What better way to add even more joy to your wedding than including your four-legged best friend? As a Boston wedding photographer AND Boston dog photographer, it’s no secret that having dogs at weddings is always a yes from me! If you’re a dog-lover who wants to include your pup in your special day, I’m right there with you. Here are a ton of tips and ideas below for making including your dog as easy and stress-free as possible.
My Favorite Ways to Include Dogs at Weddings
The opportunities for including your furry friend at your wedding are basically endless, but over the years, I’ve gathered some ideas that I just absolutely love.
Getting Ready Photos
Having your dog in the room while you get ready can be so special and such a fun way to incorporate your furry friend on your wedding day! They can be there the whole time or come at the very end once your hair and makeup is finished for some last minute photos with you and your wedding party. I’ve even had brides include them in the moments they’re getting into their dress.
Walking Down the Aisle
Whether your dog is your ring bearer or just having their spotlight moment walking down the aisle, this is an adorable idea that your guests are sure to love and remember! Also, it makes for the CUTEST photos.
Solo Photos With Your Pup
It’s traditional at weddings to snap some photos with your family members, and that should include your dog, too! Honestly, my favorite part about dogs at weddings is getting to capture pictures of the couple with their dog. It’s just too cute! I will always make sure to include couples photos with your dog but individual portraits are just as important. These are your first babies and deserve to be documented on your wedding day!
Couple Photos With Your Pup
And of course, photos of you now as a married couple with your dog is the most important. This is your first baby so family portraits are necessary. We will normally take about 5-10 minutes to capture photos with your dog before handing them back to their handler. These are photos that you’ll cherish forever, so it’s a must to schedule time for them during your wedding day.
Wedding Party Photos
If you decide to have your dog stick around a little longer after your couples’ portraits, then including your guest of honor in your wedding party photos is a must! They are the big star after all, so photographing them with all of your favorite people is always a yes from me.
The Small Details
Even if you don’t physically have your dog at your wedding, they can leave still their paw print on the details of your day! Think: signature drinks named after your pups, table number placements with photos of your dog, drink stirrers, custom paintings of them on your invitations, and other photos that can be displayed all around!
Accessorize Your Dog
If your dog is coming to your wedding, then accessorizing them is so much fun! Bowties, flower collars, bandanas, cute collars and leashes are all ways to accessorize your pup for their big moment! It is a formal event, after all! Consider accessorizing your pup with things that match your wedding colors; it always turns out so precious!
Help Puppies Get Adopted
And finally, this one always makes my heart explode: helping dogs get adopted. One of my brides partnered with Great Dog Rescue New England to incorporate puppies in her wedding day to help them get adopted by guests! That’s an idea that’s adorable, fun, unique, and meaningful.
Tips for Including Dogs at Weddings
If the idea of including your dog(s) at your wedding is stressing you out, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with the best advice that I’ve learned as a Boston wedding photographer who has photographed so many dogs at weddings.
Designate Someone to be in Charge of Your Dog
A bridesmaid, family member, or trusted friend being on dog-duty is the #1 tip I have for any clients who include dogs at weddings. Being able to have your best furry friend there and still focus on your day is key, so make sure to assign someone you trust!
You can also hire a professional to do this for you if you’d rather not have any of your wedding guests focus on the responsibility. I always 100% recommend For the Love of Paws who is the best in the business for dog coordination at weddings and events. Their team will take care of your dog from the beginning of your day to the end. They also provides a discount to any of my clients so be sure to reach out to them if you want to include your pup in a stress-free way.
Create a Dog-specific Timeline
A wedding timeline is obviously a huge key to making your day run smoothly, and the same goes for having your dog there! I will help you curate a dog specific timeline for when they arrive, where they’ll hang out, and when it’s treat and water time. Your dog will have their own personal timeline so that you don’t have to stress about the plan.
Hire Vendors that Have Experience With Dogs at Weddings
First and foremost, you have to make sure your venue allows dogs, but beyond that, you have to create a vendor team that will love your dogs as much as you do! Having people on your side who know how to handle dogs at weddings will be crucial to making your day run smoothly.
Here are a few Boston wedding venues I love that are dog-friendly that you’ve seen throughout this blog!
Go With the Flow!
Lastly, the most important part of your wedding day is enjoying it and starting forever with the love of your life! Incorporate your pup in whatever capacity feels best to you, no matter how much or how little it may be. And when you do, let go of perfection and let them show their personality! That’s what will make for the most fun, the least stress, and the best photos.
Lauren Dobish | Boston Wedding Photographer
I know that your furry friend isn’t just a pet, they’re family. That’s why I always work very closely with my clients to ensure that if they want their dogs incorporated, we will make it happen!
To hire a photographer who knows and loves dogs at weddings, you can inquire with me right here. I can’t wait to meet you and your furry friend!
While you’re here, check out some related blog posts:
My Top Tips for a Smooth Dog Photoshoot as a Boston Dog Photographer
Everything You Need to Know About Planning Your Puppy Photoshoot
be the first to comment!