Nov

2

Animal Lover? How to Include Pets in Your Wedding

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Studies have shown that pet owners enjoy health benefits such as increased stress reduction, socialization, and reduction in loneliness and depression. If you’re an animal lover, then it’s no wonder that you will want to include your beloved pet on your special day. When you’re ready to walk down the aisle, here are a few tips to keep in mind if you want to include your pet in your wedding:

How exactly do you want your pet to function during your wedding? Do you want your cat to lie at your feet, purring, with the rings attached to her collar? Would you like a mourning dove to fly from your shoulder to the shoulder of your intended? Or would you prefer your puppy to lead the way, trotting down the aisle and greeting attendants as he goes? Before the ceremony gets underway, consider exactly what purpose your pet will serve. This may mean extensive training, particularly for younger or unruly pets. You may even be able to work with budgerigars such as a Myna bird to tell your spouse, “I love you!” Or, even more simply, your best friend may be able to stand at your side with both your hands resting on her head as you both say, “I do.”

The wedding site itself will determine the role your pet will play. Some hotels may not allow animals on the premises, or you may have to pay extra for the privilege. Open-air ceremonies might be dangerous, especially for birds. If your pet isn’t able to attend the ceremony, you may be able to incorporate them into the reception. Consider dressing up your dog with a little bow tie and then, accompanied by a walker, he can lead your guests to the reception area.

Consider the size of the pet when planning. Small pets, such as mice, rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs, can be carried down the aisle by a flower girl or ring bearer. If you plan to use a large pet, horses might be utilized to draw a carriage that carries the newly married couple away to their honeymoon or to the reception. If you are a cat owner, be aware that they may not be ideal for a socialized situation. If they are more dog-like, however, and not frightened or angered by the large crowds usually demanded by a wedding party, you may be able to work them in by using a leash or in a pet stroller.

Ultimately, you must be flexible when it comes to incorporating your pet into the ceremony. Problems may arise, and you will want to consider possible alternatives in case your pet doesn’t work out at the last moment. Your guests may be frightened of your pet or allergic, and you must consider their well-being. Will a photo or video of the pet suffice? Unruly pets require additional strategies. A dog bark collar may be necessary to prevent inconvenient barking at inopportune moments, especially once the ceremony is underway … no going back now!

Sep

9

Wedding Gift Etiquette

Filed Under Wedding Gifts, Wedding Planner | Leave a Comment

There’s only one season that rivals Christmas when it comes to gift-giving and that time of year has arrived: it’s wedding season.

Before the bride takes that walk down the aisle and the couple says “I do,” it’s a good time to start thinking about gifts. Here are some of the biggest wedding gift-giving questions answered.

When should I send my gift?

I’ve been told several times that you have a year to give a couple a wedding gift, but according to Emily Post, get it done within three months. The best time to do it is right before or right after the wedding.

It is ok to bring the gift to the reception if you prefer, but that just means more work for someone taking on the task of gift wrangler.

Does the gift have to come off of the registry? A registry is just a guide, but it’s a good way to make sure the couple gets exactly what they want.

Emily says if this makes you a little uneasy, try giving a gift certificate.