As you plan your upcoming wedding, you probably want to find ways to include your most important family members, and your dogs are no exception. Luckily, there are plenty of fun and creative ways to include dogs in your wedding.

Include Them Early On

Include your dogs in the wedding festivities right from the start by letting them get in on your engagement photoshoot. Search for a photographer who is comfortable shooting both people and animals, and then create a few poses that show off how important your dogs are to you and your future spouse. If you plan to use one of your photos on your save-the-date announcement, have your dogs wear signs that show the date of your wedding and your initials for a bit of creative flair.

Don’t Stop With Engagement Photos

After you and your new spouse have taken your formal wedding party photos and gotten some great shots of just the two of you together, let your dogs get in on the action. Pick up small or medium dogs and let large ones pose beside you. You can pose together or simply get some candid action shots of you and your partner playing with the dogs.

 Incorporate Them Into the Ceremony

Lots of people choose to actually have their dogs be a part of the ceremony. Your dogs can do various jobs, but consider how well they are trained and how much they like people before deciding which dog gets which job.

• Stand next to a sign that directs guests to choose a seat.
• Have them walk with guests to “usher” them to their seats.
• Let your dogs be “flower dogs” or walk the rings down the aisle.
• Allow them to stand with the attendants.
• Have them walk the couple down the aisle.

Very young dogs may need to be leashed and carried down the aisle, but they can still be a part of the special day. If you have older dogs or dogs who otherwise need assistance, consider having another person pull them down the aisle in a decorated wagon.

Have Them Help at the Reception

If your dogs are part of the engagement photos, wedding photos and ceremony, they should get to join in the fun of the reception as well. If children will be attending your wedding and your dogs like kids, set up a play area for the kids to play with and pet your dogs. Do they do tricks or are they small enough to hold? If so, you may consider creating a special dance to a favorite song and have your dogs act as your dance partners. You could even have your baker create a smaller, dog-friendly version of your wedding cake so they can each have a piece.

Things to Keep in Mind

When having your dog be a part of your wedding, you have to consider some possible limitations. Does your venue and reception area allow pets? Let your guests know that dogs will be present at the wedding in case anyone is allergic or simply would prefer to be seated away from the dogs—unfortunately, not everybody loves them as much as you do. Hire someone to help you take care of your dogs during the day. They will need food, water and bathroom breaks just like any other day, something you probably won’t have time to handle yourself. Don’t forget to take them to the vet prior to the wedding to ensure they are well groomed, in good health and that all shots are up to date.

As with any other aspect of your wedding, you can include your dogs as much or as little as you like as long as you, your partner and your dogs are all comfortable and happy. Get creative with their roles and bring lots of treats, and you all are sure to have a day you’ll remember forever.