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

Share this post on Twitter

If you are looking for something similar but a little bit different, here are some dessert bar pictures.

This particular candy favor station consisted of yellow and green colors (also two hot color trends for 2010), and all kinds of different sweet treats – gumballs, jaw breakers, jelly beans, and sugar sticks.  In addition, this couple had custom chocolate wrappers imprinted with their names and date on individual wedding candy bars scattered around the reception for people to snack on.

How does one make a wedding candy bar?  For the do it yourself bride, it’s quite simple – go find about 5 different sweet treats in your color theme – be sure to buy about 5x more than you think you will need.  Then head over to your local craft store, 5 and dime, or even thrift shop to find some decorative containers (glass jars, antique bowls, whatever).  Add a few cellophane bags and ribbon ties, and you are ready.

individually wrapped yellow wedding candy favors

By the way – Feel free to grab any of these shots for use in your wedding planning, or inspiration board.  If you post any on the web, I’d love a link back

Share this post on Twitter

Share this post on Twitter

22-minute group formals

This gets a great relaxed photo of everybody, in all the important combinations, quickly! I concentrate on the wedding party and immediate family, and work quickly and efficiently, So you can get to your reception faster.

Before the wedding, I like to get the individual photos of everybody out of the way. I do this while you are looking your absolute best. You have just finished with your hair and makeup, and put your dress on. You look perfect. We will take you and your girls out and spend 20 or so minutes together getting posed formals (I’ll show you how to stand and pose) of you in every possible combination with your bridesmaids. And then I’ll do the same with the guys. This is also the best time to get family shots done, too. I recommend that you have your parents and siblings around so we can do some formals with them, too. It’s fast, and clean, and fun. And I’ll always make sure you get to your ceremony on time!

Immediately after the wedding ceremony this is how I roll:
Group shot of the entire bridal party (include the ring bearer and flower-girl only if the cooperate)
Bride and Groom with all the guys
Bride and Groom with all the girls
Bride’s parents
Bride’s grandparents

Groom’s parents
Groom’s grandparents

Bride and Groom with both sets of parents

And then a few shots of the two of you together for your mantle or bedside table.

After, during the reception, you can always get casual posed photos of you with your aunts and uncles, fraternity buddies, sorority sisters, co-workers, and childhood friends.

I‘ve assembled this simple one page formal shot list that you can download, and use for your timeline and planning. be sure to send a link to this page to all your family and wedding party, so they know what to expect, and know where to be so the day goes smoothly. Click here to download the PDF.

Group formals at a wedding

Mom with her daughters

Group wedding shots don't need to be stuffy

Photos of the grandparents are always important

The bride with her bridesmaids

Share this post on Twitter