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
Formal portraits with your dog
{ 0 comments }
