6 Ways to Incorporate Your Dog into Your Wedding Ceremony

Your wedding day is a time to celebrate your love with your significant other, family, and friends. But for some couples, there is one more important guest they want to invite - their furry friend. Dogs are an important part of many couples' lives, and it's only natural to want to include them in such an important event. Here are some creative and memorable ways to incorporate your dog into your wedding ceremony.
Include Your Dog in the Wedding Processional
Have your furry friend walk down the aisle with you! Depending on your dog's size and personality, they can walk alongside you or be carried down the aisle by a trusted friend or family member. Make sure to practice with your dog beforehand, and have plenty of treats on hand to keep them calm and focused.
Make Your Dog the Ring Bearer
Want your dog to play a more active role in the ceremony? Have them carry the wedding rings down the aisle! You can attach the rings to a special collar or have them carry a small pillow or basket. Make sure to have a trusted friend or family member escort your furry friend down the aisle and retrieve the rings once they reach the altar.
Dress Your Dog in Wedding Attire
If you're planning on dressing up for your wedding, why not include your dog in the fun? There are plenty of dog-friendly wedding outfits available, from tuxedos and bowties to flower collars and dresses. Just make sure your dog is comfortable and able to move around freely in their outfit.
Incorporate Your Dog into the Ceremony Script (and/or Vows)
Include your pup in the ceremony script! You can have your officiant mention them during the ceremony, you can highlight them in your vows, or even have them perform a special task, such as a trick or a paw-shake. This is a great way to acknowledge your dog's importance in your lives and make your wedding ceremony feel more personal. There are dedicated readings about dogs which you can find in Provenance's Rituals and Reading library (sign in to access 300+ readings and rituals, not all dog related though).
Have Your Dog as the Guest of Honor
If your dog is not comfortable with being in the spotlight or being around a lot of people, you can still include them in the wedding as the guest of honor. You can reserve a special seat or a spot for your dog, with a sign or a banner that says "reserved for the dog." You can also have a photo of your dog on display, or include them in the wedding favors or the wedding cake design. Having your dog present in a more low-key way can still make them feel like an important part of the celebration.
Include Your Dog in the Ceremony Pamphlet
Including a photo and a role (e.g. "The Goodest Boy") in your ceremony pamphlet is another fun way to incorporate your best friend on this special day.