10 Ways to Include Your Dog in the Wedding

Discover unique ways to have your pup be involved – even if they're not allowed!

For many brides and grooms, their beloved pup(s) has been by their side through many relationship milestones. Why wouldn't they want to include their best furry friend in the nuptials?

dog-at-wedding-pet-wearing-cuffs-and-collar-with-i-loved-her-first-sign-around-neck-wedding-day
Photo: Jennefer Wilson Photography

Happy National Pet Day! For many brides and grooms, their beloved pup(s) has been by their side through many relationship milestones. Why wouldn't they want to include their best furry friend in the nuptials? Oftentimes, logistical issues can keep this from happening: a destination wedding where flying could become an issue, a venue that doesn't allow animals, or the fact that it may be difficult to plan what the pup will be doing throughout the hours after the ceremony.

Regardless of circumstance, there are a number of other ways to include your beloved dog in the wedding – without naming him or her a ring bearer or flower girl. While the option of actually having your dog attend the celebration can be one of the cutest ways to incorporate Fido, it isn't the only way to highlight man's best friend throughout the celebration.

Discover 10 ways to include your dog in the nuptials, below! For more inspiration from each of these real weddings, click on each photo! 

1. Invitation
If your pup can't attend the actual celebration itself, include an illustration in your invitation suite – or on postage stamps.

Dog on stamp of wedding invitation

Photo by Images by Berit

2. Ring Bearer
For those couples lucky enough to choose a venue that allows dogs at the ceremony, dress your furry friend up in a tuxedo and/or cuffs to serve as a handsome ring bearer.

Dog dressed up in tuxedo with ring bearer

Photo by Jennefer Wilson Photography; Floral Design by Bella Flora of Dallas

3. Cuff Links
While wearing a tie with a dog motif may be a bit excessive, sporting dog-shaped cuff links is a sophisticated way to wear your pup's heart on your sleeve.

Dog design on cuff links cufflinks

Photo by Images by Berit

4. Ceremony Chair
Just as some pairs reserve a chair for loved ones who cannot attend their wedding, the same goes for pets!

Photo of dog in frame on white ceremony chair at outdoor wedding

Photo by Simone Photography; Planning & Design by International Event Company; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers

5. Wedding Bar
Go all out at cocktail hour and add a photo of your beloved pet to the design of the bar! 

Photo of dog on wedding bar at cocktail hour

Photo by Jennifer Martin Photography; Linens by Nüage Designs

6. Cocktail Hour Drinks
Take a cue from this couple who found a hard soda with their dog's name and served it at cocktail hour with a calligraphy sign explaining their pup's involvement.

Dog calligraphy sign with hard soda inspired by dog's name

Photo by Sarah Bradshaw Photography

7. Escort Cards
Just as with your invitations, a drawing or illustration of your precious pup can be placed on escort cards, so they can lead the way for your guests – without actually being in attendance.

Dog drawings on escort cards at wedding

Photo by Karlisch Photography

8. Table Numbers 
Whether each table has a photo of your dog or just the head table, personalizing the names of your reception tables with your pup's name or including an image on the table marker can be lovely ways to include man's best friend.

Black and white photo of couple bride and groom with dog at head table

Photo by Clane Gessel Photography

9. Wedding Cake
While some duos elect to have a second wedding cake made to look like their dog, others incorporate their pup in other ways, such as the cake topper or a playful design that appears to "eat" the bottom tier.

Cake topper with bride groom and dogs

Photo by KingenSmith

10. Wedding Favors
There are a multitude of ways to include your canine in your wedding favors. From using his or her photo on tags to providing cookies in the shape of a dog, the options are endless!

Golden retriever shaped dog favors at wedding cookies

Photo by Jasmine Star Photography

For more inspiration, view 20 adorable puppies and dogs in weddings, discover easy ways to incorporate your pup in the big day, and read about how this U.S. Army veteran included his service dog in the ceremony.