Toy
The Champagne Bottle Plush Toy is festive and photo-ready. Imagine your dog carrying a champagne bottle in wedding photos — pure gold.
Chewnel Bag
For the fashion-forward wedding, the Chewnel Bag adds glamour and humor. Your dog carrying a designer (parody) bag down the aisle is unforgettable.
Barkin Bag
The Barkin Bag pairs beautifully with wedding attire and adds a stylish touch.
Roles for Dogs in Weddings
- Ring bearer: Attach a small pillow to their collar.
- Flower dog: A flower crown and petal basket.
- Best dog: Stand beside the bride or groom.
- Guest of honor: Skip ceremony stress, attend the reception.
- Photo session star: Only in pre-ceremony portraits.
Planning Tips for Dogs at Weddings
- Assign a handler: Someone dedicated to managing your dog.
- Visit the venue beforehand: Let your dog explore in advance.
- Have an exit plan: Arrange for the handler to take your dog home if overwhelmed.
- Practice the walk: If walking the aisle, practice multiple times.
- Bring comfort items: A familiar toy like the Love Bone provides security.
Reception Entertainment for Your Pup
- A designated "dog lounge" with bed, water, and toys
- Interactive toys like the Waffle Interactive Toy during speeches
- A special "wedding dinner" of their favorite food
- A dog-friendly "cake" for a cute moment
Wedding Day Safety Checklist
- Keep dog away from chocolate, alcohol, and rich foods
- Ensure the venue is secure — no open gates
- Bring water and a portable bowl
- Watch for signs of stress: panting, hiding, excessive yawning
- Have your vet's emergency number on hand
Wedding Photo Ideas with Your Dog
- First look with your dog before the human first look
- Dog carrying a "My humans are getting married" sign
- Couple kissing with dog looking up between them
- Dog lying with wedding shoes and bouquet
- Candid shot of dog playing with their PAWTY wedding toy
- Ring shot with the Love Bone toy
Choosing the Right Handler
Your dog's handler is one of the most important roles at your wedding. Choose someone who:
- Your dog already knows and trusts
- Has experience with dogs and can read body language
- Is comfortable leaving the celebration early if your dog needs to go home
- Won't drink too much (they have an important job!)
- Has your vet's number and knows your dog's needs
Brief your handler on your dog's personality, triggers, comfort items, and exit plan. Provide them with a bag containing treats, water, a bowl, waste bags, and your dog's PAWTY toys for comfort and distraction.
The Rehearsal: Don't Skip It
If your dog will walk down the aisle, a rehearsal is essential. Visit the venue with your dog, practice the walk, and reward them with treats and toys at the end. Do this at least twice before the big day. Dogs who are familiar with the space and routine perform much better than those experiencing everything for the first time. Bring the Love Bone or Champagne Bottle toy as their reward at the altar — it creates an adorable moment and gives them something to focus on during the ceremony.
Post-Wedding: Don't Forget Your Pup
After the honeymoon excitement dies down, your dog deserves some quality time. They may have experienced some disruption to their routine during wedding planning and the event itself. A new PAWTY toy and a dedicated play session says "we're back, and you're still our number one." It's a beautiful way to start married life — with your whole family, including the four-legged member.
Budget Planning for a Dog-Inclusive Wedding
Including your dog in your wedding doesn't have to blow your budget. Here's a rough cost breakdown:
- Dog handler fee: $100-$300 (or free if a trusted friend volunteers)
- Dog attire: $20-$50 for a bowtie, collar flower, or bandana
- PAWTY wedding toys: $13-$25 for a Love Bone or Champagne Bottle
- Dog-friendly treats: $15-$30 for special occasion treats
- Professional photos with dog: Usually included in photographer's package
Total investment: $150-$400 for an unforgettable addition to your wedding. Considering the average wedding costs tens of thousands, including your dog is one of the most affordable ways to add genuine joy to your celebration.
Final Thoughts
Your dog is family, and including them in your wedding creates unforgettable moments. With the right planning, a dedicated handler, and wedding-appropriate toys from PAWTY, your pup can be part of your big day without any stress. Here's to love, laughter, and a very good dog.
