By Kate Cohen
Pets are our family.
Whether your companion has fur, feathers, or even scales, the animals in our lives have us wrapped around their sweet little paws – or claws.
When it comes to major life events like weddings, it’s only natural to want to include a pet in your wedding day experience.
While it’s not always feasible to have your pet by your side on your wedding day, there are still plenty of ways to include them in the celebrations and honor how much they mean to you.
We’ve put together a list of 6 unique ways to include your pet in your wedding day so you can enjoy every moment knowing they’re there with you in spirit.
6 Unique Ways to Include Your Pet in Your Wedding Day
Make a Donation in Your Pet’s Name as Your Wedding Favor
While a well-intended gesture, many wedding favors end up being left behind after your guests have departed for the evening.
Instead of spending money on favors that may or may not leave your venue, you can instead take the money you would have spent on trinkets and make a donation to a local pet rescue or shelter in your pet’s honor.
Include a note at each table along the lines of, “In lieu of favors, a donation has been made to (pet rescue of your choice) in honor of our sweet (your pet’s name).”
Your guests will be touched by the sentiment and your local rescue will appreciate the extra support.
Use Their Replica as a Cake Topper
Your wedding cake is a great place to showcase your personality. Incorporate your pet’s likeness with a fun figurine that can adorn your beautiful cake.
Whether your furbaby is proudly sitting atop the highest tier or mischievously nibbling their way through a layer of buttercream, it will feel like they’re celebrating alongside you when you cut the cake together as a married couple.
Your topper can then be saved as a darling keepsake of your special day.
Incorporate Their Picture into Your Signage
Make your pet your poster child by incorporating their picture into your wedding signage.
Whether it’s a welcome sign, directions to the bar, or even your ceremony program, your pet’s image is a welcome addition to any collateral your guests may see.
Their sweet, furry face will be a reminder to you and your partner that your pet’s presence is with you on your special day, even if they can’t be by your side.
Name a Signature Drink After Them
A signature cocktail is a fun way to share your favorite flavors with your guests.
Crafting or naming a drink in honor of your pet is a clever way to incorporate them into your celebration and include your pet in your wedding.
Whether you use their name, image, or even include their favorite ingredients (perhaps a peanut butter whiskey concoction in honor of your pup’s favorite human food?), your guests will get a kick out of raising a glass to your beloved pet.
Use a Cutout of Their Face in Your Photobooth
Wish you could have the perfect picture with your pet on your wedding day?
Have a larger-than-life cutout of their photo printed to keep in the photobooth.
You and your guests can take pictures with your pet’s image throughout the event, which is the next best thing to having them there in front of the camera with you.
Add Their Collar Tag to Your Bouquet
A more sentimental option is to incorporate your pet’s collar tag into your wedding bouquet.
As you carry your bouquet down the aisle, you’ll feel your pet’s presence in this monumental life event.
Alternately, you can also carry a photo of your pet in a locket, whether wrapped on your bouquet or worn in a necklace or bracelet.
As your family grows and becomes official, your pet will be with you in spirit, no matter how near or far they may be.
Trust Every Detail to Rosen Weddings
At Rosen Weddings, we believe that your wedding should be personalized to you, your partner, and the things that mean the most to you – pets included.
We’re happy to help you think of ways to include your pet in your wedding day that will honor them with love, and maybe a little humor. They are, after all, a part of the family.
