Introduction: If you’re a wedding photographer here are 31 fun ways your clients can include their pets on their wedding day at the reception, engagement or after the big day.
For many of us, our pets are more than just animals ā theyāre beloved members of the family. Theyāve been by our side through lifeās ups and downs. It only feels natural to want them with us on the most special occasions. So, when it comes to wedding ceremonies, why wouldnāt you want your four-legged friend to be a part of the celebrations? Whether itās your playful pup, curious cat, or even a majestic horse. Incorporating your furry best friend into your wedding not only makes for unique and unforgettable moments but also adds a personal touch that truly makes your big day a reflection of the love you share with all your family ā furry or otherwise. In this blog, weāll explore 31 fun ways to include your pet on your wedding day, from the ceremony to the reception and everything in between.
At the Reception
- 1. Replace Table Numbers with Your Favourite Breeds.: Add a personal touch by naming each reception table after your favourite dog or cat breed. For example, instead of āTable 1,ā guests could be seated at āGolden Retrieverā or āSphynx Cat.ā This quirky idea not only highlights your love for animals but also makes for a great conversation starter at the wedding party.
Sign up for VIP offers expert advice & guidance on how to grow your photo biz for success & receive 10 Free Professionally written email templates to use in your photography business. š
- 2. Create a Signature Pet-Themed Cocktail: Surprise your wedding guests by naming your signature cocktails after your pet, like āFidoās Fizzā or āWhiskersā Delight.ā You could even have a picture of your fur baby on the cocktail menu or drinks list. What a fun way to celebrate your fur baby with a tasty twist!
- 3. ‘Doggie Bags’ as Wedding Favours: Send guests home with a personalised āDoggie Bag,ā featuring an image of your beloved pet alongside your names and wedding date. These quirky favour bags are a fun way to incorporate your pets into the celebrations, and the guests will love the playful pun.
- 4. Gold Foil Napkins with Your Pet’s Face: Elegantly foiled napkins with your petās face will add a luxurious and personal touch to your wedding decor. Imagine your precious pet adorning the napkins as guests toast to your future!
- 5. Miniature Cake Topper Featuring Your Pet: Add a miniature version of your pet alongside you and your partner on the wedding cake topper. Whether itās a dog, cat, or even a horse, itās a charming way to show that your furry friend is part of your wedding ceremony and celebrations.
- 6 Pet-Printed Paper Cups for a Sweet Cart: Having a sweet cart at your reception? Take it a step further by printing your petās face on the disposable cups. Guests will love the adorable and unique detail, plus itās another way to showcase your four-legged friend.
- 7. Pet-Inspired Place Cards: For a personal touch at each table, include a photo of your pet on the place cards. It could be a fun way for guests to feel even more connected to your fur baby throughout the wedding.
- 8. Animal-Inspired First Dance Song: Love songs that reference animals can be a delightful choice for your first dance. Whether itās a fun song like āHound Dogā or something sentimental, tying in an animal-inspired tune is a cute way to pay tribute to your furry friend on the dance floor.
Before we carry on with this blog, as a photographer are you maximising the amazing potential of Pinterest? If not, I’ve written a blog on why you should be using Pinterest in your Wedding Photography biz, click the image opposite to check it out.
The Engagement
- 9. Paw In Hand Engagement Photo: Celebrate your engagement with an adorable photo of you, your partner, and your pet. Imagine your petās paw placed gently on your hands, showing off the engagement ring. Itās a cute and creative way to include your beloved pet in this important milestone.
- 10. Pet-Inclusive Engagement Photos: Incorporate your pet into your engagement photos. Whether itās a playful photoshoot in the park or a more formal setting, your pet will make the pictures feel more authentic and fun.
- 11. Pet-Led Engagement Announcement: Announce your engagement from your petās perspective. For example, have them āwriteā a post or create a video saying, āMy humans are getting married!ā Itās a fun way to break the news on social media while involving your fur baby.
