Corgi in front of a palace wearing a waistcoat bandana and matching cap

How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding: Ideas, Outfits and a Plan for the Day

October 22, 2026

The music starts. Everyone turns around.

Coming down the aisle, a little too fast, is the dog. Tail going. Somebody in the third row is already crying.

Nobody will remember the napkins. Everybody will remember this.

If your dog is family, it makes sense that they're part of the day. Here's how to do it so it goes smoothly, for you and for them.

Corgi in front of a palace wearing a waistcoat bandana and matching cap

Ways to include your dog in your wedding

There's no single right way. Pick the one that suits your dog, not just the photos.

The ring bearer

The classic. Your dog walks down the aisle with a small pouch or a ribbon on the collar.

A simple tip: give the dog decoy rings. The real ones stay safe in the best man's pocket.

The flower dog

A walk down the aisle ahead of the bride or groom, wearing something pretty. Less pressure than carrying rings.

The guest of honour

A front-row seat with a family member, for the ceremony only. Then home or to a sitter before the reception gets loud.

Photos only

For dogs who don't love crowds, this is often the kindest choice. Bring them for an hour of photos before the ceremony, then let them go home to rest.

Small touches

Not every venue allows dogs. You can still include them: their face on the welcome sign, a cocktail named after them, or a framed photo on the guest book table.

Before you plan anything: ask the venue

Check that dogs are allowed, and where. Some venues welcome them outdoors but not inside. Some need a handler on site the whole time.

Ask early. It shapes everything else.

Give the dog a handler

This is the most important step, and an easy one to forget.

Choose one person whose only job is the dog. Not the bride. Not the groom. Not anyone in the wedding party. A friend the dog trusts, or a professional pet sitter.

They bring the water, the treats, the lead and the poop bags. They take the dog out when it gets too much. They take them home when it's time.

What should a dog wear to a wedding?

Something that looks smart in photos but doesn't get in the way.

A full dog suit with legs and sleeves can be hard to wear for a whole day. A tuxedo bandana is just the front: a collar, lapels, a bow tie or a waistcoat. It sits on the chest like a shirt front and fastens around the neck. In photos it looks like a full outfit.

A few ideas:

Match the wedding colours. Pick one colour from your palette and use it for the bow tie, the tartan or the flowers.
Black tie wedding? A black tuxedo with a bow tie, like our Kingsway.
Relaxed or rustic? Tartan or tweed feels right outdoors. Phillip comes in four tartans.
Flower dog? White lace and a satin rose, like Debutante.

Ragdoll cat among flowers wearing a white lace bandana with a satin rose

Whatever you choose, try it on at home a week or two before. Let them wear it for a few minutes with treats, so it feels normal on the day. If you need help with fit, our size chart explains how to measure.

A simple plan for the day

Morning: a long walk. A tired dog is a calm dog.
Before the ceremony: photos first, while everyone is fresh. Outfit on just before, not first thing in the morning.
The ceremony: one walk down the aisle, then a quiet spot with the handler.
After: home or to a sitter before dinner. Long receptions, loud music and dropped food aren't much fun for a dog.

Pack a small bag: water and a bowl, treats, a lead, a towel and a damp cloth for little marks.

Hot day? Keep them in the shade and keep the walk short. Cold day? Keep the outdoor part brief.

Getting good wedding photos with your dog

Tell your photographer early that the dog is coming.
Do the dog photos first, before the dog gets tired.
Ask the handler to stand behind the photographer with a treat. Instant eye contact.
Get one photo at the dog's level. It's usually the favourite.