Three Tips for Including Your Dog on Your Wedding Day

Dogs aren’t just pets—they’re your ride-or-die, your paw-some bestie, your “who’s-a-good-boy/girl” forever. So naturally, they deserve a VIP spot on your wedding day.
Whether they’re strutting their stuff as a ring bearer, making a cameo in your photos, or just stealing snacks from Uncle Frank, having your four-legged friend there is guaranteed to make your day extra special.

Of course, bringing your pup along isn’t as simple as tossing them a bow tie and calling it a day (though we fully support bow ties). It takes a little planning to make sure they’re comfortable, happy, and ready to shine. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with three easy, tail-wagging tips to include your dog in your big day without the stress.

1. Give Your Dog a Job (or Just Let Them Be Adorable)

First things first: decide how your furry bestie will make their grand debut. Are they strutting down the aisle as a ring bearer? Trotting ahead as a flower pup? Or just sitting in the front row, basking in the attention? Choose a role that fits their personality—if they’re the life of the party, they might love being in the spotlight, but if they’re more of a couch potato, keeping it low-key might be the way to go.

Pro Tip: Don’t force a role that stresses them out. If your pup doesn’t love crowds or loud noises, they can still be part of the day in smaller ways—like joining you for pre-ceremony photos or being featured on your stationery or cake topper. Even a cameo is enough to make them feel like the goodest boy or girl.

And whatever you decide, make sure someone (not you!) is on “dog duty.” Assign a trusted friend, family member, or even hire a professional pet handler to keep them happy, hydrated, and out of the cake. We totally get it—sometimes you just want your guests to relax and enjoy the day without extra responsibilities. If you’re looking for a little extra support, consider hiring a wedding pet attendant, like this fantastic Chicago-based company.

2. Keep Your Pup Comfortable (Because a Happy Dog = Happy Couple)

Your wedding day will be a whirlwind of emotions, activities, and maybe even a few wardrobe malfunctions. (Looking at you, groomsmen.) For your dog, it’s a whole new world—new people, new smells, and a lot of excitement. The best way to set them up for success? Prioritize their comfort.

Start with the essentials: Pack a “doggie day bag” with everything they’ll need: a leash, waste bags, their favorite treats, a water bowl, and maybe a squeaky toy for moral support. If they’re rocking some wedding day attire (like a bow tie, flower collar, or tiny tuxedo), make sure it’s comfy and non-restrictive. You want them looking sharp, not plotting their escape.

Know their limits: If your pup isn’t used to big crowds or long events, plan for breaks. Designate a quiet spot where they can chill out if things get overwhelming. And remember: not every dog is a party animal. If they’d rather spend the evening curled up at home, that’s okay too! They’ll still be the goodest guest in spirit.

3. Let Your Photographer Capture the Magic (But Don’t Make Them the Dog Sitter)

Your dog is already adorable, but when it comes to photos, there’s a little bit of an art to getting those frame-worthy shots. A skilled wedding photographer (like yours truly) knows how to capture all the cuteness, from the “proud ring bearer” pose to the spontaneous slobbery kisses during your vows.

Here’s the deal, though: while we’re here to make your pup look like the star they are, we’re not their handler. Having someone dedicated to keeping your dog’s leash, wrangling their attention, and handing out treats is a game-changer. It lets us focus on taking amazing photos while your pup stays happy and in the right spot.

Pro Tips for Picture-Perfect Pups:

• Bring their favorite treats or toy to grab their attention (and reward their good behavior).

• Practice basic commands like “sit” and “stay” ahead of time for those posed moments.

• Relax! Dogs are pros at sensing your energy, so if you’re having fun, they’ll be more likely to cooperate.

Trust your photographer to know how to work with your pup, but keep the dog-wrangling responsibilities off their plate. Together, we’ll make sure your dog is part of the day in all the best ways—and you’ll have the photos to prove it.

If all else fails and you are still nervous about having your pooch in your wedding, bring them to the engagement session instead!

Final Thoughts

Including your dog in your wedding is the ultimate way to celebrate with your whole family—furry members included! With a little planning, the right support, and some thoughtful touches, your pup can be a joyful (and photogenic) part of your big day.

Just remember to consider their comfort, plan their role carefully, and bring in extra help if needed—whether it’s a handler, a pet attendant, or even just a dog-loving friend. And, of course, trust your photographer to capture all the sweet, silly, and unforgettable moments with your four-legged VIP.

Your dog has been by your side through so much already, so why not make them part of one of the happiest days of your life? After all, they’ve earned it—good boy/girl behavior optional.

Want to see more wedding planning tips and work by Ben Ramos Photography?