OH&L Weddings - Making Room for Four-Legged Family

Jessica and Enrique Duprey, with their dogs. See their profile for more on their wedding.

You wouldn’t think of excluding a beloved family member from your wedding. Particularly a family member who, unlike your fiancé, loves you unconditionally and licks your face when you feel sad.

We are, of course, referring to your dog. Brian Wettstein, owner of The Doggie Door on Park Avenue, offers some tips on how to prepare Fido for your big day.   

• Make certain the venue allows pets. Not all of them do, and the embarrassment of being turned away could be traumatizing to some particularly sensitive breeds.

• If you’re dressing the dog in a tuxedo or a dress – and, really, why wouldn’t you? – get him or her accustomed to wearing clothes. You don’t want to find out the day of the event that your dog is a confirmed nudist.

• If your dog simply refuses to dress properly, find alternatives. A top hat and bow tie, or a white satin collar and leash with rosettes and pearls, can make a powerful fashion statement.

• Recruit someone – not a family member, if possible – whose sole purpose is to wrangle your dog.  It goes without saying that this individual should be an extraordinarily close and understanding friend.

• Dogs are notoriously blasé about bodily functions, so any such business should be handled prior to the ceremony. But have a few clean-up bags readily available, just in case.

• Loud noises – corks popping, fireworks exploding, music blaring – can be upsetting to your dog.  Scout out a place for him or her to be quickly taken if a barking fit erupts.

• Make certain your dog has access to water if he or she is to be at the ceremony and the reception for an extended period of time. Perhaps bring along some doggie hors d’oeuvres as well.

- Katie Farmand