Including your pet in your wedding is a beautiful way to celebrate with your whole family, but for many pets, a wedding venue is an unfamiliar and overwhelming space. With new people, loud noises, and an exciting atmosphere, it’s important to help your pet feel comfortable before the big day.
Here’s how to introduce your pet to your wedding venue so they feel safe, happy, and relaxed.
1. Visit the Venue in Advance
A new environment can be overwhelming for pets, so bringing them to the venue ahead of time allows them to adjust. During the visit, let them:
- Explore the space at their own pace
- Sniff and take in the new scents
- Walk around areas they’ll be present in on the wedding day
Pro Tip: If possible, visit at the same time of day as your wedding to help them adjust to the lighting and sounds they’ll experience.
2. Introduce Them to Key People
Your pet will likely interact with multiple people, including:
- Your bridal party
- Venue staff
- Your photographer
- Select guests
Introducing them beforehand helps prevent nervousness and allows them to feel more secure around these new faces.
If your pet is shy or anxious around strangers, let people approach them slowly and at their own pace.
3. Prepare Them for Wedding Sounds & Activities
Weddings are full of unfamiliar noises—clapping, laughter, music, and general excitement. To help your pet adjust, try:
- Playing wedding music at home at a low volume and gradually increasing it
- Practicing applause and cheers so they don’t get startled
- Walking them down a makeshift aisle if they’ll have a role in the ceremony
This way, they’ll feel more at ease when the real moment arrives.
4. Identify Their Safe Space at the Venue
Even outgoing pets need a place to retreat and recharge. Ask the venue if there’s a quiet space where your pet can relax, such as:
- A shaded outdoor spot
- A quiet room indoors
- A cozy corner with their bed and water
Bringing familiar items like their favorite blanket or toy will help them settle in faster.
5. Do a Trial Run With Their Attire & Accessories
If your pet will be wearing any special accessories, it’s important to test them beforehand. Whether it’s a bow tie, floral collar, or bandana, let them wear it:
- Around the house
- During walks
- At the venue, if possible
This helps ensure they’re comfortable and won’t be distracted or irritated by their outfit on the big day.
Preparation = A Happy, Stress-Free Wedding for Your Pet
Introducing your pet to your wedding venue ahead of time is one of the best ways to ensure they feel comfortable, confident, and stress-free when the big day arrives.
With the right preparation, your pet can be a relaxed, happy part of your special moment—making for even more precious memories!
Would you like to see more real-life pet-friendly wedding stories? Follow along for tips, inspiration, and expert advice on including your furry friend in your big day!
Photo by @weddingsbyheston
Pet attendant @sillywagz_bridalpups