8 Adorable Ideas to Include Your Dog on Your Wedding Day

Right now I’m on my way to Minneapolis for Memorial Day weekend. This car ride is MUCH longer than I originally thought when we first talked about going to Minneapolis. Did you know it’s about 7 hours from central Illinois? I didn’t, I thought it was like 3-4. It’s okay though, I like road trips and I’m especially thankful for someone else doing the majority of the driving on this one. Gives me some time to knock out some blog posts for you guys, cause I know I’ve been slacking this month.If you read my updated About Me page, you know that we’ve been having some serious puppy fever. I mean, it’s not a new thing, it’s just starting to get worse. So I thought it’d be a good idea to channel some of this puppy fever into a post about how to include your dog on your wedding day! I know how important our dogs are in our families, and I just love when I see pictures of people including them in their weddings. Below are nine ideas for including your pup in the celebrations:(Disclaimer: Obviously some of these will depend on what your venues will allow and your pup's unique personality. I might be a little crazy for some of these ideas... I know some of them may not be feasible for a lot of reasons, but hopefully this list is a fun read and gives you a little inspiration! Before you decide to move forward with any of these ideas, read this helpful article and pay special attention to the first tip.)

1. Stress reliever during wedding prep

The morning of the wedding can be a little stressful for everyone, and the nerves and butterflies are often high for the bride and groom. To calm the nerves, consider bringing your pup along for the hair and makeup portion of the morning, if you're getting ready in a dog-friendly place. Your pup can split its time between snuggling with the ladies and playing with the gents. If you don't think it's a good idea to have your dog there for the whole morning, think about asking someone to bring your dog by to say hi and give everyone a much needed cuddle and energy boost.

2. Photos before or after the ceremony

I love when people take pictures with their dog on the wedding day. I once heard that a dog is part of your life, but you are your dog’s whole life. You are their entire world. They will be just as excited on your happiest day as everyone else.

3. Wedding attire

Get your pup a matching bow tie, bandana, tulle skirt, flower collar... Even if you can't have him or her there on the big day, you can take pictures that make it feel like they were a part of the celebrations. Look at this little cutie in the mini tux!

4. Ring bearer/ring security

One of my favorite ideas is to have your dog walk down the aisle, with the rings attached to its collar. I would recommend one of the bridesmaids or groomsmen walks the dog, but really anyone other than the flower girl lol. After your pup makes it to the end of the aisle and completes their mission, make sure someone is ready to be in charge of your dog while the ceremony takes place. Unless you plan to do the next idea.

5. Best Man or Maid of Honor

In addition to (or instead of) ring security, your pup could sit next to you while you say your vows. You may need to put someone from your bridal party in charge, whoever the dog is most behaved around. 😉

6. Reception Guest

If you’re having a backyard wedding, or you have an outdoor venue that allows pets, think about bringing your dog along for the after-dinner party. The kids will especially have a great time running around with them, but maybe you don’t want that much uncontrolled activity. :)These next couple ideas are especially good for including your dog from afar:

7. Paw prints in the guest book

If your pup can’t make it to the wedding, what about incorporating them into the guest book. Take a puppy-safe ink pad or paint, and put your dog’s paw print in the guest book before the wedding. I’m sure it’ll give guests a smile when they see it. You could also include your pup right in the illustration for your guests to sign.

8. Reception Favors

I recently came across a wedding that had a table full of treats for guests to take home to their doggos. I thought it couldn't get any cuter than that, until I found beers labeled with a picture of the couple's dog and a sign with a "toast" from their pup. Too. stinkin. cute. Honestly my boyfriend and I would probably do this if we have a puppy before we get married, we are that extra.If your dog was at your wedding, how did it go? How did you decide to include them in the celebrations? Comment below and send me some pics via email! I can never see too many pictures of puppies.More articles and inspiration:Love and LavenderBarkPostBridesCountry LivingSomething TurquoiseMODweddingShutterflyTLC