Weddings are all about celebrating with friends and family and for many couples that’s pets included! You may want them to play a key role in your wedding (we’ve seen lots of Best Dogs and Dog of Honours), feature in your pics or just be there for some moral support! 

If you’re planning on having your pet at your wedding here are some of the Wedding Team at Delamere Manor’s top tips, along with some ways to include them if they can’t join you on your big day.

Deciding if your pet should attend your wedding will very much depend on your type of pet! Dogs tend to be the easiest pets to manage at a wedding with lots of couples choosing to include them as additional bridesmaids or serve as a second best man! But we’ve all seen adorable pics of ring-bearing rabbits and cats in flower crowns, so it really is up to you to decide how you think best to include them based on their temperament. If you’re a horse lover, you could consider making an entrance by arriving at your ceremony on horseback! One thing to remember if you are involving your pet is that it’s worthwhile letting your guests know in advance on your save the date cards and invitations so any guests with pet allergies can plan in advance (and bring some antihistamines if need be!) You’ll also need to check with your photographer that they are comfortable with them too. 

Weddings are a long day so if you don’t want to have the responsibility of having your pet at your wedding from day into night or think it will be too much for them, why not ask your dog walker or pet sitter if they can bring them for an hour (location permitting!) to feature in your photos.

While some venues, including Delamere Manor, are happy to accommodate pets where possible, some venues don’t allow for pets, so if that’s the case or you feel it’s just not a practical option for you, here are some alternative ways to include them in your big day…

Add them to your cake

As well as featuring models of you and your partner on top of your cake, why not get one made of your pet too! There are lots of sellers on Etsy who can create models of you and your family. We love these personalised wedding peg doll decorations which you can have created into the likeness of you, your partner and your pets. Click here.

Include them in your wedding stationery

There are lots of ways to include pets across stationery including a pic or illustration of them with you and your partner on your invitations or order of service. And if your phone is filled with more photos of your pet than your partner, then a great way to use these in your wedding is to incorporate them into the seating plan. From the table chart to the table numbers, you can fill your wedding breakfast with as many photos of your pet as you like. 

Include them in your ceremony 

Namecheck your pet in your ceremony either in your vows or ask your celebrant to give them a mention. Humanist ceremonies are particularly flexible in terms of the content of your ceremony.

Incorporate them into your outfit

If they can’t join you, another option is to incorporate them into your outfit, so they’ll feel close to you all day. Grooms could opt for personalised cufflinks featuring a pic or illustration of your pet or brides could wear a piece of jewellery featuring their paw prints. Both would make a special gift for you to give your partner in advance of your wedding.

Donate to an animal charity

If you rescued or rehomed your pet, then this idea may be very close to your heart. Instead of wedding favours you could choose to donate to a local animal charity or shelter. The Dogs Trust and RSPCA both sell wedding favours including these cute kitten pin badges available here.

Name a signature drink after them 

If your venue offers bespoke cocktails as a refreshment option, why not name a drink after your furry friend? Whether it’s “The Winston”, “Luna’s Long Island Tea” or “Max’s Mixology Menu”- naming a drink after your pet is the perfect way to incorporate them into your big day. You could even add an illustration of your pet on the menu along with custom-made cocktail napkins and swizzle sticks. 

Include them as a photobooth prop

If you don’t feel comfortable including your pet in your wedding ceremony or reception, that doesn’t mean they have to be excluded from your wedding photos entirely. A great way to include them is to have custom-made props made for your photobooth such as masks of your pet’s face and a cardboard cut-out.

Include them as a sweet treat

Pay homage to your furry friend with sweet treats for your wedding party. Perfect as wedding favours or doggy bags (excuse the pun!), you could choose to have custom-made cookies made for your guests.

 

Delamere Manor is Cheshire’s most sought-after wedding venue. To find out more, Including availability for 2021 & 2022 weddings, get in touch with the Wedding Team at Delamere Manor on 01606 261361 or email us at enquiries@1120601262.test.prositehosting.co.uk