If there is one thing we love more than weddings, its dogs. But if you’re talking about ways to include your dog in your wedding, we are ALL.OVER.THAT! We are dog people over here at Burgh Brides and couples who love them just as much as we do are totally our kind of people. While we bond over wet noses, wagging tails, and floppy ears, you can check out these nine ways to incorporate your furry friend into your celebration.

P.S. Be sure to check out our Pet Care category in the Burgh Brides Vendor Guide! We share our recommendations for pet care companies who can help take care of chauffeuring your dog to and from the venue, dog chaperoning, photo and ceremony assistance, rehearsal day assistance, house and dog sitting, and much, much more.

Take Engagement Photos With Them

No e-session is complete without a furry friend making an appearance. Show off your “family” by inviting your pup to join you for a few shots. Be creative and give your pet some cute props to “hold” or dress him or her a custom bandana bearing your wedding date. If they are really talented, balance your engagement ring on their nose. Wet dog noses + diamond rings = two of our favorite things coming together.

Incorporate Them Into Your Stationery

Whether it’s their photo on the Save the Date or a sophisticated letterpress doggy detail on your invitation (like this one from Blush Paper Co.), put your pup on your stationery for a personalized touch. You’ll set the tone for your wedding day and remind your guests just how deep your love for your pet runs.

Include Them in the Wedding Party

Bestow the highest honor upon your pup! Instead of a best man or maid of honor, have (wo)man’s best friend stand beside you as you exchange vows. Or send your pooch down the aisle with a floral collar around their necks and a basket of flower petals in their mouth. Elect a wedding party member or close relative to be a doggie handler in case things start to get a little crazy!

Display Their Photos

If you aren’t getting married at a dog-friendly Pittsburgh wedding venue, let your furry baby be there in spirit by showing off a few photos of him or her. Add a few to the guest book table, incorporate them into your table numbers, or get wild with a life size cardboard cutout (surprisingly, they aren’t that expensive.). Then your best friend can be by your side (in spirit) the entire day!

Feature Them on Your Cake

There isn’t anything sweeter than a dog’s love, so why not include him or her in the tastiest part of your wedding day? Hit up Etsy for a custom cake topper made in your fur baby’s likeness. A pup-themed groom’s cake – which is traditionally displayed and enjoyed at the rehearsal dinner – would also be a nice surprise for any dog dad.

Donate To A Pet Charity

Skip traditional favors that usually get tossed and opt for a charitable donation in your pet’s names instead. Pick a local, pet-friendly non-profit that helps homeless pets find homes like Animal Friends, or one that caters to your favorite breed, like Hello Bully or Gentle Ben’s Giant Breed Rescue, that fosters large breed dogs until they find a new family.

Name A Signature Drink After Them

Raise a glass and toast to your favorite pet. If you’re serving a signature drink, rename it in honor of your best fur friend. It doesn’t matter what the drink is – you can call it whatever you want. Display the new name on a cute sign with a sketch or photo of your pet so your guests know just who they are drinking to!

Include Them In Your Getting Ready or Wedding Party Photos

If your ceremony location doesn’t welcome your pup, at least snap a few pics with him before or after. If you’re getting wedding ready at your home, get together before you put on that pristine gown. Or invite him or her to join the wedding party photos. Just watch out for muddy paws or untrimmed nails that could lead to a snag!

Create “Doggie Bags” For Other Four-Legged Friends

Whip up a few batches of homemade treats (these peanut butter oat homemade dog treats are a staff favorite), put them in a pretty jar with a note saying what they are (you don’t want guests thinking they are part of the cookie table!), and let guests fill up a small bag to take home to their pup. If you’re family members and friends are anything like you, they love their pooch too and they’ll absolutely love that you thought of theirs.