Can Dogs Attend Weddings?
We’re often asked if dogs can attend weddings.
Couples wishing to have pets present when they say I do is becoming increasingly popular and pet friendly wedding venues have become increasingly sought after.
It’s no surprise, as many pets maintain central roles for many families.
A study by Rover.com of 1,000 engaged or recently married dog owners in the UK, shows 37% plan to have their four-legged friend at their wedding ceremony.
Meanwhile, 64% of respondents intend to include their dogs in the official family photographs and 32% want their pets to feature in candid shots throughout the day.
Are dogs (and pets) allowed at weddings?
If you’re keen to have dogs (or other pets) at your wedding, it’s a good idea to ask potential wedding venues early on whether pets are allowed on site. Be sure to also check what pet policies or restrictions are in place.
Rover.com found a dog-friendly wedding venue was a priority for a third (33%) of respondents. However, for many couples, the decision was out of their hands due to their venue not allowing pets (29%)
The Old Kent Barn’s Top Five Ways To Include Your Pet In Your Wedding
Whether you own a dog, cat, horse or rabbit, there are many ways to include your pet, and a special role in your big day.
Greeting Guests
It’s an exciting time arriving at the venue in preparation for the ceremony. Your family and friends will be delighted to be greeted by your furriest family member.
Ceremony Roles
Your pet may have a starring role! Walking the aisle in your wedding party or companion role as pet of honour or best pet.
Ring Bearers
You may choose your pet to be your ring bearer
TOKB Top Tip!
Apply the rings just before your pet performs their duty.
Consider a closed pouch or a tight knot in instead of a bow (have a pair of scissors on hand to discreetly to cut knotted ribbon)
Give Confetti to Guests
You pet may enjoy helping give confetti to guests attending the wedding in preparation for your confetti moment!
Family Pictures
There are many opportunities to include your pet in your photos. Family pictures, group photos and individual portraits. Happy memories of the happiest day.
Our pet won’t be there on the day, how can we include them in the day?
Consider a personalised cocktail named after your pet or perhaps add them as a cake topper on your wedding cake, memorable additions. Personalising your day with your pet will be a special way to include them.
Who will look after our pet if we’re not there?
Enlist a friendly face who may not be part-taking in the wedding to be available to support your pet on the day. They’ll ensure they are comfortable, tend to their needs and take them back to a familiar location before your return after the wedding.
If you don’t have someone to pet sit, consider enlisting a specialised local wedding day pet service.
Our recommended wedding partner for Wedding Day Pet Services Sarah says
“There are many ways to include your furry best friend in your day. You may like your dog to be there to meet and greet your guests as they arrive or to surprise them with a staring role. The most popular are as a Ring Bearer or flower girl, walk down the aisle with the bridal party as “Best Dog” or “Dog of Honour”. You could even surprise for your fiancé! Whatever you’d like, we can help you plan and coordinate every detail.
With 5 years+ experience of chaperoning at countless weddings, we can offer you complete peace of mind that your dog will be cared for as if they are our own. We are trustworthy, friendly professionals and experienced dog handlers of all breeds and sizes. Your dog and its care will be our ONLY focus on the day, ensuring they comfortable and have the best time.”
However, you choose to incorporate your pet in your wedding day, it will be special and memorable to you all.
A key to a successful day with incorporating your pet will be based on their personality and your plans for the big day.
Searching for a pet friendly wedding venue in Kent? The Old Kent Barn is a pet friendly wedding venue
View The Old Kent Barn Pet Guide Here and discover how we can incorporate your special guest, in your wedding day.
To enquire about pet friendly weddings click here.
With special thanks to Olegs & Rita Photography
© 2023 The Old Kent Barn Ltd. All rights reserved.
