I love when couples come to me for custom wedding invitations and want to include their pets into their wedding stationery. I believe your wedding invites should reflect your style and lives together, and furry family members (and feathered, and scaly and everything in between) are such a big part of a couple’s lives together! It got me thinking about other unique ways couples can incorporate their dogs, cats, and any furry friends into their wedding day.
1. Include your pet in your engagement photos
Whether you take pictures at home, or in your favorite spot, you will always be able to look back at what your little family looked like before the wedding. And of course, you can use the moments captured on your save the dates too!
2. Incorporate your pet into your wedding invitations
I love being able to add a little illustration of a couple’s pets into their wedding invites in some way. Be it a custom illustration of their dog on their envelopes, or the main star on their save the dates. The sky is the limit when it comes to personalizing your wedding stationery when you hire a custom stationery designer and illustrator like myself.
3. Customize the socks, ties and pocket squares
Color coordination is necessary, sure. You can go the extra mile and customize the little details too. Like this pair of socks with the couple’s dogs face that every guy in the wedding party wore.
4. Personalize your attire with an embroidered portrait
There are so many talented embroidery artists (maybe you are one yourself!) so why not have a custom portrait of your pet made right on your wedding dress. Of course, you could also hide it on the lining of your dress if you love the idea but want something a little less bold!
5. Wear a locket with a photo of your pet enclosed
Wear it around your neck, pin it inside a jacket, or tie it around the bouquet. It’s a simple way to keep your pet close on your wedding day when they can’t physically be with you.
6. Include your dog or cat in the ceremony
Of course, not every venue is pet-friendly, but this is the ultimate way to involve your pets in your wedding, having them be a part of it. Walk down the aisle with them, or as part of the recessional! Just make sure you have someone to watch your furry friend during the ceremony – so you can focus on each other! And don’t forget to take time for some portraits together too!
7. Name a cocktail or appetizer after them
A super cute way to honor your pet at your reception. Rocky’s Rum Punch or Ms. Kitty’s Mojito is sure to be a hit with your guests and the perfect opportunity for a little custom illustration too!
8. Have your pastry artist to incorporate them into your cake, or custom cookies
It’s the little details that make a wedding unique, and this is a fantastic way to add a little bit of playfulness into your wedding day. Be it with a custom sculpted cake, or sugar cookies like these, or even a custom cake topper, whatever you choose it’s sure to bring a smile to your face thinking about all the love you have for each other and your pets on your wedding day.
9. Ask for a donation to your favorite animal rescue
In leu of gifts, you can ask guests to donate to your favorite animal charity, or gift supplies for a local animal shelter. Just imagine how good it will feel to help out some animals who aren’t as lucky as yours.