Fur Babies in Your Wedding

JESSICA WILLIAMS

Sometimes couples decide to add a pet to their little family when they move in and get serious. Sometimes one or both partners already have a furry friend in their lives before the relationship even starts. Either way, ask any pet owner and they’ll tell you these critters are family. And weddings are all about family! There are loads of ways to incorporate your non-human family members into your big day. Depending on the variety of critter, the options may change. Dogs (and cats if they’re a little more obedient) can easily be involved in the processional and the ceremony. Maybe your four legged companion is a ringbearer, or maybe they will escort one of the partners down the aisle. This could work for dogs or cats or, for an outdoor ceremony, even horses! If your animal friend isn’t good with crowds, doesn’t like to follow commands, or isn’t allowed in the venue, it might be better to leave them at home. Having them involved in some “getting ready” photos is a beautiful way to include them in your day and memories. You could even put them in a sweet coordinated outfit if that’s your jam! Commemorating their importance in your lives together can be as subtle as having their likeness emblazoned on a pocket square, or embroidered into a section of veil. If you have a menagerie of important pets, you could name your guest tables after them at the reception and have their silhouette on the place markers. Adorable custom cake toppers are a fun way to showcase your entire family all together. Including your pets in your ceremony and reception can be as big or small as you’d like and can easily be made into a truly unique (and classy) representation. They’re family, after all.