Ask Liz: How Do You Include a Bride's Best Friend?

He’s ready. Are you?

Dear Liz,

We are thinking about having our dog as the ring bearer for our wedding,  but I have concerns about the logistics of such an undertaking. Have you coordinated a wedding with a dog? If so, how have you seen it work out? How should he get down the aisle? Who will watch him during the ceremony/reception?

Signed, 

Barking Up the Wrong Aisle?

Dear Barking,

Your first step is asking  your venue manager if your dog can come to your wedding!  Some places don’t allow dogs on property, or only allow them in certain areas. CHECK. After you’ve found out if you can, then you can move on to “how.”  I’ve seen it work a couple of different ways. Your fiance can walk down with him, or his Best Man or your Maid of Honor can. Pick the person that he’s more familiar with. That way,  your dog is right there at the end of the aisle, with the rings, during the whole ceremony. If you can,  practice it during your rehearsal,  to figure out which “walker” works best.

You’re definitely going to have to have someone watch him during the reception, too.  Again, what’s the best solution? Where is he allowed to be in the reception area, and who’s the best person to handle him? You could have him sit with you two at your table, but is he going to be okay hanging out? Is he going to jump around or try to wander around? It’s important to stay realistic about how your dog’s going to behave during your wedding. You can’t count on him being any quieter and calmer than he would normally act around a lot of strangers and a lot of activity.  I’m serious. But, I  hope it works out, I’m sure it would make you happy, and you’ll get some great pictures. Let me know what happens.

See you at the end of the aisle,

– Liz

Remember: I have a booth at the Premier Bridal Show in Pasadena on Sunday, January 10. I’m raffling off prizes and scheduling consultations, so come by and say Hi. Use the discount code VNDR4 to get four free tickets when you register online.  Feel free to pass this code on, too. I’ll see you there!

Got a burning wedding question of your own? Email liz@silvercharmevents.com and let me know what’s up…