Have you considered having a dog ring bearer? If your answer is yes, then you are not alone! I can't even begin to tell you how many of our couples choose to have their dog involved in their wedding. And I totally get it. Your dog is a part of the family; he is your fur child and you want him to be involved in one of the biggest days of your life! I mean, you spend your days off taking him to the beach and dog park, you let him join you at restaurants and breweries, and he even has his own stocking as Christmas. Am I right?! Knowing he is such a big part of your life, why in the world wouldn't you have him be apart of the wedding?
While having your dog be a part of the wedding is such a fun experience, there are a few things you need to consider in order for it to run smoothly. Keep reading for our 7 tips for having a ring bearer dog in your wedding. Trust me, you will be glad you did.
TIP 1: Make Sure He Is Well Trained.
While this may sound like common sense, there are a lot of of dogs who are angels when it's you and your fiancé, but aren't on their best behavior when there are a lot of people around. In fact, I've actually been bit by a dog at a wedding! With that being said, make sure you dog is comfortable around large groups of people and is able to listen to people other than you and your fiancé.
TIP 2: Don't Forget A Cute Outfit.
You know we had to go there. If your dog is going to be the ring bearer, he needs to dress the part. Consider getting him a doggie tuxedo, adding greenery to his collar, have him carry an adorable sign or, at the vary least, get a new fancy leash for him.
TIP 3: Don't Give Him The Actual Ring.
Don't trust your pup with your expensive rings, instead, consider purchasing inexpensive, fake rings for him to carry or simple don't have him carry anything. You don't want to risk your dog not making it to the front of the aisle or risk him getting excited, running off, or going for a swim with your expensive rings.
TIP 4: Assign A Walk Buddy.
No matter how well trained your dog ring bearer may be, I wouldn't recommend having him walk down the aisle alone. Instead, consider having the flower girl, a junior bridesmaid or the 'actual' ring bearer walk him down the aisle. This is a great way to ensure your pup makes it from point A to point B, and I promise that who ever walks him down the aisle will love the task!
TIP 5: Assign A 'Dog Handler.'
As much as you love your pup, you aren't going to have time to watch over him before the ceremony. I highly recommend putting a good friend on 'puppy duty' for the entire time your dog with be at the wedding. This person will then look after your dog before the ceremony, will ensure he gets down the aisle, will hold on to him during the ceremony, and will take him where ever he needs to go after the wedding.
Oh, and don't forget to give this person some extra puppy treats to help with the job!
TIP 6: Include Him In Photos
You are including your dog in the wedding because he is a part of the family, so it only makes sense that he is apart of family photos! Have your 'dog handler' bring him over for a few formal and fun photos before he heads out for the day. And let's be real, at least one of these will end up in a frame after the wedding. ;)
TIP 7: Have A Plan For After The Ceremony
I know you love your dog, but having him wonder around at the reception isn't ideal for anyone. With that being said, be sure you have a plan for your dog ring bearer after the ceremony. This could anything from having a crate in your hotel hotel, dropping him back off at your home, or checking him into a local doggie day care for the night. Remember that friend you assigned to take care of your pup through out the day? They can also be in charge of getting him where he needs to go at the end of the night. This way you know your dog is taken care of and you can fully enjoy your amazing wedding day.
