They can be a delight, but they can also be unpredictable. Should you have dogs at your wedding?
They’re cute, they’re cuddly, and they can bring out the “awws” from all around. Our dogs are more than just furry friends — they’re cherished members of our family.
When it comes to your wedding though, including your fur fam in on the action can get a little complicated. You’d much rather invite them than your Great Uncle Bob, but at least there’s no chance that Great Uncle Bob will start barking during your vows or…umm..”relieving himself” in the aisle (not before the open bar, anyway).
Dogs can be unpredictable, uncontrollable, and cause some unwanted chaos on a day that’s already pretty chaotic. Should you chance it and have them be a part of the festivities, or should you just pop their face on a cocktail napkin and leave it at that? Here are a few pros and cons to dogs at your wedding.
Pro: They’re adorable
Yes, your dog is the cutest. We definitely agree with you, and so do all of your friends and family. Getting them in a fancy outfit and crowning them ring bearer or flower girl will get your guests buzzing and create an unforgettable moment in your big day.
Plus, a little fido snuggle in the bridal suite is best way to calm your pre-ceremony jitters.
Con: They’re unpredictable
Listen, there’s reason you have a “please don’t ring the doorbell” sign on your front door. Dogs can be very unpredictable, and certain sounds, smells, or sights could set them off. A wedding could be a very stressful environment for them, and their reactions or behavior could stress you out in turn.
The solution? Pet attendants like BOLI Preferred Vendor and 2025 Diamond Award Winner Love and Leashes! They can be your pet’s “plus one” for the day, caring for them during all of the moments that matter.
Image courtesy of Studio 27 Photography
Pro: They’ll make your pictures unique and special
You’ve got the rest of your family on your shot list — mom, dad, grandma, there’s Great Uncle Bob again — why WOULDN’T you include your pup? Having your dogs in your wedding day pictures can make them that much more special, and fully symbolize your WHOLE family.
Con: It may take more time to get the shots
Remember when we said they’re “unpredictable?” That could throw a wrench in your timeline. Getting them to sit still, look at the camera, chasing after them when they’ve gotten distracted — it can all add valuable minutes onto your photo time, which could put you behind schedule.
Love and Leashes can come to the rescue here, too! They can keep your pup calm, cool, and collected before their photo op. And once the cameras are off and it’s time to party, Love and Leashes can board your pets until they’re ready to be picked up.
Pro: They can be a wedding witness
Yes! New York State allows your best fur bud to be a witness at your wedding. Put some ink on your pooch’s paw and have them sign your wedding certificate!
Con: You’ll still need a human witness
According to the New York State Department of Health, you’ll need at least one witness that would be “competent to testify in a court preceding as to what he or she witnessed.” So unless your dog has the capacity for language, you’ll still need a human witness too. But hey, the more the merrier!