How To Include Your Dog On Your Wedding Day

Not every dog is cut out for the job. Before deciding, think about your dog’s temperament:

• Is your dog calm around crowds?
• Can they handle loud music or cheering?
• Will they be OK during a long ceremony or photo session?

If your pup gets overwhelmed easily, consider including them in photos only, or even in your engagement shoot or save-the-date session.

Before you say “I do” to a pet-friendly wedding, confirm your venue allows animals. Many indoor venues like churches or banquet halls restrict pets. However, outdoor venues, including barns, gardens, and forest preserves, are often more flexible. Just be sure to check any posted rules.

This pup’s ready to celebrate in a blush pink bow tie—but before bringing your dog, be sure your venue allows pets, especially at indoor locations.

You’ll be busy saying vows, posing for photos, and dancing the night away—so you won’t have time to keep your eye on your dog all day. That’s why it’s essential to assign someone to be your pet’s handler during the wedding.

Often, couples choose a teenage niece, nephew, or cousin for this role. It’s a great way to include a younger family member in the festivities. Just make sure they’re up for the responsibility. Provide them with treats, waste bags, a leash, and clear instructions, like when to walk your dog or take them home after the ceremony.

For an even more stress-free experience, consider hiring a professional wedding pet attendant. These experts know how to handle pets in high-energy environments and keep them calm and safe. They’ll transport your pet to and from the venue, care for them during the ceremony, and make sure they’re picture-perfect for photos.

Whether you choose a trusted family member or a pro, having someone solely dedicated to your pet’s needs will help everything go smoothly and keep tails wagging.

If including your pup is a go, then it's time to get him all gussied up for the big day. While most of us won't be taking our pets to the tuxedo shop, a matching accessory or two will get them ready for your big day.

One of the easiest ways to include your dog in your wedding is with a bow tie, and you don’t have to buy one made just for pets. TieMart's band collar bow ties (the same ones you may be purchasing for your groomsmen) fit dogs, too. They adjust like many dog collars and fasten securely with a metal hook-and-eye closure, so your pup can wear them comfortably throughout the day.

For medium to large dogs, try a men’s size bow tie. They’ll stand out well on a bigger pup and look proportionate. For small dogs, a boys’ size bow tie might be a better fit. (But don’t rule out a larger size if you’re going for that oversized, ultra-cute look.) It’s totally a personal preference!

Even if the groom and groomsmen are wearing neckties instead of bow ties, many of our bow ties come in the same colors and patterns as our ties—so your dog can still match the wedding party perfectly.

This small pup is wedding-ready in a boys’ size paisley bow tie. The adjustable band collar on men’s and boys’ bow ties makes them perfect for dogs, too!

Bandanas are another popular wedding day look for pups. Choose a color that matches your wedding palette or have one custom printed with your dog’s role like “Dog of Honor” or “Best Dog.”

Let your dog carry a sign around their neck for an extra touch of charm. Use ribbon and a lightweight chalkboard or cardboard sign with sayings like:

• “Here Comes the Bride”
• “My Humans Are Getting Married”
• “Ring Guard Dog”
• “Always A Bridesmaid, Never A Bride”
• “Have You Seen The Rings?”
• “I’m Just Here For the Cake”

Just remember to keep it lightweight so your pup actually keeps it on!

A floral garland is a sweet touch for a flower pup. Your florist can create a custom piece, or you can DIY with safe artificial flowers. Important: Daffodils, daisies, lilies and a ton more plants are toxic to dogs. Check ASPCA’s list of safe flowers before using real blooms.

Floral garland is a beautiful choice for wedding dogs like this golden retriever—but remember, some flowers are toxic to pets, so always choose dog-safe blooms or go faux.

Whether it’s their temperament, health, travel restrictions, or simply no one to watch them, sometimes your dog can’t be there on your wedding day. But that doesn’t mean they can’t still be part of your celebration.

• Include them in your photos: Schedule a pre-wedding or post-wedding shoot with your pup so they’re still part of your memories, even if not in the ceremony.
• Honor them with decor: Display a framed photo or custom illustration of your dog at the ceremony or reception. Add a sign like “Watching from home with love.”
• Use personalized details: Incorporate your dog’s name or image on your cake topper, signature drink sign, table numbers, or wedding favors.
• Wear a tribute: Grooms can wear cufflinks inspired by their dog, or the bride might carry a small charm on her bouquet with the pup’s photo or paw print.

Your dog might not be in attendance, but with these ideas, they’ll still be part of the day in a heartfelt way.

This touching cocker spaniel illustration with “Watching from home with love” shows how to honor pets who can’t be at your wedding but are still part of your special day.

If your cat is leash-trained and unfazed by new environments, they might be able to join your wedding day photos or make a brief appearance at the ceremony. But if your cat acts like—well, a cat—and wouldn't enjoy the crowd, noise, or schedule, we get it. Take a look at the section on including your dog if they can’t attend for inspiration. Most of those ideas work just as well for honoring your favorite feline.

Small and cuddly, rabbits can make a sweet addition to outdoor ceremonies. Be sure to keep them in the shade and out of reach of curious kids.

Love birds, highland cows, goats in bandanas, we’ve seen it all. As long as your pet can be safely handled and isn’t too stressed, it’s your day; include who you love!

Yes, that’s a Highland cow in the wedding photos! From dogs to bunnies and barn animals, couples are including all kinds of beloved pets on their big day.

We love seeing pets in our bow ties! Tag @tiemart on Instagram with your photos!

TieMart offers budget-friendly wedding ties in hundreds of colors and patterns. Our accessories are perfect for the entire wedding party—including your pet. Request free fabric color swatches to match your wedding colors today!