Bring your dog to your wedding? That’s barking

IT is one of the more bizarre wedding trends of recent times, where dog-loving couples bring their pet with them to walk down the aisle.

But while Fido may look adorable in the wedding photos, couples are being warned that not every dog should have its big day.

Animal welfare charity Dogs Trust has told owners that they should ‘view your day from your dog’s perspective’ and make a plan to ensure pets do not get too stressed by the nuptial celebrations.

It proposed steering clear of fancy, tiered fruit cakes or chocolate cakes, that could make dogs sick if guests decide to sneak them a few pieces, and to take care with the bridal flowers and floral centrepieces to make sure they are not toxic to dogs. This could seriously limit options as popular choices like Easter lilies and peonies are especially poisonous if ingested.

As well as investing in some dancing lessons for the groom, the Dogs Trust also suggested extra training classes for your pet before the occasion. Developing behaviours like greeting people politely and calmly would make the day pass more smoothly, it said.

It also advised appointing someone to be on ‘doggie duty’ so the bride and groom can relax, and designating a small space just for the dog, with their bed and some of their favourite toys, where they can get settled in an unfamiliar place. ‘It’s a huge compliment trusting someone with your dog, and the dog-savvy amongst your friends and family are likely to want to help make your day as special as it can be and might be keen to help,’ the advice said.

A spokesman added: ‘Some dogs might just simply feel better not coming along at all.

‘It is important to respect your dog’s feelings, so if they would struggle, then making plans for them to be elsewhere is a gift to them. You can involve them in other ways such as having different pictures of them as your table centrepieces.’