How to Include Pets in Your Wedding
We love pets!! We understand they are your fur baby (or scale baby, or feather baby, etc.), so we understand wanting them involved in your wedding. We LOVE THAT! As Chicago based wedding planners, we have seen and planned some unique ways of incorporating pets into your special day, so here are a few ways you TOO can incorporate your pets into your wedding:
Have them as a ring/flower bearer
Some venues are animal friendly, so if you want you can physically have your pet AT your wedding! An easy way to incorporate them and have it feel extra special is giving them the role of a ring bearer or flower “child”. How adorable it would be to see your pet strut down the processional! If you do have them in the ceremony, we recommend having a pet sitter for the reception so you can celebrate on the dance floor instead of taking them ‘potties’, or you have someone transport them home after the ceremony. There are even companies such as Doggy Social that offer wedding dog daycare services if your usual pet sitter is attending the wedding!
Themed cocktails
If you don’t want to worry about the logistics of having your pet on site then there are tons of fun ways to have them be present without actually being present. If you are having themed beverages, you can name one or some of them after the names of your pets! It’s a very cute and simple way of having them be a part of your wedding, as guests will constantly say their names when ordering beverages. Not to mention it’s a great opportunity to hire a designer/artist for cute pet portraits on the bar menu!
Get ready with them
If you want your pet to be part of the big day but maybe not at the ceremony, you can get ready at home. This is a very relaxed option for your pet as they remain in their familiar territory (probably the best option if you own a cat or introverted pet). This option allows for more natural pet photos, and more personalized poses with your pet as they will be more comfortable.
On your cake/desserts
A very cute way of involving your pets is through dessert decor. If you are doing a more traditional wedding cake, you can have your pets in a custom made cake topper. If you’re feeling a bit more creative, you can maybe have them physically part of your cake, either as edible pictures or stencils, or fondant animals—we’ve seen sweet versions of pets “eating” the cake; very cute! If you are doing an array of desserts, you can many have a photo of your pets on a cupcake, or pet shaped cake pops, or title some of the pastries with pet puns.
On your wedding stationary
If you are an artist or know a designer, you can have your pets be incorporated into your wedding stationary! You can have them on your save the dates, invites, menus, or any other day of signage you might have! It’s a cute and subtle way to have them be present. Also works as a keepsake for yourself!
Fans/Wedding Program
If your wedding is occurring on a smoldering hot summer day, then why not treat your guests to a fan with your pet’s face on it. It’s a comical, funky, and it has a functional purpose. We’ve also seen it be used practically as the wedding program.
0n your nails
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, we have seen clients with their pets on their nails! This will probably require some professional help, but it’s such a cute idea!
As part of your jewelry/personals
You can keep your pets close to you through jewelry and personals! Not only can you ask your photographer to snag a few photos of your personals as you get ready, but they will be with you for the entire day on your chest, wrists, or legs, etc. We have seen pets on custom cufflinks, jewelry, socks, and even on bouquet.
You truly can be as creative or practical as you desire when involving your pets. If you want guests to have cat masks-puurrrrfect! If you want a custom suit with your pet's face in the inner-lining--how fun! Don’t be afraid to share your ideas with your planner and design team, as they might have more ideas to make everything work!
Photo: Andrea Godfrey
DO YOU HAVE A BOLD VISION FOR YOUR WEDDING?
Fierce Productions is a Chicago based event planning company specializing in curating unique, bold, non-traditional weddings and events. Our talented team of professionals can handle all of your event needs including planning and coordination, design and styling, vendor and talent management, fundraising, marketing support and beyond - get in touch to learn more!