Here's what you thought about pageboy pooches and and feline flowergirls...
Our recent survey asked hundreds of brides-to-be if you plan to include your furry friends in your wedding. The answer was a resounding ‘I will’.
The majority of brides-to-be who filled in the survey own dogs, however nearly one in five of you are planning on bringing cats to your ceremony. Three percent are bringing your horses or ponies as guests, while other brides have made arrangements for your rabbits, guinea pigs, parrots and even lovebirds to share your big day.
The trend has grown thanks to celebrity wedding pets such as Winston, the Hungarian sheepdog owned by Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, John Barrowman’s tartan-bow wearing spaniels, and Adam Sandler’s bulldog ring bearer, Meatball.
But if the pets thought they were going to have an easy day, they’re in for a shock as you intend to give them some big responsibilities! Nearly all of you have planned special roles for your pet, which range from the more ‘traditional’ ring bearer duties, to ushers, flower bunnies and even chief cake testers! Forty three percent have given your pet an official title like ‘Pet of Honour’.
Then there’s the issue of what to wear… 79% of you animal-loving brides-to-plan to dress up your pet in a special wedding outfit. Ranging from collars decorated with flowers and ribbons, to complete mini tuxedos or bridesmaid dresses. As a result, the pet wedding outfit market is booming. And if you need some wedding fashion inspiration for your pet, click here to see our gallery!
Unfortunately, whilst more brides are involving their pets in weddings, other members of the family don't always share your enthusiasm, according to the survey. Nearly a fifth of you said you'd disagreed with your fiancé about the issue, and the friends and family of a third of you have tried to talk you out of it!
Surprisingly, very few of you have encountered problems convincing the venue, photographer or registrar/priest to allow your pets to be part of the ceremony, and 92% plan to include your animals in your wedding photos.
These are our top tips for having pets at your wedding:
Check with your celebrant (e.g. registrar/priest) that they are happy to include your pet in the ceremony.
Get a pet-sitter who isn’t involved in the day to collect the pet before the reception starts – the noise and chaos of the party might over-excite or distress your pet.
Is your pet good with people? It might sound obvious, but if your pet is not comfortable around crowds or with children, it might not be in their best interests to bring them to the wedding.
Tell guests not to feed your pet at any time. Lots of wedding food, such as chocolate, fruit cake, meat on the bone and alcohol can all be dangerous for dogs, for example.
To see some of our favourite pet-friendly wedding photos (and to find out how you can see your pet wedding photos on the site!) click here