- 12. ‘Save The Doggone Date’ Cards: Personalise your wedding invitations with āSave The Doggone Dateā cards that include a cute photo or illustration of your pet. Itās a fun way to add charm and personality to your wedding stationery.
Click the info box below to download your Free PDF of ’31 Fun Ways to include a Pet on your Wedding Day’ + there’s an extra PDF ‘Pet-inspired Wedding Day Checklist’
Wedding Planning.
- 13. Choose a Pet-Friendly Wedding Venue: Opt for a wedding venue that welcomes pets, ensuring your four-legged friend can be a part of your wedding day. Many venues, such as outdoor gardens, stables, or even beach locations, are more than happy to accommodate pets.
- 14. Pet-Inspired Venue Theme: Love animals but the venue is unable to incorporate animals? Why not choose a venue inspired by your pet, such as a stable, aquarium, or even a wildlife sanctuary? This could add a unique touch to your wedding and make your precious pet feel truly at home.
- 15. Custom Pet Stamps: Order custom wedding stamps featuring your petās image or pawprint. These stamps can be used for wedding invitations, save-the-dates, or even thank-you cards, adding a personal touch to your wedding stationery.
- 16. Pet-Friendly Headpiece: Match your wedding accessories with your pet by having a custom-made headpiece for them that coordinates with your own. It could be a flower crown or a cute bow tie in your wedding colours, making them part of the wedding attire.
- 17. Custom Leash for Walking Down the Aisle: If your pet is walking you down the aisle, why not have a custom leash made to match your wedding theme? Incorporate the same flowers and wedding colors from your bouquet, creating a beautiful and cohesive look for your big day.
- 18. Pet-Inspired Invitation Seals: Have some seals made featuring your petās image to use when sealing your wedding invitations. Itās another small detail that adds personality and creativity to your wedding planning.
- 19. Pet-Themed Wedding Invitations Suite: Design your entire invitation stationary around your pet’s image or breed as a subtle yet personal theme.
At the Ceremony.
- 19. Pet Walks You Down the Aisle: Have your pet walk you down the aisle is a central part of your wedding celebrations and acts as a symbol of their importance in your life. Whether itās your dog, cat, or even a more unusual pet, itās sure to make for some unforgettable wedding photos.
- 20. Pet as Ring Bearer: Your pet can carry the rings down the aisle in a velvet pouch tied around their neck. Imagine having dog ring bearers or even a miniature pony making their way to you with your wedding ringsādefinitely a crowd-pleaser!
- 21. Arrive on Your Pet (Horse, Donkey, Cow even!: If your pet is a larger animal, like a horse or even a cow, why not make a grand entrance by arriving on their back? Itās an incredibly unique way to incorporate your precious pet into your big day.
- 22. Official Wedding Photos with Pets: Ensure your pet is included in your official wedding photos. Whether itās a candid shot of them watching the ceremony or a formal pose with the wedding party, their presence will add warmth and charm to your wedding album.
- 23. Animal-Shaped Wedding Favours: Give guests animal-shaped favours as a nod to your pet. Whether itās dog-shaped cookies, cat keychains, or even animal-themed coasters, itās a great way to include your furry friend in the celebrations.
- 24. Pet-Inspired Wedding Illustration: Commission an artist to create a pet-inspired illustration of your wedding day, featuring you, your partner, and your pet standing at the altar. Display this unique piece of art at your wedding for guests to admire.
- 25. Pet Photo Booth Props: If youāre having a photo booth, add some pet-themed cutouts or props. Guests will have a blast taking pictures with dog ears, cat whiskers, or even a cardboard cutout of your own pet.
- 26. ‘Dog of Honour’: Give your pet the honour of being part of your wedding party. Whether theyāre your āDog of Honourā or āBest Manās Best Friend,ā their presence will bring joy to the ceremony. They could also become flower dogs and have outfits made that match the other bridesmaids.
- 27. Pet-Themed Accessories: Incorporate your pet into your wedding attire by wearing accessories like cufflinks or a tie pin featuring their image. Itās a subtle yet sentimental way to keep them close during your big day. You could also wear matching bow ties!
