A dog is often man’s finest companion, and people cherish their pets as family members rather than simple beasts. Dogs provide their owners with unrivaled love, loyalty, and companionship. Hence, when it's time to plan a wedding, which is undoubtedly one of the biggest days of your life, it's completely logical to have your beloved pet included. Your fluffy friend can be a part of your celebration in different ways, like envisioning him walking down the aisle or striking a pose for the camera. 

Imagine your ‘paw-some’ best friend metaphorically dressed to the nines and carrying down the aisle, the wedding rings in his paws. This greatly adorable sight would not just melt the hearts of your guests, it will also produce the most priceless wedding pictures. If your dog is obedient and willing to wear a tiny outfit or a doggie backpack, your pooch will surely be able to accomplish this task. Now, this is why a growing number of couples include their pets (in this case dogs) to play the role of a ring bearer as a fun, novel, and different spin off a classic wedding ceremony.

Naturally, training your dog for the occasion requires some preparation. You will have to make sure that they are willing to wear a light accessory or carry the rings. For additional precaution, you can place the rings in a pouch or use a leash to tether them so there is no chance of them getting distracted during the ceremony.

It hardly needs saying that wedding photos contribute to one of the most memorable aspects of your big day. To further enhance these memorable events, why not feature your dog in the pictures? Be it a formal picture of you, your spouse and your dog, or your pet’s candid moment while resting next to you- all of these events will contribute to the character and attractiveness of your wedding album.

Make sure to inform your wedding photographer in advance if you would like your dog to be part of the photos. Remember that wedding photographers are used to shooting pets as well, so they will be able to help you with your dog’s position so that the picture is not spoiled by their presence.

To include your dog in your activities for the day, make sure to look for a wedding venue that is pet-friendly. Many venues have opened their doors to pets, permitting them to be a part of the celebration from the rites to the reception. Farms and garden venues are generally the most pet-friendly, but some indoor venues welcome pets.

Make sure to check the venue’s rules on pets, as some have specific restrictions. Some places may ask that pets remain leashed at all times, while others may have limits on where pets are allowed. Make sure the venue is pet-friendly but also comfortable for your dog. You do not want your dog feeling stressed on such an important day.

As the reception includes dancing, music, and a generally lively mood, you might as well let your pet join in on the celebration. To incorporate their dog in the festivities, a lot of couples plan out special moments such as toasts or “first dances” with their dog. These moments can either be just walking around the reception area with their dog or letting their dog briefly take the spotlight.

If you are having a wedding cake, consider ordering a special treat for your dog as well. Some bakeries offer specialty cakes and treats for pets that use pet-friendly ingredients. That way, your dog can also enjoy his special moment.

If your dog enjoys being the center of attention and is well-mannered, you can assign them a special role on the wedding day. For instance, they can take on the role of ‘the greeter’ as they welcome guests to the ceremony by wagging their tails and giving kisses. If you prefer a more personal ceremony, your dog can be a plus-one for your best friend or even accompany you to the altar to say your vows.

While planning these roles, make sure to factor your dog’s nature into consideration. Not all dogs enjoy and can handle attention from crowds. If your dog is socially anxious, it may be ideal to let them stay home while you celebrate your special day.