40 Ways to Include Pets in Your Wedding

Your furry, feathered, or scaled family member deserves a spot at your big day! Gone are the days when pets were left at home during weddings. Today's couples are finding creative, heartwarming ways to include pets in weddings. From ring-bearing pups to photobombing cats, here are 40 paw-some ideas that'll make your wedding unforgettable.

Find Your Perfect Wedding Vendors

Photographers

Videographers

Planners

Venues

Makeup Artists Bridal Salons Catering Hair Stylists Photo Booth Content Creator Wedding Officiants Djs Florists Wedding Bands

Your Pup's Big Moment Down the Aisle

Transform your dog into the star of the ceremony by having them carry the rings down the aisle. Create a custom ring pillow that attaches securely to their collar or harness, and watch guests melt as your four-legged friend struts their stuff. 

Pro tip: practice the walk beforehand and have a backup human ready, just in case your pup gets stage fright or decides to chase a squirrel instead.

Petals and Paws Make Perfect Partners

Why should flower girls have all the fun? Outfit your dog with a floral garland or attach a small basket of petals to their harness. They can scatter rose petals as they walk down the aisle, creating a whimsical trail of blooms. Choose pet-safe flowers like roses, sunflowers, or baby's breath to keep your furry friend safe while they work their magic.

Give Your Furry Friend an Official Title

Give your pet an official title in your wedding party! Whether they're the "Best Dog," "Maid of Honor Cat," or "Groomsman Guinea Pig," create a custom bandana or bow tie with their special role embroidered on it. Your pet will look distinguished and feel like the important family member they truly are.

Tiny Hats and Big Personalities

Looking for fun ideas on how to include your pets in your wedding? Set up a pet-friendly photo booth area with props sized for your furry friends. Think tiny top hats, floral crowns, bow ties, and "Just Married" signs they can pose with. Your guests will go crazy taking selfies with your pets, and you'll have hilarious memories to treasure forever.

Cocktails Named After Your Crew

Name your signature wedding cocktails after your pets! "Bella's Bellini" or "Max's Moscow Mule" adds a personal touch that guests will remember. Create cute drink stirrers with paw prints or your pet's silhouette, and include a small sign explaining the story behind each drink name.

Take-Home Treats That Tell a Story

Design wedding favors that celebrate your pets – think custom cookies shaped like your dog's breed, catnip sachets for the cat lovers, or small photo frames featuring your pet's picture with a thank-you message. Your guests will adore these personalized keepsakes that showcase your fur family.

Cake Toppers That Look Like Home

Commission a cake topper that includes miniature versions of your pets alongside the bride and groom figures. Whether it's a tiny replica of your Great Dane or a fondant version of your Persian cat, these custom toppers make your cake uniquely yours and incredibly Instagram-worthy.

Four-Legged Ushers Who Steal Hearts

Have your well-trained dog escort important family members down the aisle. They can walk with grandparents, parents, or even the officiant. This role works especially well for therapy dogs or naturally calm pets who enjoy meeting new people and being the center of attention.

Sacred Moments for Sacred Bonds

One creative take on how to include your pets in your wedding ceremony is by making them part of the moment emotionally, not just visually. Instead of walking them down the aisle, incorporate a meaningful tribute — like a short reading or a shared vow acknowledging their presence in your life. It’s a subtle yet powerful way to honor the bond you share with your four-legged family members.

Boys Club Gets a Furry Upgrade

Dress your male dogs to match your groomsmen with coordinating bow ties, bandanas, or even tiny vests. Take adorable "getting ready" photos of the groomsmen helping the dogs get dressed, and watch as your wedding party bonds over their four-legged companions.

Royal Treatment for Your Feline Queen

For cat owners, create a delicate flower crown sized for your feline friend. Choose lightweight, cat-safe flowers and secure them gently. Even if your cat only tolerates it for a few photos, you'll capture some magical shots that showcase their regal nature on your special day.

When Your Pet Has Hidden Talents

If your pet has special tricks or talents, incorporate them into your reception entertainment. A dog that can "sing" along to your first dance song or a parrot that can say "I love you" will have guests talking about your wedding for years to come.

Finding Your Seat with Furry Faces

Use photos of your pets as escort cards or table numbers. Guests will love finding their seats by looking for pictures of "Fluffy" or "Buddy," and it's a great conversation starter for guests who might not know each other well.

Surprise Waiting in the Bridal Suite

If you're staying somewhere pet-friendly on your wedding night, have your wedding party set up a surprise in your room with your pets. Imagine walking into rose petals, champagne, and your beloved dog waiting with a "Congratulations" banner around their neck.

Keeping Lost Loves Close to Heart

Honor deceased pets with a beautiful memorial display featuring their photos, favorite toys, or paw print keepsakes. Include a sign that reads "Forever in our hearts" or "Wish you were here." It's a touching way to include pets who can't physically be present but remain part of your family.

When Perfect Photos Happen by Accident

If your pet is too anxious or unpredictable for ceremony duties, plan for them to "crash" your couple's photos after the ceremony. Some of the most genuine, joyful wedding photos happen when pets spontaneously join the action, creating candid moments full of love and laughter.

Dancing Queens (and Kings) with Four Paws

For pets comfortable with music and crowds, let them have a moment on the dance floor. Whether it's a quick spin during your first dance or their own special song, watching your pet "dance" will create hilarious memories and get everyone laughing.

