Allan House

Perhaps the biggest wedding trend I’ve seen for 2010 is having your dog in your wedding. This last year, I photographed several events where the dogs were either actually in the wedding, at the wedding, or the bride wanted portraits with her dog – there are some photos at the end of the post.

I’ve even attended a wedding where there were doggie inspired favors and cards stating that a donation had been made to a local animal rescue shelter. This was because the couple didn’t think the dogs would behave well at the wedding, but they still wanted them there – we actually did engagement shots with the pups earlier that year.

If you do decide to include a canine, there are many different jobs for dogs in the wedding party:

Of course you can have fluffy walk down the aisle alone or escort a bridesmaid or groomsmen (if you have an uneven number of attendants)
Fido can be a ringbearer – be sure to practice this several times at the actual venue if possible – I can only imagine them getting distracted with two gold rings tied to their collar and running after some duck and and jumping in a pond. You might want to consider using fake rings tied to the collar just in case.
Just looking cute sitting on the side – this is by far the most common. A special attendant has a decorated collar, leash, and water bowl, on the side of the aisle and your dog just sits as a guest and witnesses the whole thing.

While at these dog inspired events, I’ve seen all kinds of doggie wedding attire – from nothing at all, to a custom decorated collar with matching ribbon and flowers from the wedding theme, to a full blown mini dog tuxedo (but never a dog wedding dress – even if they are a girl). You can check out this website for ideas for costumes.

As a couple planning a wedding, if you have a dog, I think you already know how he or she behaves, but just in case here are a few things to think about before you bring your dog to your wedding:

Does the venue allow pets?
Who will be responsible for handling them – remember this person won’t be able to participate in your wedding the same way as other guests?
Will the dog be isolated to a particular area in case you have guests who are afraid or allergic?
Is your dog comfortable around large groups of people?
Does he (or she) beg for food? Will this be a problem around dinnertime with guests walking around with plates of food?

And just to be safe, be sure you have a dedicated wedding pooper scooper :)

Weddings at the Allan House, Austin Weddings, Bonnie & Matt, Austin wedding photogrpahy, outdoor weddings, green wedding

Weddings at the Allan House, Austin Weddings, Bonnie & Matt, Austin wedding photogrpahy, outdoor weddings, green wedding, pets at weddings, dogie decorations, flowers on a dog collar