How To Make Your Pet A Part Of Your Wedding Without Stressing Them Out

If you have a pet, you know that they are not mere animals, but a part of your family. And similarly, for a lot of couples today, pets are an unmissable part of any celebration. So it’s only natural that they would also want them to be a part of one of the biggest days of their lives. Whether it’s walking down the aisle, showing up in wedding portraits or making a surprise appearance during the reception, furry family members are finding their way into weddings more than ever before.

But as cute as those moments look, planners say there’s a lot that goes into making sure the experience is enjoyable for both the pet and the people around them. Here’s what to keep in mind when including your pet at your wedding:

Start with your pet, not the photos

Before finding ways of trying to involve your pet on your big day, the one question that every couple should ask themselves is whether the pet will be able to actually enjoy the day and that is what Devanshi Devanshi, Founder, Shreem Events, also says in the first step towards planning a pet-friendly wedding.

“Just like every couple is different, every pet has a different personality. Some absolutely love people, music and attention, while others feel happiest in familiar, quieter surroundings. We always encourage couples to plan around their pet’s comfort rather than expecting the pet to adapt to the wedding.

We’ve planned celebrations where pets have been ring bearers, walked down the aisle with the couple, featured in pre-wedding portraits and even made surprise appearances during intimate family moments. But what made those moments memorable wasn’t the novelty, it was how naturally they reflected the family’s story.

Today, pets are family. Including them isn’t about creating a social media moment; it’s about making sure every member of the family is part of one of life’s biggest milestones.”

The planning begins long before the wedding day

If it’s a destination wedding, getting your pet there comfortably is one of the biggest things to think about.

According to Zashank Zashank, Director, TailorMade Experiences, “for us, it is important to also think about how to get your pets to the location. Don’t experiment as there is always a change in space and pets are slightly agitated. They can’t travel in the cabin of a flight. So the best way for them would be via road or via trains in the first-class cabin (where dogs are allowed as long as they stay within the cabin).”

He adds that couples should also pick venues that genuinely welcome pets. “Mostly pet friendly weddings are where we have seen the bride or the groom get their pet. This is increasing by the day where they are a family member and insist on choosing a venue where pets are allowed.

Even 5 star hotels have now started allowing pets via special permissions. Making the pet part of the wedding.”

Devanshi says planners also spend time understanding the venue before finalising anything. “One of the very first things we do is check with the venue or hotel to ensure they are genuinely pet-friendly and understand their policies well in advance. Once that’s confirmed, we carefully map out the spaces that would work best for the pet whether it’s a quiet resting area, designated walking zones, shaded outdoor spaces, or easy access points away from large crowds. We also take their routine into account, including feeding schedules, water stations, treats and any specific dietary requirements, so they’re as comfortable as every other guest.

For us, pets are never treated as an afterthought or an accessory to the celebration they’re family. Just like we thoughtfully plan the experience for parents, grandparents and children, we believe our furry family members deserve the same level of care, comfort and consideration.”

Every pet needs a designated caretaker

One thing both planners strongly recommend is having someone whose only job is looking after the pet. Zashank says, “Food & care at the venue —keep a dedicated person who the pet is used to, don’t experiment as there is always a change in space and pets are slightly agitated and getting used to the new space.”

Devanshi agrees, saying, “We also ensure there’s a trusted pet handler or someone the pet already knows, so the couple can enjoy their wedding without constantly worrying.

The timeline is equally important. We schedule the pet’s appearance during calmer moments, perhaps the ceremony, family portraits or the couple’s entrance rather than expecting them to stay through hours of celebrations.”

Expect a few surprises

Unlike people, pets don’t follow a wedding schedule. Devanshi says, “The biggest challenge is unpredictability and that’s completely normal because animals don’t work according to event timelines.

We’ve learned that flexibility is everything. Weather changes, loud baraats, fireworks, unfamiliar crowds or long ceremonies can easily overwhelm a pet.

That’s why we always recommend having a dedicated handler, carrying familiar toys, treats and water, scheduling breaks and, most importantly, having a backup plan. If your pet decides they’ve had enough after twenty minutes, that’s perfectly okay.

As planners, we always create Plan A, Plan B and even Plan C because weddings are live events. The goal isn’t forcing a perfect photograph; it’s ensuring your pet has a positive experience.

Ironically, the most beautiful moments are often the completely unplanned ones, a dog running happily towards the couple or quietly sitting beside them during the pheras. Those are the memories families cherish forever.”

Zashank also points out that before planning a pet-friendly wedding there are certain practical things that need to be considered. “Travel (make sure the comfort of the travel is taken care of). Conditions at the wedding (avoid extreme & different climate for them) eg extreme heat to extreme cold.

Comfort of other guests, there are more guests and some may be petrified of pets make sure you have enough training for them that they listen to someone & behave. If it’s a hotel make sure the pets behave & don’t spoil the furniture inside the rooms as it may cost you a bomb.”

There are plenty of fun ways to include them

The obvious choice is making them the ring bearer, but there are lots of other ideas too. Zashank suggests walking the bride or groom, making the entry together, including them in a sangeet performance, involving them in pre-wedding shoots or having them join reception photographs.

Devanshi says pets can also become part of the wedding without attending every event. “We’ve loved incorporating them into welcome stationery, wedding illustrations, custom monograms, invitation suites, cake details, signature cocktails named after them, personalised favours and even photo installations that celebrate the family’s journey together.

If the pet enjoys social interaction, they can walk down the aisle, bring the rings with a handler, join for family portraits or be part of the couple’s first look.

If they’re more reserved, they don’t have to physically attend every event to be deeply present in the wedding story.

The most memorable weddings are always the ones filled with personal details that only the couple and their loved ones truly understand. Pets naturally become one of those beautiful storytelling elements.”

Keep their happiness first

One common mistake couples make is trying to involve their pet in every single event. Zashank says, “Some hotels do allow pets & some do not. Not all pets enjoy so much company of 500-1000 people. Hence it’s important to have a dedicated room for them at the venue, have their favourite pet sitter or house help to manage it.

Sometimes pets feel sad when the guests are themselves busy on their big day. It’s important to ensure you have the pet there when you have the time, not when there are back to back events and because of this things may get late.

It’s also important to figure walking areas inside the hotels/destinations as some places have restrictions. Make sure permissions are in place & make sure they are trained to be taken out.”

Devanshi sums it up perfectly. “The advice I always give is simple: put your pet’s happiness before the photograph.

Sometimes couples become so excited about including their pet that they unintentionally forget the experience from the animal’s perspective.

Avoid dressing them in uncomfortable outfits, forcing them to stay through long ceremonies, exposing them to loud music or introducing them to hundreds of strangers all at once. Instead, let them participate in short, meaningful moments and then return to a calm, familiar environment.

As a luxury wedding planner, I’ve always believed that the most memorable celebrations aren’t defined by grand gestures, they're defined by authenticity. When a couple’s love extends to every member of their family, including their pet, guests genuinely feel that warmth. Those are the weddings people remember long after the flowers are gone.”