Apr
Should My Dog Attend My Wedding? – A Best Friend Dilemma
Should my best friend come to the wedding?
Written by Angela Steel-Thomson
‘Definitely no!’ my fiancé exclaimed ‘She’s just too crazy, her behaviour just wouldn’t be appropriate at our wedding!’
‘Plus’, my mother added, wrinkling her nose, ‘her hygiene leaves little to be desired, and…ahem…what about her flatulence problem?’
Of course both were right, but Susie WAS my best friend, we’d known each other for over seven years and, okay, so she was pretty mad and could get a bit loud sometimes. And yes, perhaps she did need a little help with the…wind …thing; but she had been there for me, through good times and bad; we shared everything, so why couldn’t she share my special day? Well, because Suzie was a dog, a beautiful and highly intelligent one, but nevertheless a dog, and unfortunately when I got married it just wasn’t the ‘done thing’ to have a canine present at your nuptials; but scoot forward a few years and it appears that suddenly man’s (and woman’s) best friend is enjoying a higher profile when it comes to tying the knot.
Weddings have certainly changed over the years. Once a purely formal affair it appears now almost anything goes; we can write our own vows, choose weird and wonderful venues and create our own dress codes. More importantly, the strict rules and regulations that governed weddings in the past have now been considerably relaxed and Church of England priests have even been given the power to include
dogs in the wedding service. So, how do you go about incorporating your four-legged companion into such a special occasion?
Firstly, it is of course important that you clear with all relevant parties (church, reception venue etc) that your dog will be accepted on their premises – there may be strict conditions that you will need to adhere to, but generally if you factor in dog-friendly establishments at the outset, then there should be no problems.
Think about what role, if any, your best friend is to play in the ceremony. From ring bearer to bridesmaid, best man to maid of honour – the choice is entirely yours. Careful planning is vital though; for example, if your dog is to be a ring bearer, how are the rings to be presented? Tied around their neck on a pretty ribbon, or placed on a cushion on their back? If they are to be a bridesmaid, where will they be positioned?
Also, how well behaved is your best friend? You might normally find it perfectly acceptable for your dog to frenziedly tear around the park, bark at strangers or sniff inappropriately at the crotch of a visiting insurance salesman; but this sort of behaviour would create havoc at your wedding. Therefore, unless your dog is impeccably well behaved, it is prudent that you think about hiring the services of a good dog trainer; regardless of how much you might love your dog’s mischievous antics it is only a well-trained and responsive dog that should be invited to such an important occasion.
Professional trainers can be found using a wide range of resources; the Internet, yellow pages, adverts in pet stores and veterinary clinics – the list is endless. However, it is important to research them properly and only use those accredited with the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) It is also advisable to allow at least six months before your wedding date to discuss your plans with the trainer, this will then allow time for them to assess your dog’s behaviour, develop a training plan and incorporate any specific individual requirements.
One very important factor is to ensure you have a suitable ‘dog chaperone’. This is crucial as your pet will need supervision and adequate periods of ‘time-out’ to allow for toilet breaks, refreshments and also perhaps simply some quiet time alone as the whole experience may be just that little bit too overwhelming! If you have hired a dog trainer, perhaps they could stand in (for a small fee of course!). Failing that, there are many professional dog handlers to be found; again, do your research beforehand.
And now for the real fun part…dressing your dog! You can be as bold and outrageous, or reserved and refined, as you want. There are now hundreds of retailers selling doggie wedding outfits and accessories; the Internet is full of them, and also there are many high street shops where you can turn up for that ‘hands-on’ experience.
From a tuxedo to a bridesmaid’s dress, sparkling jewelled collars to a simple bow-tie or even bespoke designer attire you are limited only by imagination; although it is probably wise to apply more of that doggie common sense and not overwhelm your pet!
You may also want to consider a pre-wedding pamper session – while you’re having your hair and make-up applied, why not book your best friend into a pooch parlour or have a private dog- groomer apply those so important final touches? After all, you don’t want your pet embarrassed by having dirty nails or excess facial hair!
So, all in all, if things had been different would I still have invited Suzie to my wedding? Of course I would. Dogs are our loyal companions and a great source of calm and reassurance to us in times of stress; we include them in all aspects of our life and to many they are true members of the family. So why not include them in this special ceremony that unites and seals that family bond? Oh, and her wind problem? Well, thankfully the pet pharmaceutical trade has also improved with time!
I will TOTALLY include my chihuaha in my wedding. I plan for her to be a bridesmaid and stay for the ceremony and photographs – they someone will take her home and look after her until the day after.
You can buy bespoke, made-to-order wedding collars for your dog here: http://www.petitepoochfashion.com and that’s what my dog will be wearing. She’s one of the most important people in my life so of course she’ll be there!