It is more than puppy love, it is a family bond. Weddings are no longer confined to two love-struck people but now open to their families and even their furry little friends. Dogs are greatly treasured family members with their own spot in your hearts and they are sociable, fun companions and can be easily trained. They are cute and very adorable but including them as part of your solemn and intimate wedding ceremonies, take a lot of consideration on your dogs and guests.

Dogs are great pets and as they may be willing to participate on your great joy as man and wife, couples should consider planning for their dogs’ wedding roles, training and accessories for the big day. Being in a new environment especially weddings that held outside your home may take a toll on your pets as they may be wary or apprehensive to the area as well as the numerous people in the wedding.

Pick a suitable wedding role for them, include your dogs during your rehearsals and observe how they react to the occasion. If they bark around to unfamiliar guests, easily distracted by children or the decorations and you doubt that they may be unable to stop themselves from playing, it is best to shelter them in the comfort of your home.

However, if your dogs are in good behavior and can interact smoothly with the crowd and new place; find a comfortable spot for your dog in the audience and see to it that he can move around or settle with ease. You may choose to put a leash on your dogs especially if little children or other pets are present.

Your wedding day will be more enjoyable for your dogs if a familiar companion will lend an extra hand in guiding them throughout the ceremonies. The occasion may call for added help in guiding your pets to their respective roles as a ring bearer, usher or simply as honored guests. As you will be occupied by the wedding vows, allow a relative or a friend to keep watch and entertain the needs of your pets like dog food and treats. Shower your love and care to your dogs by putting glamour, fashion and comfort in their wedding tuxes. You can accessorize your pets with dog wings, collar bow ties with your wedding theme color and dog hair bows to make them look good. As for being cuddly ring-bearers, you can attach ring pillows with an organza of ruffles and of different sizes on your canine pals.

Couples, enthusiastic about bringing along their pets, maybe troubled by the fact that not every guest will share their enthusiasm and are uncomfortable with pets. Allergies and bad encounters on pets may have caused them to be uneasy so it is best to inform them beforehand that you are bringing along a canine companion for the wedding ceremonies in your invitation letter. Consider first the approval and blessing of your wedding minister and explain the role your pets will participate in. Take note also of your wedding location if pets are allowed and if they have facilities that will take care of your dogs’ needs like rest room and wide open spaces. It is best to have an outdoor wedding in the park, garden, beach or in your own home as this will be more friendly and comfortable to them.

Dogs as part of the bridal entourage or guests honoring the celebration are one of the current and nontraditional ways of having a wedding. It is a healthy way of fostering bond with your family. They are man’s best friends and nothing can match a dog’s loyalty to his buddy, right? So enjoy your wedding by caring for the welfare of your pets and sharing the enthusiasm of having them to your guests. It takes a lot but it’s all worth the effort.

Author’s Note: Some pets do not like being around other people, noisy areas, or general commotion. As a responsible pet owner, please do not allow your pet to remain in uncomfortable situations. Sometimes, he or she is better at home.