How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding Day: The Ultimate Guide to a Paw-fect Celebration

How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding Day 🐾💍

(Because your special day wouldn’t be complete without them!)

For many of us, our dogs aren’t just pets — they’re family. So when it comes to one of the biggest days of your life, it’s only natural to want your best furry friend there to share the moment. Whether you’d love them trotting down the aisle, posing for photos, or simply being part of the celebration, including your dog in your wedding can make your day even more personal and memorable.

Here’s everything you need to know about making it happen — smoothly, safely, and stress-free.

1. Plan Ahead: Is Your Dog Wedding-Ready?

Before you start dreaming of that perfect photo with your dog wearing a bow tie, think practically about their temperament and training. Is your dog confident around crowds, loud noises, and unfamiliar environments? Weddings can be busy, exciting, and sometimes overwhelming, so it’s important your dog feels calm and happy throughout.

If they’re still working on impulse control or social skills, a few tailored training sessions or a short residential stay can make all the difference. At Surrey & Sussex Dog Trainer, we often help dogs prepare for “big day manners” — from calm greetings to picture-perfect sits!

2. Use a Wedding Day Dog Chaperone Service

One of the best ways to include your dog without adding stress to your schedule is to hire a professional dog chaperone.

Our Wedding Day Dog Chaperone service is designed to take care of everything:

• Transporting your dog safely to and from your venue in our fully equipped vehicle

• Supervising and caring for your dog throughout the day — giving them walks, water, toilet breaks, and downtime as needed

• Coordinating photo moments with your photographer so your dog is picture-ready

• Whisking them away afterwards to relax, either back home or to our licensed residential boarding home if you’d prefer they enjoy a short holiday while you celebrate yours

You can relax and enjoy your wedding knowing your dog is in the hands of experienced, trusted trainers who treat them like one of our own.

3. Picture Perfect: Making Memories Together

Some couples choose to have their dog walk down the aisle, others prefer them to greet guests or feature in photos. Whatever your vision, plan your dog’s involvement carefully and keep it simple.

A few tips:

• Bring plenty of treats and a favourite toy for attention during photos

• Choose a comfortable outfit or collar accessory (avoid anything restrictive or fussy)

• Make sure your venue is dog-friendly and aware of your plans

• Schedule quiet time for your dog — even the calmest dogs can tire of a long day of excitement

4. After the “I Do’s”

Once the celebrations are over, your dog can either return home with us or stay on for a mini holiday at our fully licensed family home — a perfect solution if you’re heading straight off on your honeymoon. They’ll enjoy the same care, training and comfort we give all our residential guests.

Making Your Day Truly Yours

Having your dog at your wedding adds a uniquely personal touch — it’s a celebration of your family as a whole. With the right planning and the right team to support you, your dog’s involvement will be joyful, stress-free, and unforgettable.

To learn more about our Wedding Day Dog Chaperone and optional residential stay packages, get in touch via www.surreyandsussexdogtrainer.com — we’d love to help make your dream wedding day paw-fect 🐾💍