Including Our Furry Family Members in a Wedding
For many of us, our pets are a part of the family. At a wedding you invite family. So is there a place for our furry loved ones?
Or what if you simply love animals and want to incorporate that element of nature into your big day?
Of course there are some animals with a personality and temperament that would not go down well in a wedding venue but putting those characters aside let’s talk about what we should consider before incorporating animals, including pets into a wedding ceremony.
Consider the Venue
This is the first thing that needs to be considered. Not all venues allow animals, so you need to make sure that you choose a location that is pet-friendly. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, such as in a park or a garden, then it’s likely that animals are welcome but you would still need to check with the local council and be aware of any restrictions.
Consider the Animal
While you may desperately want your cuddly feline to be there by your side, it’s important to remember that not all animals are suitable for a wedding. Some may have a particularly hard time and could end up taking off and getting lost. Make sure your animal is well-behaved, calm, and won’t cause any disruptions during the ceremony or reception. Dogs and cats are the most popular choices, but many will bring in other animals to add to the aesthetics or to promote a natural theme and in that case horses, birds, or even llamas are popular choices.
Loud music, large crowds, and unfamiliar surroundings can be stressful for some animals, so it’s important to make sure they have the right temperament and even if you think they do, that you prepare them. You could for example bring them to the venue before the big day so that they get used to the place.
Plan for the Animal’s Comfort
It is vitally important that you plan for the comfort of the animal/s. Do they have everything they need? Food, water, shade, a comfortable place to rest.
So how might you involve an animal in a wedding ceremony? There are a few ways:
Puppy Dog Wedding Celebrant
No! Stop! We’re kidding about that one. You’ll need a certified, qualified, verified, Australian accredited, Marriage Celebrant that is human. A monkey using sign language to ask “Do you…” would be pretty cool though!
Ring Bearing
Not kidding about this one. You could have your dog walk down the aisle with the flower girl or ring bearer, or even carry the rings themselves if well-trained and they aren’t going to run off with them.
Greeter/Usher
You could have your pet acting as a “greeter” or usher. Of course we’re not talking about talking animals walking on their hind legs and personally escorting guests to their seats like they were actors in “George of the Jungle” or “Dr. Doolittle” but with the right human guide they could play a helper’s role.
Petting Zoo
A petting zoo with baby animals is a fun idea for a reception. There’s something about sharing space with baby animals that calms the senses and makes the world feel okay.
Entertainment
We’re not talking about using and abusing animals here but if you have a people friendly pet that could join in with wedding photos, or perform tricks then that could leave a great impression upon the guests while also ensuring that your BFF (Beast Friend Forever) has a place in the photo albums and memories of the day.
A Guest – No More No Less
Or, you could simply bring your pet to the wedding as a guest with no added pressure. Let your cat sit on your lap. Let your lamas mingle with the guests. Let your pet tarantula sit with the mother-in-law!
Incorporating animals into your wedding can be a wonderful and memorable experience. Just make sure that you plan ahead, make sure your pet is up for it or that you choose the right animal, and that you take their wellbeing and comfort into consideration.
So, you’re a human and you’re thinking “maybe I could do this wedding celebrancy thing!” Hit Rose Training Australia up today and they’ll let you know more.
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