Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting chapters of your life—and if you share your home with a beloved pet, it’s only natural to want them included on your big day. For many couples, dogs, cats, and even birds are true family members, woven into daily life and cherished milestones.
However, while the idea of having your pet physically present at your wedding is heart-warming, it’s not always practical. Some venues have strict pet policies, and others may not be suitable environments for animals due to crowds, noise, or long timelines. Some pets simply feel safer and happier at home—and that’s okay.
The good news? There are countless creative and meaningful ways to include your pet in your wedding, even if they can’t attend in person.
At Big Day Productions, we’ve documented many weddings where couples beautifully honoured their pets through thoughtful details that translated wonderfully into photographs and films.
Below are our favourite ideas to help you celebrate your fur baby while keeping everyone—pets and people—comfortable.
Creative Ways to Include Pets in Your Wedding
1. Name Signature Cocktails After Your Pet
One of the most popular and guest-approved ideas is naming your signature drinks after your dog or cat.
- Adds a personal, playful touch to the bar
- Sparks conversation among guests
- Easily styled with custom signage or illustrations
From a photography perspective, these details are perfect for candid bar shots and flat-lay images.
2. Pet-Inspired Cake Toppers
Custom cake toppers featuring your pet are a subtle yet charming way to include them in your celebration.
- Options range from illustrated silhouettes to realistic figurines
- Can be kept as a keepsake after the wedding
- Adds personality to traditional cake designs
These small details often become favourites in close-up wedding photography.
3. Customised Cookies or Favours
Pet-shaped or pet-inspired cookies are a delightful way to honour your furry friend.
- Ideal as dessert additions or guest favours
- Can resemble your pet’s markings or breed
- Memorable and highly Instagram-friendly
While they can be an investment, the emotional impact and guest reactions often make them worthwhile.
4. Include Pets in Your Engagement Photos
Engagement sessions are one of the best opportunities to involve your pet directly.
- Less pressure than the wedding day
- Familiar environment keeps pets relaxed
- Results in meaningful images you can use throughout your wedding
Always check with your photographer and venue ahead of time, and consider bringing an extra helper to manage your pet during the session.
At Big Day Productions, we regularly guide couples through pet-friendly engagement shoots.
5. Getting-Ready Moments With Your Pet
If your pet isn’t suited for crowds, spending time with them while getting ready can be incredibly special.
- Calm, intimate moments before the ceremony
- Natural, emotional imagery
- A beautiful alternative to having them attend the ceremony
These quiet interactions often become some of the most heartfelt frames in a wedding gallery.
6. Pet-Themed Table Centrepieces
Personalised centrepieces inspired by your pet can subtly weave them into the décor.
Ideas include:
- Framed illustrations or photographs on tables
- Paw-print motifs paired with florals
- Colours or textures inspired by your pet
These details elevate the tablescape and add a personal narrative to the reception space.
7. Custom Desserts Inspired by Your Pet
In addition to the main cake, couples often include pet-themed desserts.
- Cupcakes with illustrated toppers
- A second cake inspired by your pet
- Biscuits shaped like paws or bones
These touches photograph beautifully and feel playful without overpowering the design.
8. Feature Your Pet on Signage and Paper Goods
Wedding signage is a fantastic place to showcase your pet’s personality.
You can include them on:
- Welcome signs
- Cocktail menus
- Napkins, coasters, or drink stirrers
This approach creates cohesion across your wedding design and tells guests exactly who holds a special place in your hearts.
9. Wedding Stationery With Pet Details
Stationery is one of the most sentimental ways to include your pet.
Popular ideas include:
- Illustrated pets on Save the Dates
- Paw-print place cards
- Envelope liners with custom artwork
These details surprise guests in the most delightful way and create meaningful keepsakes.
10. Pet-Inspired Accessories
If you want to keep your pet close throughout the day, accessories are a subtle solution.
Examples include:
- Jewellery engraved with a pet motif
- Cufflinks or pocket squares inspired by your pet
- Hairpieces or charms
These personal items often carry emotional significance and are perfect for detail photography.
11. Commission a Pet Illustration
Hiring an artist to create a custom illustration of your pet “attending” your wedding is a beautiful alternative to physical presence.
- Display it near the welcome table
- Incorporate it into signage or stationery
- Keep it as a lifelong keepsake
This is especially meaningful for elderly pets or those unable to travel.
12. Add Pet Props to the Photo Booth
Pet cut-outs make fantastic photo booth props.
- Adds humour and personality
- Encourages guest interaction
- Creates fun, memorable images
Oversized cut-outs of your dog or cat often become the most talked-about props of the night.
13. Include Pets in Pre-Wedding Celebrations
If your wedding venue doesn’t allow pets, include them in other festivities.
- Engagement parties
- Bridal showers
- Rehearsal dinners
These moments still create memories and allow your pet to be part of your wedding journey.
Should You Include Your Pet in Person on the Wedding Day?
If your venue is pet-friendly and your pet is calm, social, and healthy, having them attend may be possible. However, it’s important to consider:
- Your pet’s temperament
- Noise levels and crowd size
- Heat, travel, and long timelines
Always inform guests in advance and assign a trusted handler to care for your pet throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if our pet gets anxious or overwhelmed at the wedding?
Have a quiet, safe space for your pet to retreat to, and assign a trusted handler to monitor them. If you notice signs of stress, it’s best to remove your pet from the event and celebrate them in other ways.
How do we include a pet that has passed away?
Honour a late pet with a photo display, mention in your ceremony or speeches, or custom illustrations on signage or stationery. Many couples find this a meaningful way to keep their memory present.
Make Your Furry Friends Part of Your Big Day
Pets are family, and it’s completely natural to want them included in one of the most meaningful days of your life.
Whether through design details, photography moments, or symbolic touches, there are countless ways to honour them—without compromising their comfort or your celebration.
At Big Day Productions, we have extensive experience photographing and filming weddings that include pets in thoughtful, creative ways. If you have questions or want guidance on how to incorporate your furry companion into your wedding story, get in contact.