After the Ceremony
- 28. Pet-Inspired Thank You Cards: After the wedding, include a photo of your pet on your thank-you cards. Itās a sweet way to show guests that your pet was part of the celebration and offers a memorable keepsake.
- 29. Trash the Dress with Your Pet: For those planning to ātrash the dressā after the ceremony, involve your pet! Whether itās a photoshoot on the beach with your dog or a horse ride in your wedding attire, it makes for a fun, post-wedding adventure with your fur baby.
- 30. Pet-Inclusive Honeymoon Staycation: If youāre planning a minimoon or staycation after your wedding, find a pet-friendly destination where your furry friend can join in the post-wedding relaxation.
- 31. Pet-Hosted Party: Host a āpost-wedding pet partyā where your pet takes centre stage! Invite close family and friends over to celebrate your recent marriage, but make the theme all about your beloved pet. You can have pet-themed decorations, a special cake for your pet, and even organise fun games where your pet interacts with your guests.
I hope youāve found this blog helpful in showing you just some of the fun ways you or your clients can include their pets in their wedding day.
Don’t forget to download your free PDF which includes all these ideas, plus there’s an extra bonus PDF for you!
Many thanks for reading. Please let me know if I can help with the success of your Photography business or your Etsy shop.
Nicky x
-
The Truth about Stock Photography in 2025
š£ 5 minutesI was doing some blog research recently around stock photography, and a question kept coming up: “Can you still make money with authentic lifestyle stock photos” As a stock photographer myself, I thought it was worth addressing it from someone whos understands and is actively submitting images for both commercial and editorial licenses. So, here…
-
14 Proven Ways To Increase Email Open Rates (Part 2)
š£ 9 minutesWelcome to Part 2 of our guide on how to increase email open rates. In the first part, we looked at the basics, now weāre diving into more advanced strategies to boost engagement and get your emails in front of more eyes. Whether youāre emailing clients, leads, or your wider list, these tips will help…
-
14 Proven Ways to Increase Email Open Rates (part 1)
š£ 10 minutesIf you’re building a photography business, growing your email list and knowing how to increase email open rates should be one of your top priorities. Unlike social media, your email list belongs to you. You’re not at the mercy of unpredictable algorithms or sudden platform changes. But here’s the thing, if no-one’s opening your emails,…
-
Step-by-Step How To Make Money Selling Stock Photos
š£ 6 minutesHave you ever considered how to make money selling stock photos and earning extra income with your photography? Stock photography is one of the easiest ways to monetise your photos, whether youāre just starting out or already established as a photographer. From high street chains to charities, businesses of all sizes use stock images daily. Instead of paying hundreds…
-
21 Ways To Attract More Clients To Your Photography Business (Part 1)
š£ 9 minutesGetting clients through the door is one of the biggest challenges photographers faceābut it doesnāt have to be. Whether youāre just starting out or looking to fill more bookings, the key to success isnāt just taking great photosāitās knowing how to consistently attract and retain the right clients. In this blog, Iām sharing 21 powerful, proven…
-
21 Ways To Attract More Clients To Your Photography BusinessĀ (Part 2)
š£ 6 minutesIf you thought part 1 of 21 ways to attract more clients to your photography business was highly valuable, then part 2 is really going to take things up a notch. Part 2 includes implementing more of a personal touch, how you can make an impact in your local area whilst growing photography business, adn…
-
Sale100 Power Prompts for Boudoir Photographers + Bonus Pose Ideas
Ā£6.99 -
Sale105 Photographic Social Media Hooks
Ā£6.99 -
SaleWedding Photography Chat GPT Prompts & 25 Free Wedding Pose Ideas
Ā£6.99 -
Sale35 Aperture Photo Collage Templates – Vertical
Ā£5.67 -
Sale100 Wedding Photography Chat GPT Prompts
Ā£15 -
Sale100 Boudoir Photography Instagram Stories & 101 Chat GPT Prompts, #s & CTAs.
Ā£15
