We are obsessed with our animal companions.Pets are considered family members, says Beverley Clark, author of Planning a Wedding to Remember. It’s not all that unusual for Fido to be a bridesmaid.
It has become a hot Hollywood trend. Meatball the bulldog accompanied actor Adam Sandler down the aisle in a tux. Rocker Gavin Rossdale was escorted by his florally embellished pooch Winston at his marriage to Gwen Stefani.
There are whole ranges of wedding attire for pampered hounds, and even wedding cakes available from upscale canine bakeries.
Here’s how to plan a stress-free day:
STEP 1 – Is Puppy Up To The Challenge?
Ensure that your pet is comfortable with large groups of people and doesn’t get frightened by loud noises, strange surroundings and lots of people, says Clark. Yappy, easily frightened pets should be left at home.
STEP 2 – Choose Your Pet’s Role
The most common role for a dog is ring bearer, wearing a ring bearing pillow. Or your pooch could be a flower-pup or groom pup – the accessories are available for every role imaginable.
STEP 3 – Does Your Venue Allow Pets?
Hold off buying that doggy tux until you’ve checked with your venue. Outdoor weddings are more common for dogs, but even then some locations will not allow animals.
STEP 4 – Appoint Someone to Doggy Duty
Assign an escort for your dog so it is fed, watered and business taken care of prior to walking down the aisle. You don’t want Fido making a mess. Gather together anything your pet might need, such as favourite toys and, ahem, everything needed for sanitary purposes. Make sure this person is clear on how much yapping is allowed, and that they are willing to leave the ceremony with the dog should puppy become an annoyance.
STEP 5 – Teach Your Dog its Role
If you are going to dress up your dog, it’s going to need to get accustomed to that costume. Dress them up a few months prior to the wedding and let them wander about the house in their costume. Start slowly, for five minutes initially, then work up to whatever time frame theyíll be in the costume for the ceremony, says Clark.
Get puppy accustomed to camera flashes – they are certain to get plenty of attention on the big day. Reward their performance with some succulent treat and lavish them with attention for a job well done.
Canine costume options are endless and a question of taste. Designer doggywear.com has tuxedos, bridesmaid dresses and a range of other accessories to ensure puppy looks the part.
