Getting married involves a plethora of decisions. What venue will you choose? Will you have an open bar? Should you invite that family friend who's a bit of an oddball? All valid quandaries. However, the most important question for dog parents is probably this: will you bring your four-legged pal to the wedding?
According to a poll by Guide Dogs, a whopping 94 percent of UK dog parents say they want their pet at their wedding. And who can blame them? Why wouldn't you want to share your big day with your best mate?
Unfortunately, when it comes to logistics, it can be easier said than done. Is it fair to ask a friend or relative to dedicate their time to your dog when they'd probably rather be mingling and quaffing champagne? Plus, how will your dog get to the venue? Who takes them home? Luckily, there's a solution: hiring a wedding day dog chaperone.
What Is a Wedding Day Dog Chaperone?
A wedding day dog chaperone is someone who takes care of your dog on your wedding day, making sure they're in the right place at the right time so you can concentrate on the important stuff, like not fluffing your vows.
Services vary but can include: picking your dog up the night before or morning of the ceremony; taking them for walks and feeding them; dressing them in any desired wedding attire; bringing them to the venue to greet guests; supervising them during the ceremony; working with the photographer to get the perfect dog-friendly shots; and returning the dog home or providing overnight care.
A popular request is helping to pull off a surprise. Rebecca McBride runs McBride & Groom, chaperoning dogs at weddings across Northern Ireland and Ireland. She recalls a particularly heart-warming moment when a bride surprised her new husband with their Golden Retriever, Humphrey, waiting for them after the ceremony. "The groom was so surprised he didn't even recognise his own dog at first!" she says. "It was such a happy moment and the groom said it was the best wedding gift he could have ever received."
Having your dog as the ring bearer seems a surefire way to ensure there's not a dry eye in the house. Jane Marsh from Paws2Party in Solihull describes a Labrador who sat patiently at the back of the ceremony until it was his time to shine. "When it was his big moment, he trotted up the aisle, sat in front of his humans, delivered the rings, high-fived his mum, and then came back to us," she says. Amy Jarvis from Norfolk-based Oh Bella Wedding Day Dogs even chaperoned a secret elopement where the bride and groom's two dogs were the only guests. Adorable.
What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Animals are somewhat unpredictable, so there's every chance they'll bring some comedy to the proceedings. Natalie Hill runs Wales-based Paws in Motion with her husband Keelan (yes, they had their dogs at their own wedding), and she recalls a wedding where a dog had delivered the rings perfectly during rehearsals. "However, on the day, he got so overwhelmed he refused to move," laughs Natalie. "In the end, Keelan had to walk him down the aisle, which everyone thought was hilarious, and Keelan got a standing ovation on the way back."
The other classic? Dogs letting rip. At one ceremony, Sarge the American Bully was sitting at the front with the bridesmaids when he let out a very loud trump -- not only loud but very potent. Everyone was crying with laughter. Jane once had a dog escorted out mid-ceremony for the same reason.
How to Choose the Right Wedding Dog Chaperone
When you're trusting a stranger with your most precious pooch, you'll want to do a bit of research first. Start by asking around for personal recommendations and searching for reviews of any potential chaperones. Make sure your chosen chaperone has appropriate insurance, is trained in dog first aid, and can provide a background check.
It's also wise to ask about their experience with your specific breed, how many weddings they've worked, and what vehicle they'll use to transport your dog. And don't forget to check your venue is dog-friendly before you start planning any of this.
Is Bringing Your Dog to Your Wedding the Right Choice?
As cute as it will be to have your dog there, you've got to consider whether they'll have a great time or be cowering in a corner. Thankfully, most dogs should be able to get involved in some way or another. "There's no denying that weddings can be overwhelming for dogs," advises Amy Jarvis. "Their role in the day has to be right for them. If they're sociable, they could greet guests as they arrive. If they're nervous or over-excited, they could have a few photographs away from everyone with their parents."
Clinical animal behaviourist Emily Birch offers these tips for making the day stress-free:
Meet the chaperone in advance. Have your dog meet their chaperone beforehand so they're comfortable with their new caregiver. Do this multiple times if your dog is particularly timid.
Prepare your dog in advance. Take them to the venue or similar environments, practice walking down the aisle, and get them used to wearing a novelty outfit well before the day.
Consider a "no interacting" policy so your dog doesn't get overwhelmed by meeting and being touched by lots of new people at once.
Don't keep them there too long, especially once the alcohol starts flowing and guests get louder.
Watch for signs of discomfort: ears back, whale eyes, lowered body position, tail down, being startled at sounds. Have a quiet space the chaperone can take them to if needed.
If the Dog Can't Make It to the Ceremony
Sometimes the venue won't allow it, the distance is too far, or your dog is simply a homebody who would hate the whole thing. That doesn't mean they're missing from the day entirely. Custom bar details, like cocktail napkins, drink stirrers, and frosted cups with a hand-illustrated portrait of your dog, are one of the most elegant ways to bring them into the celebration without logistics. Their face is at the bar all night, in every guest's hand, in every photo.
See how In Every Chapter designs bar details as a cohesive set, starting with your dog's photo. No chaperone required.
