Wedding Bells

Planning the big day and really want your pet to be involved or at least in the forever photos? Nadia Crighton digs out some tips on how to make your occasion stress-free for you and your pet.

For some this will sound like madness…but for many of us, having our beloved pet at our ‘big day’ is just as important as our bridesmaids and groomsmen. So how you can ensure you enjoy your wedding, while including your pet in the special day? Here are some great tips to help you out.

1)   Planning

Sit down with you partner and plan out exactly what you want your pet to do. Is it just photos? Or larger roles like a ring bearer or even walking you down the isle? Be realistic and remember that the day is going to be HUGE for you and your partner. If you are worried Fido will run off, or get spooked, reconsider your pets role in the day. Also double check that the venue you are having your wedding will allow your dog / pet onto the premises for the event.

2)   Photos

Consider having ‘pre-wedding’ photos. Having a photographer follow you around while you get ready for the big day can be an easy way to allow your pet to enjoy in some of the antics without the stress or pressure. You can even stage a photo-shoot with you and your pet before the event in the comfort of your home. There area many wonderful images circulating of dogs, cats, horses and even pigs all kitted out for the wedding before the bells have rung! This doesn’t just have to be a bride event. If the boys are getting ready at home, there is no reason why the cat can’t join in the photographic experience…no matter how little or big the even is. This is particularly true if you have booked a professional photographer. You might as well get a few wonderful keepsake images of your beloved animals while they are walking around snapping up memories of your day.

3)   Training

Ok so your dog wants to enjoy the celebrations more than just a few snaps before the big ‘do’? Training is the key. If you are not sure how much training your dog will need before the big day, enlist a professional who can come to you and help with your exact needs one-on-one. Make sure your dog is also very well socialized and able to ‘perform’ a training task while being distracted by lots of people, noise and food!

4)   Special ‘Someone’

Enlist one of your guests/family members to be the dog’s special someone. So you do not have to worry about Fido during your big day. This person can make sure your dog is walked, and taken care of. Don’t forget doggy-do bags, and a water bowl. Also make sure the person your entrust your dog to during the celebrations keeps a close eye on who is feeding your pooch and what. Having your dog indulge in chocolates and being rushed off to the emergency vet will be no way to start your amazing life together.

5)   Home Time

Plan someone to take your dog home after the actual wedding and photos leaving you to enjoy the festivities. This is by far the safest option for your animal. If you are having the wedding at your own home consider popping your pets away in a safe room. Dogs are natural scavengers and escape artists.

6)   Groom Groom Groom

Before the big day consider having your dog professionally groomed and pampered. They can really ensure your dog’s coat is looking immaculate and even give you some great ‘photo’ tips for the event. Plus, your pet will end up smelling like a little lavender air-freshener trotting around your lovely dress or suit. For heavy coat breeds and cats, prepare you pets coat a few weeks in advance to ensure the best results for the day. Keep up with a quick daily groom to allow a full luscious coat that is matt free and looking wonderful.

7)   Wedding Kit

Make sure you have a wedding kit checklist for your pet that you have pre-organised. Using a bucket / or a carry container is great for this and you can give it to your dogs ‘special person’ before the wedding. Also consider feeding your dog in the early morning, or after the wedding to prevent ‘toilet’ stops.

• Grooming brush
• Coat shine (you can buy this from many equine shops)
• Baby wipes (for ears and extra drool)
• Spare lead (just incase the ‘show’ one is lost)
• Water bowl & a full water bottle
• Treats
• Plastic poop bags
• Hair remover roller (for you and your partner!)
• Crate or pet carrier
• Car restraint

A BIT ABOUT THE BLOGGER:

Nadia Crighton is a well-known and accomplished Australian Journalist and pet magazine Editor. As a busy mum of four humans, two dogs, 50 sheep, three cats, a handful of chickens and a goat named Billy, she simply adores animals and pets.

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