Tips for Including Your Pup in Your Wedding
When couples decide to celebrate their wedding at The Mackey House, we look forward to seeing how they share their personalities by weaving their personal style throughout their details.
As thrilled as we are to welcome couples and their guests, we have to admit we’re sometimes even more excited to welcome the guests who waltz in on four legs.
Today, we’re sharing what to keep in mind if you want to incorporate your dog into your wedding day and a few ways to honor them throughout your details.
Photo by Natalie Watson Photography via Southern Weddings
Know Your Pup:
Make sure you know your pup before you assign him or her an official duty on your wedding day! Dogs who tend to be shy or fearful of people might not love being surrounded by so many new faces on your wedding day. If your pup adores you but is unsure about others, it might be best for your four-legged pal to sit this one out. On the flip side, if your dog loves people and extra belly rubs, we can’t wait to meet them!
Photo by Caroline Logan Photography via Ruffled Blog
Make Sure Your Venue Welcomes Pets
Before you get too far into the planning process with your pup, check with your venue to make sure they welcome pets. Many are happy to accommodate a furry visitor for the ceremony, but they may ask for your dog to depart after the vows. We’re happy to report we’re pet-friendly at The Mackey House! We love having dogs onsite.
Photo by Ben Yew Photography via Style Me Pretty
Consider a Pet Sitter
Because you and your partner will likely spend your mornings getting ready and your ceremony and reception mingling with your guests, it may be wise to consider hiring a pet sitter.
Pet sitters care for your dog while you’re getting ready, make sure they’ve had a walk before your ceremony and photos, and then take them home or to another location nearby if you’re visiting from out of town where your dog can freely roam and relax.
Photo Brooke Allison Photography via Style Me Pretty
Make Your Pup the “Dog of Honor”
If you’re curious how to best involve your dog in your wedding day, look no further than the ceremony. Our couples frequently name their dog ring bearer or flower girl, and we always love when florists decorate collars or leashes with blooms. Plus, dogs who adore kids can make great buddies for little (human) flower girls and ring bearers who might feel nervous about walking down the aisle alone. Make sure your dog stays onsite after for photos with you, your love, and your wedding party!
Photo by Michael Radford Photography via Style Me Pretty
Incorporate Your Pup in Your Details
Even though your dog might depart from The Mackey House after your ceremony and photos, that doesn’t mean they can’t stay for the celebration in spirit! Think about including your dog in your stationery details, like your wedding invitation, ceremony program, and wedding signs. You can also name a signature drink after your pup and make a donation in your dog’s honor to a pet charity instead of presenting guests with favors!
Photo by Caroline Logan Photography via Martha Stewart Weddings
How will you weave your dog into your wedding day? We’d love to host you, your guests, and your furry friends. Inquire about pricing and availability.
