Are you a huge animal lover? Then give those fluffy friends a nice part in your wedding. We give you the dos and don’ts. So read on for some pet-able inspiration. Firstly you have to decide which part the animal is going to play on your big day. Would you like to use your own pet? Or will you look for special wedding animals like white doves or horses for a carriage?
The ring bearer
A cushion for the rings is a must on every wedding, but how will you get it to the altar? This is a great task for your own pet. But you will have to train your little friend for it. How do you do that?
Dog
Dogs are the easiest to train to be the ring bearer. Take a ribbon and attach the pillow to the dog’s collar or wrap it around the dog’s waist. Also don’t forget that you will need someone to accompany the dog, just in case it doesn't go quite as planned. To have a couple dog treats nearby is always a good idea. Train with your dog a couple times before the big day; make sure the dog knows exactly what it’s supposed to do. This way you make sure you won’t have to deal with any surprises. Another great thing about using your dog is that dogs are easy to dress up nicely in the style of your wedding. A cute skirt or a bow will give it that finishing touch. Again though, make sure the dog accepts it first. Some dogs don’t like to be dressed up.
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Cat
Cats are stubborn little creatures. You probably know best yourself whether your cat is suitable to be a ring bearer. A cat often does its own thing and doesn’t care for orders much. As a ring bearer a cat might therefore not be the best choice. So look at some other options too. You could have the master of ceremony or another guest bring the rings together with the cat for example. But it won’t be as spectacular as a dog. Still want to give your cat a part at your wedding? Make sure the photographer takes some great pictures!
Birds of prey
Birds are perfect animals to train. Especially birds of prey that are trained by professional falconers are a great pick. Think eagles, a gorgeous owl or an Aquila: everything is possible. Contact a falconer near you and don’t forget to check whether the venue you picked for your wedding allows birds of prey.
Doves
Popular at Christian weddings: the white wedding doves. Originally, releasing white doves at your wedding symbolizes the Holy Spirit. Nowadays it’s a beautiful spectacle that symbolizes something else for everybody. But mostly it’s still a symbol for peace, happiness, prosperity and purity. You can release the doves from your hands or from a beautiful cage or basket. It surely guarantees gorgeous wedding pictures when there are doves! Have a look in our vendor directory for a pigeon-fancier near you.
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Horses
It will be like a fairy tale, having a carriage with horses. These noble four-footers are easy to use as transportation on your big day. Did you strike a real prince or princess on a white horse? Then just ride the horse together. To be able to ride a horse you will need some basic know-how, so don’t forget to take some lessons upfront. Also remember that the lady will have to get on in (most-likely) a dress! You do have special saddles for this so that she can sit sideways. But it is never a bad idea to give riding in a dress some practice before the wedding day. Look here for different kinds of horses and chariots.
Dos and don’ts
- Make sure beforehand animals are allowed at your wedding venue of choice. Nothing would be worse than being sent away with your animal on the day itself.
- Appoint someone that is ‘responsible’ for the animal and bring the animal home on time.
- Make sure no one is allergic.
- Bring the pet/animal to the venue a couple times before the big day. This way the animal can get used to the smells and impressions of the location. This will give some peace and calm on the actual day and will increase the chances of success!
- Don’t dress up the animal until minutes before the ceremony. You wouldn’t want the poor thing to run off with the rings or play around in the mud wearing a beautiful white bow?
- Last but not least and maybe even the most important: don’t ask too much of the animal. It isn’t a circus act so make sure you know what the possibilities are and be realistic about that. Don’t overburden the animal.