A Retro-Sassy Guide to Including Your Pets in the Big Day
Well, hot diggity dog—love is in the air, and so’s a little fur! If you’re one of those darling couples who shares your heart (and your couch) with a four-legged soulmate, then listen up, kitten. Because these days, weddings aren’t just about two people tying the knot—they’re about families coming together. And for many of us? That family includes wagging tails, whiskers, and wiggly noses.
So whether your furry friend is a pampered poodle, a bashful bunny, or a cat with more attitude than your Aunt Ethel after a sherry, this guide will show you how to include your pet in your wedding with style, smarts, and a whole lotta heart.
🍒 Here at Cherry Pop Events, we’ve planned more pet-friendly weddings than you can shake a squeaky toy at—and we’re here to help your big day be paws-itively perfect.
🎀 Why Bring Your Pet to the Party?
Having your pet take part in your nuptials can be charming, unique, and full of personal flair—but it’s not without its quirks. Let’s take a peek at both sides of the kibble bowl.
💖 Pros:
- They’re family: Let’s be real—they were your first “baby.”
- Photos = adorable: Furry ring bearers make for heart-melting snapshots.
- Guests love it: Nothing warms hearts faster than a well-dressed pup.
- Meaningful memories: Including your pet adds a deeper personal touch.
🙀 Cons:
- Distractions: If Fluffy howls during your vows, it’s not ideal.
- Unpredictable behavior: Some pets just aren’t crowd lovers.
- Venue limitations: Not all venues are pet-friendly.
- Allergies: Uncle Lou might sneeze through the ceremony.
🍒 Not sure if your venue can handle paws on the premises? Let Cherry Pop Events do the legwork and fetch you the facts, fast.
📋 What to Remember When Including Your Pet
Now hold your horses (or, well, your golden retriever)—this isn’t just a bring-your-pet-to-work day. There’s some planning involved, darlin’.
💡 Must-Do Checklist:
- ✅ Check the venue – Is it pet-friendly? Are there any breed or size restrictions?
- ✅ Designate a pet wrangler – Your bestie? A pro handler? Someone NOT in your wedding party.
- ✅ Bring the essentials – Leash, water bowl, treats, and poop bags (yes, really).
- ✅ Have an exit plan – Once the photos are snapped and kisses are shared, someone should take your pet home or to a sitter.
- ✅ Consider temperament – If your tabby turns into a terror around strangers, skip the aisle walk.
- ✅ Grooming day – Your pet should be as fresh as your fiancé.
- ✅ Coordinate outfits – A bowtie, flower crown, or bandana can work wonders.
- ✅ Practice makes paw-fect – Do a rehearsal walk with your pet so they’re not overwhelmed.
- ✅ Prep guests – Let them know there’ll be a furred VIP in attendance.
- ✅ Emergency plan – Just in case of barking, bolting, or… well, bathroom surprises.
🍒 Worried about managing all that on top of your timeline? That’s what Cherry Pop Events is here for, sugar—we’ll make sure every tail is waggin’ and no flower girl gets tackled.
🐾 10 Sassy & Sweet Ways to Include Your Pet
Ready to add a little bark to your bouquet? Here are some darling ideas for incorporating your fur baby into the wedding—whether they’re on-site or celebrating from afar:
1. Ring Bearer or Flower Pup
Let them trot down the aisle with a custom pillow, satin leash, or floral collar. Instant “awww” factor.
2. Pre-Wedding Photo Shoot Cameo
Have them join you for engagement photos or getting-ready snaps.
3. Signature Cocktail Names
Serve up “The Barkarita” or “Meowjito” in honor of your furry friend.
4. Cake Topper
Have a mini version of your pet sitting between your figurines. Yes, even the one-eyed rescue cat.
5. Stationery Star
Print their little mug on your invites, thank-you cards, or signage.
6. Guest Greeter
If your pet is a social butterfly, let them mingle before the ceremony—on a leash and under supervision, of course!
7. Pet-Inspired Décor
Custom cocktail napkins, table numbers, or a portrait near the guest book? Chic and sweet.
8. Donation Favors
In lieu of traditional favors, make a donation to an animal rescue in your pet’s name.
9. Outfit Matching
Bow tie and bouquet to match? Or a custom tuxedo harness? Darling, you’ll both be dashing.
10. Virtual Appearance
If they can’t attend, feature a sweet slideshow or video message (with lots of snuggles).
🍒 Need help sourcing a tux for a teacup Yorkie or a custom cake topper of your Frenchie? Cherry Pop Events has vendors for that—and we’ve seen it all, sugar.
💋 Final Word from the Pet-Obsessed Planner
At the end of the day, dollface, your wedding should reflect your love story—and if your love story includes a wagging tail or a purring cuddlebug, don’t be afraid to let them take center stage (or at least a supporting role).
Just remember: a little planning goes a long way, and you can have your paws and your peonies too.
🍒 Cherry Pop Events is your one-stop planning shop for weddings with personality—and that includes the fuzzy, four-legged kind. Let us help you fetch the perfect balance between fabulous and functional.
Now go on, sugar. Say “I do” with your whole heart—and maybe a few paw prints, too. 🐾💍💄
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