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Martha Stewart Weddings

Everything You Need to Know About Having Your Dog in Your Wedding

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Credit: Laura Murray Photography

Here's how to involve your pet in your wedding, while keeping him calm, cool, and well cared for.

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Credit: Laura Murray Photography
See Dogs at Weddings

On your wedding day, you'll want all your loved ones around you, and for many couples that means inviting the pet they share as well. There are lots of ways to involve dogs in your celebration, whether in a formal role—as ring bearers or flower dogs, for example—or simply as honored guests. Furry friends make the event much more memorable, but they also require special handling. Here's how to keep your pooch calm, cool, and well cared for when he joins your celebration.

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Cast Your Dog Right

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Credit: Michèle M. Waite
Watch a Dog's Go-Pro Footage

Not all pets are suited to a wedding, and it's important to assess the temperament of yours. Is he friendly or aggressive? Does he make a lot of noise? Does he steal food? At the very least, your pet needs to be well-behaved and know the basic "sit" and "stay" commands, says puppy pro Heidi Ganahl, founder of Camp Bow Wow, a doggie daycare and overnight kennel. 

You want your dog to be a cute addition, not a distraction. Some pups are calm enough to be a ring bearer or flowr girl, while others are too excitable to walk down the aisle. Before deciding which role to assign, consider if your pet's disposition will lend itself to that type of situation—and if doesn't, don't try to train him in the weeks leading up to your wedding. 

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Consider Your Own Personality

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Credit: Sabine Scherer
How to Be Stress-Free

A relaxed attitude is crucial. Don't involve your dog in your wedding if it's going to introduce unnecessary stress for you.

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Determine Your Dog's Role

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Is it appropriate for the kind of ceremony you're having? "An animal fits a certain type of affair, one at a farmhouse or a private estate, perhaps, but probably not at a fancy hotel," says Sasha Souza, a California event designer.

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Check the Rules on Pets at Weddings

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Credit: Nancy Neil
How to Wed Outside

Not all venues are pet-friendly, so ask the on-site manager if your dog will be welcome. An outdoor setting is often the best choice.

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Salute Your Pooch in Spirit

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Credit: Judy Pak Photography
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If your pet can't be present, find ways to honor her in your details. Name a cocktail after her, for example, or incorporate her photo into décor elements, like these drink stirrers.

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Style Your Furry Friend

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Credit: Rachel Thurston Photography
See Dogs in Bow Ties

Take the animal to the groomer before the wedding so he'll look his best. However you want to accessorize Spot, make sure he's comfortable in his garb by trying it out a few times in advance. And if he balks at a full get-up, surrender the fantasy and opt for a simple collar; in general, it's best to keep adornments minimal and easy for the pet to wear. Don't make him wear them for longer than is necessary.

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Anticipate Potential Hazards

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Credit: Nancy Ray Photography

While you're at it, your pet's wedding attire—or the venue décor, for that matter—includes flowers, do your research (or make sure your florist does!) as some are toxic. Ask the wedding site about pesticides or toxic plants on the grounds, and about creatures that might distract or threaten your pet. And keep dogs, someplace safe during the reception so guests won't feed them. Certain wedding fare, including chocolate, alcohol, and meat with bones, can be dangerous.

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Inform Your Attendants About Your Dog

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Credit: Lauren Kinsey
Learn Bridal Party Etiquette

Well in advance, inform attendants and vendors that your pet will play a role, and discuss special measures you'd like them to take. Also notify your officiant. Some may refuse to preside over a wedding that includes pets.

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Engage a Pet Handler

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Credit: Corbin Gurkin
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Your pet will need to be fed, walked, and looked after while you're in day-of mode. Entrust him to a friend or sitter, ideally someone already acquainted with your furry friend (and supply ample treats for rewards—and bribes!).

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Prep Your Pooch

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Credit: Jade + Matthew Take Pictures
Learn About Rehearsals

Bring your pet to the site before the wedding day, and have him come to the rehearsal to practice his part if he will be participating in the ceremony.

Dogs like to sniff and explore new spaces, so if you get that out of the way early, she'll be less likely to do it at the ceremony, Ganahl says. 

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Have a Game Plan…

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Credit: Michèle M. Waite
Read Pet Proposals

Jot down the details of your dog's involvement, including where they'll walk and stand, particularly during the ceremony. Communicate those wishes to your wedding party. Don't put her in a situation where she feels alone or nervous, Ganahl says. It's best if she isn't standing up with the wedding party; have someone she knows walk her down the aisle and then sit next to her.

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But Be Flexible

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Credit: Michelle Gardella Photography
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Be prepared to roll with the changes on the wedding day. You may have a certain vision for how your pet's part will play out, but remember that little dogs have a mind of their own. Make sure to have a backup plan in case things go awry. Embrace the little quirks canines can introduce to a celebration; chances are, it'll lead to a more memorable day anyway.

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    1 of 13
    2 of 13 Cast Your Dog Right
    3 of 13 Consider Your Own Personality
    4 of 13 Determine Your Dog's Role
    5 of 13 Check the Rules on Pets at Weddings
    6 of 13 Salute Your Pooch in Spirit
    7 of 13 Style Your Furry Friend
    8 of 13 Anticipate Potential Hazards
    9 of 13 Inform Your Attendants About Your Dog
    10 of 13 Engage a Pet Handler
    11 of 13 Prep Your Pooch
    12 of 13 Have a Game Plan…
    13 of 13 But Be Flexible

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