Dogs in ceremony- ideas?

I think Jennalyn makes really great points. I wouldn't have my dog in our ceremony for all of those reasons, even though I love her squishy face to death.

I think the biggest struggle would be having someone to look after them before, during and after the ceremony- that is a lot of work for someone who wants to be celebreating your wedding with you and maybe not chsing after dogs and picking up poop in a nice dress or suit!

I would also worry about the younger one behaving long enough. My pup will listen for treats too, but we often have to repeat ourselves. It would kind of suck to have someone chanting "sit" during your vows.

If you do still really want to involve your pooches, maybe condier hiring a dog walker for the afternoon? Your Bridesmaid could walk in your ring bearer and flower girl, but then hand them off the the dog walker who can take them for a walk, and then bring them home (or to where ever they are spending the rest of the day and night). That might take a little pressure off

That's a good point about stress. I really want my dog at my ceremony as well, but I'm still debating it. She will be fine with the crowd, but she is super obsessed with food so I don't want her around any part of the wedding that invovles eating. She was a stray dog and malnourished when we got her and I think she has never forgotten that feeling of being starving. Also she has separation anxiety and we've gotten her to the point where she's fine alone at our house, but in a strange place I would worry that she will be anxious and start howling if she's alone. I feel bad if I don't have her because she's part of the family, but at the same time, I have to really consider whether it's just for me or whether it's good for her too.

Jennalyn makes excellent points (especially the dirt, I know my pup gets a little excited seeing people and forgets her manners to not jump up)! Needing to have a guest focus on my dog is a huge reason we immediately decided not to include our dog in the ceremony. If you still really want them there I suggest hiring a dog sitter to come watch them at the ceremony and then take them after it's over. That way no guests need to be taken away from the festivities!As for the ceremony, I would absolutely have a bridesmaid walk them. There are so many distractions and can you imagine having to stand at the front of the aisle (well your fh) and trying to get their attention and keep calling them... kind of awkward. Having a bridesmaid walk them will give the dog direction and give a person direct control. I would make sure that bridesmaid doesn't have a bouquet though (too much to hold)I would have the sitter keep them away from the front in case one decides to go rogue (not listen, go bathroom, bark, etc). That way it won't take away from the ceremony and they can quietly handle them

Hey Jessica! That's such a great idea! That will be so cute! I can't wait to see what you'll choose for them to wear as wedding bearer and flower girl I think asking a friend who knows the dog well is a great idea. Are your bridesmaids familiar with your dogs? Do they know them well?

You could also take a look at these discussions for ideas: The dog days of weddings

What role would you give your dog on your wedding day?

7 ways your pet can have style on your big day

Do you think you could comment in Wei's discussion too? She is looking for a dog-friendly venue near Edmonton. Wedding must have: dogs

Will you dogs wear an outfit or flower necklace for your wedding?

It is a cute idea. I personally dont like the idea. I have 2 dogs I love to death but I would not want them at my wedding for a few reasons:

1. Someone has to watch/hold them before, during and after the ceremony. Even the best dogs will get distracted or have to go to the bathroom, and now the person is being taken away from the celebration/party.

2. What happens to dogs when ceremony is done? again someone has to hold them and/or drive them home making that person miss the cocktail hour.

3. Depending on the breed of dog, you run the risk of the nice fancy clothes/dresses of whoever is holding them getting dirty with hair or goobers. Even after my golden is professionally groomed and blown out he still sheds. and my poodle who doesnt shed loves to rest his head on your lap and leaves a lovely wet drool mark.

4. Having so many people and excitement can stress out the dogs. My one dog is a therepy dog who comes to work with me at a retirement home and even he would get stressed in this type of situation. I dont think its fair to him.

Just some food for thought.