Weddingbee

Many people see their dogs as members of the family so it’s only natural to want to include our furry four-legged pals in our weddings. Los Angeles celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss says, “I find that about 30 percent of my weddings involve pets… I think it would be more, but a lot of venues do not allow animals.”

(image wendellphillips)

After all this is the year of the dog so why not? Here are some tips on how to include Fido in your big day. (source Palm Springs Life)

Phone first. Find out if the site of the wedding or reception allows pets. If you’re getting married out of town, book reservations at pet-welcoming hotels and resorts

Consult the guest list. Key members of the wedding party - including the officiant, bridesmaids, and groomsmen - should be comfortable around pets.

Resist puppy love. Unless you can have someone serve as a reliable canine chaperone, puppies younger than 6 months old can be wiggly and unpredictable.

Test the temperament. Make sure your pet is comfortable around strangers and new surroundings. No one wants a canine ring bearer growling at the best man or barking over the wedding vows.

Heed canine commands. Canine members of the wedding should be trained to follow basic instructions: “Come,” “Sit,” “Stay,” “Down,” “Wait,” and “Quiet.”

Include pets during rehearsals. This helps them get used to the surroundings and what will happen during the ceremony.

Pick pet-friendly fashion. Test bows, flower-laced collars, or other accessories before the event to ensure your pet will tolerate them. Avoid floral arrangements that contain wires for bouquets or corsages or toxic plants, such as lilies, daffodils, and hydrangeas.

Avoid chowhounds. Dogs can get sick if they accidentally sip from your aunt’s champagne flute or sniff out a piece of chocolate wedding cake.

Get them ready. Dogs should be walked and well exercised before the wedding and be taken for bathroom breaks.

Employ canine bribery. Provide treats that the photographer can dole out to your dog when posing with the wedding party.

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