BARKING MAD?
The short answer is no. For many, a pet is part of the family and a wedding celebration is most certainly a family shindig.
Will you swap the best man for ‘man’s best friend’?
Involving your pet (namely, dogs) in your wedding ceremony, and having them there for the reception too, is increasingly popular. So much so that one of the first questions to be asked of venues is whether or not they are dog friendly. If you can’t find a venue that’ll allow your furry friend to attend, no problem. Backyard, farm and forest weddings will keep everyone happy.
We asked Kiwis how they involved, or plan to involve, their pet on their wedding day:
Faye Carey: Yes, I'm a dog trainer and my girl will definitely be our ring bearer Shaheda Khan: If Rover was alive... I'd keep him with me for the entire wedding ceremony Tania Hastelow: Yes, we had our five Siberian huskies with us after our ceremony! Debbie Hawker: He was our ring bearer!
Perfectly adorable ways to include your dog:
Use your pet to propose Let them star in your Save the Dates Include them in your engagement photoshoot Take a ‘ family’ just- married walk afterwards and get the photographer to take snaps Give them a special job, like sign holder or ring bearer Have your dog with you as you get ready Have them escort the maid of honour up the aisle Have them sit in line with groomsmen (in a doggy bow tie, of course!)
We love: (From left to right, top to bottom) Rocco & Co tuxedo bandana, $25; Fashion Touch Weddings dog wreath, via etsy, $51; Rocco & Co collar bow tie, $15; Chapman at Sea leash, $58; Natio Loving Care Pet Shampoo, $18; Rocco & Co bow tie, $10; Nomad Glitter dog wreath, via etsy, $54.