Birthday Cake, but Make It Wedding

Commission a small, pet-safe cake made with ingredients your furry friend can enjoy. Present it alongside your main wedding cake, and let your pet have their own cake-cutting moment. Use recipes with dog-safe ingredients like peanut butter, sweet potato, or plain yogurt.

Leading the Parade Like a Boss

Have your pet lead the entire wedding processional, walking ahead of the wedding party like a grand marshal. Dress them up as the occasion's VIP and let them set the pace for the ceremony. Their confident stride will get everyone excited for what's to come.

Signatures That Include Everyone

Set up a station where your pet can leave their paw print in your guest book using pet-safe ink. Include a note explaining that your fur baby wanted to "sign" the book too. It's a unique keepsake that captures their participation in your special day.

Squad Goals with a Furry Twist

If multiple bridesmaids have pets, coordinate their furry friends' outfits with the bridesmaids' dresses. Matching flower crowns, bandanas, or bow ties create adorable photo opportunities and show how pets are truly part of the wedding party family.

Program Pages That Make People Smile

Include a special page in your ceremony program dedicated to your pets. Share their adoption story, funny quirks, or how they brought you and your partner together. Guests will love learning more about your four-legged family members.

Arriving in Style Because They Deserve It

Arrange for your pet to arrive at the venue in style – perhaps in a decorated wagon, a fancy pet carrier, or even a small car designed for dogs. Document their grand entrance and make them feel like the celebrity they are.

Sweet Treats with a Pet Theme

If you're having a candy bar or dessert station, include pet-themed treats alongside the human goodies. Think dog bone-shaped cookies, cat-themed chocolates, or candies in colors that match your pet's fur. It's a sweet way to include them in every detail.

Social Media Fame for Your Furry Star

Create a special wedding hashtag that includes your pet's name, like #BellaAndTheSmithWedding or #MaxsParentsGetMarried. Encourage guests to use it when posting photos of your furry friend, creating a social media album dedicated to your pet's wedding day experience.

Rehearsal Dinner Guest of Honor

Let your pet be the guest of honor at your rehearsal dinner. They can "give a speech" (with your help translating their barks or meows), receive special toasts, and enjoy their own gourmet pet meal while everyone else dines.

Making Classic Moments More Personal

Train your pet to "help" with the cake cutting by sitting beautifully next to you during this traditional moment. Their presence in these classic wedding photos adds a personal touch that makes them uniquely yours.

Save the Dates That Show the Whole Family

Design your wedding invitations to subtly include your pets – perhaps paw print borders, silhouettes of your pet's breed, or a family photo that includes your furry members. It lets guests know from the start that pets are an important part of your celebration.

Wedding Day Spoiling Session

Prepare special wedding day treats for your pet – perhaps a new toy, a gourmet treat, or their favorite meal presented in a fancy bowl. Make sure they feel celebrated and pampered on your big day, just like every other VIP guest.

Professional Pics Just for Them

Hire a pet photographer to capture professional shots of your furry friend during the wedding festivities. While your main photographer focuses on the ceremony and reception, a pet specialist can document your animal's experience and create beautiful keepsakes.

Outdoor Ceremony Quality Control

If you're having an outdoor ceremony, let your pet serve as the "garden supervisor," making sure everything is perfect for your big day. They can patrol the ceremony space, greet guests, and ensure the flowers are properly arranged (or at least sniffed).

Getting Ready with the Whole Squad

Include your pets in the getting-ready photos with your bridal party. Whether they're wearing matching robes, getting their nails done, or simply supervising the hair and makeup process, these behind-the-scenes moments create precious memories.

A Day Planned Around Their Needs

Create a special wedding day timeline just for your pet, complete with their own schedule of activities, meal times, and rest periods. Having a dedicated pet handler follow this schedule ensures your furry friend stays comfortable and happy throughout the celebration.

Reserved Seating for the VIPs

Designate special seating for your pet during the ceremony – perhaps a decorated pillow or small chair positioned where they can see the action but won't be in the way. Include a small sign reserving their spot, just like you would for any other honored guest.

Wedding Cake That Tells Your Story

Incorporate your pet's image or paw prints into your wedding cake design. Whether it's a fondant replica of your dog sitting on top or paw print decorations around each tier, your cake will be a unique representation of your complete family.

Party Games with a Furry Host

If your pet loves attention and performing, let them host reception games or activities. They can be the "judge" of the bouquet toss, help with the anniversary dance, or even lead a group photo session with all the guests.

Starring Role in Your Love Story

Plan specific moments for your pet to appear in your wedding video – perhaps a "getting ready" sequence, a special message delivery, or simply candid shots of them enjoying the celebration. Their personality will shine through and add joy to your wedding film.

Safe Send-Off for Everyone

If you're doing a send-off with thrown items, choose pet-safe alternatives like dried lavender, rose petals, or birdseed. This ensures your pet can safely navigate the celebration area without worry about eating something harmful.

Adventure Partners for Your Big Trip

If you're having a destination wedding and your pet is traveling with you, document their journey as part of your wedding story. From airport adventures to exploring the new location, their travel experience becomes part of your wedding narrative.

Quiet Corner for Overwhelmed Paws

Set up a quiet area where your pet can retreat if they become overwhelmed by the celebration. Include their favorite bed, toys, and water bowl, along with a trusted friend or family member who can provide comfort and care throughout the day.