Your pet is a treasured family member, and you probably can’t imagine your big day without them. Although some venues welcome pets for the ceremony, every location has different rules regarding animals. Additionally, you might hesitate to bring your furry friend along on the big day because of all the commotion weddings often entail. If you’re not sure what you want to do with your pet, explore five fun ways to honor your pet on your wedding day.
Include Them in the Ceremony
We’ve all heard of a flower girl, but what about a flower cat? Or maybe a dog ring bearer? Either role allows for a fun way to include your pet in the ceremony and show off how adorable they are. Being a ring bearer or flower pet is ideal for furry friends who love being around crowds; however, if this makes your pet nervous, consider honoring them in a different way.
Pets filling this role could wear a cute dress, tuxedo, or bowtie collar. Be sure to have a trusted friend or relative hold their leash or push them in a pet stroller down the aisle, as your pet’s well-being should always be the top priority.
Everyday Bride Tip
If your pet is at the ceremony, hire someone to watch over them during the reception. This will ensure your furry friend remains safe and comfortable as you celebrate your union with your partner.
Buy a Custom Cake Figurine
Your pet may be unable to join you for the big day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have them there in spirit. The easiest way to do so is to commission a personalized cake topper that resembles your pet. You can position this figurine next to your own on the cake to show off the whole family.
For an added humorous element, consider placing a figure of your pet on the side of the cake with its face against it so it appears your pet is nibbling at the dessert. Some artists will even paint “frosting” on the figurine so it looks like the animal chowed down on cake.
Offer Pet-Themed Menu Options
While you don’t have to make the main course relate to your pet, you could choose some menu options that bring your pet to mind. For instance, as you decide whether to serve hors d’oeuvres or a late-night snack at your reception, consider flavors that would honor your four-legged friend.
Foods with peanut butter are wonderful options for dog parents. You could offer foods such as peanut butter cookies or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to incorporate this ingredient.
On the other hand, if you have a cat, you could serve seafood during cocktail hour or for the main course. Keep in mind that whatever you serve should align with the taste preferences of you and your partner.
Everyday Bride Tip
You could also serve foods shaped like paw prints or your pet’s silhouette. Nothing’s cuter than a dog-shaped cookie or cat-shaped chocolate!
Craft Purr-fect Cocktails
Creating the perfect cocktails for your special occasion becomes even more memorable when you name them after your beloved pet. Although the cocktail’s flavor does not necessarily need to link to your pet, naming it in their honor adds a personal touch. This can serve as a delightful surprise for your guests, creating a unique experience that intertwines the joy of your celebration with your love for your pet.
Have a Pet-Themed Wedding
Why not make your pet the inspiration for your wedding theme? This is a cute and easy way to honor your pet on your wedding day. You could choose a color palette that reminds you of their fur or use your pet’s favorite toys as props at the reception photo booth. To take the theme even further, you can personalize various items you’ll use throughout the wedding and reception. Some elements to customize with photos of your pet include:
- Napkins
- Invitations
- Table numbers
- Place cards
- The welcome sign
Show off photos of your pet by placing framed pictures beside the guest book. You could even name each table after a pet you or your partner had in the past or after pets that mean something to both of you. This adds a personal and sentimental touch to your wedding day.
A Closing Note
There are countless ways to show off your love for your furry friend on the big day, whether they’re physically present or not. What’s most important is to do so in a way that’s meaningful to you and your partner and safe for your pet. If your four-legged friend isn’t keen on crowds, let them stay home; however, if they love the limelight and the venue allows it, you can make them a star in their own way.
Your pet is an integral part of your family, so including them in your big day only makes sense. Having a special way to show off how much you love them makes saying “I do” even more memorable and meaningful.
