5 ways to include your pet in your wedding

A Walk down the Aisle

If your pet isn't easily trained, or gets skittish around large groups of people, have a family member carry it down the aisle and hold them during the ceremony. If your pet doesn't like to be held for long periods of time you could place them in a carrier where they can watch, having a favourite toy or familiar bed available may make them more comfortable.

In his wedding to Gwen Stefani, Gavin Rossdale was escorted down the aisle by his Hungarian sheepdog, Winston, who wore a garland of red flowers.

• Check out iVillage's Royal weding central for more wedding ideas and trivia
• Got a wedding on the horizon? Discuss your big day with other brides-to-be on the message boards
• Get fortnightly horoscopes, assess your love forecast and learn to interpret dreams with the Astrology newsletter

Absent pet?

If your pet can't be at the ceremony, have the officiator mention your pets or write them into your vows.

While talking about everything you and your soon-to-be-spouse will share, include your special pet or tell a funny story about when your pet and partner first met or how they learned to love each other. If you'd rather give your pet a more visual inclusion, why not feature them as a figurine on your cake?

• Check out iVillage's Royal weding central for more wedding ideas and trivia
• Got a wedding on the horizon? Discuss your big day with other brides-to-be on the message boards
• Get fortnightly horoscopes, assess your love forecast and learn to interpret dreams with the Astrology newsletter

The wedding photos

Have your pet in the wedding party or family photos on the big day. You can also include them in your official wedding photos taken prior to the ceremony.

• Check out iVillage's Royal weding central for more wedding ideas and trivia
• Got a wedding on the horizon? Discuss your big day with other brides-to-be on the message boards
• Get fortnightly horoscopes, assess your love forecast and learn to interpret dreams with the Astrology newsletter

At the Reception

At the reception anything goes! Outdoor parties can be especially pet friendly, allowing your pet to have plenty of room to roam.

You may want to hire your dog walker or someone who's not attending your wedding to keep an eye on your pet. They can also take him home without disrupting your day. And maybe consider bringing your pet to the reception after dinner is served if he is a little food crazy!

You can also get your pet out on the dance floor to show off some tricks, or create a slideshow out of favourite pictures of your families and pets.

Tip: If you want your pet at your wedding or reception, before you decide on your wedding location, ask the venue if they will allow pets. This may help you decide on which location is best for you.

Content provided by Petside.co.uk