Yes your dog can be in the wedding (here's how)

I have done ceremonies with dogs as ring bearers, dogs as best man, dogs in matching bow ties walking down the aisle, dogs in flower crowns, and one extremely dignified greyhound called Mabel who simply attended as a guest, wearing pearls. If you want your dog in your wedding, please, please do it. They're family, and the photos are worth every second of planning.

But - and this is the bit nobody tells you - a dog at a wedding without a plan is chaos in fur form. So here's how to do it properly.

First, appoint a designated dog handler. Not the bride. Not the groom. Not the maid of honour who's already carrying three bouquets and a hip flask. Someone whose ONLY job that day is the dog. Ideally someone the dog already loves and listens to. They walk the dog down, they hold the lead during vows, they take the dog home (or to a quiet sitter) before the dancing starts. Music and drunk uncles are not a dog's idea of a good time.

Second, do a venue recce with the dog beforehand if you possibly can. A new space full of strange smells and people in unusual clothes is a lot. Ten minutes of sniffing the aisle the day before makes a massive difference on the day. Also check with your venue - most are dog-friendly for the ceremony but want them gone before catering. Get this in writing.

Third, pack a dog day bag. Treats (lots - the cheese kind, not the worthy kind). Water and a collapsible bowl. Poo bags, obviously. A towel in case of mud. A long-line lead for hanging around shots. A spare bow tie or flower collar for when the first one inevitably gets chewed. And a backup plan in case the dog has Big Feelings about a room full of strangers crying - usually that means the handler quietly steps outside until the speeches are done.

Fourth, tell me about your dog at our planning meeting. Their name, their personality, the daft thing they do. I'll write them into the ceremony properly - not as a gimmick mentioned once, but as the genuine family member they are. "And Bear, who has been part of this story since the beginning" hits very differently from "oh and there's a dog."

Fifth, lower your expectations slightly and you'll have the best time. The dog might sit perfectly through the vows. The dog might also sneeze loudly during the ring exchange and make 80 people laugh. Both are great. The unscripted moments are the ones you'll remember.

If you want a properly dog-friendly celebrant who will absolutely fuss over your good boy or girl during our planning chat, get in touch. Bring the dog to the consultation if you like. I genuinely don't mind.