Including Your “Dog of Honor” In Your Wedding Day
Photo by Lifelong Photography Studio
Photo by Ying Photography
FairyTail Pet Care is the nation's 1st wedding pet care company. Founded in 2015 by two lifelong friends, Kelly Nova and Ilana Karcinski, they have included over 800 pets in weddings. The company's mission is to treat their clients’ pets as if they are their own. Kelly and Ilana have donated over $20,000 to local shelters and animals in need while assisting rescues find their forever home. FairyTail Pet Care started in Tampa, FL, but it has grown into cities across the country and continues to bring 'pawsitivity' to the wedding industry.
Photo by Ashlee Hamon Photography
Read this article and more in our 2022 Suncoast Wedding & Event Guide
Dogs are family and we get that! If you want to include your dog in your wedding day, whether it is giving them a part in the ceremony or just including them in some photos, there will be a lot to consider ensuring everything goes smoothly. We have a few tips to make sure you AND your dog can have the best day ever!
1. Consider Your Dog’s Needs & Personality: You do not want your dog to be anxious or uncomfortable on your wedding day. If anything, their presence should be a stress reliever! Take their energy level into account and confirm there is time in the day for them to get enough exercise. Then, ask yourself how well they do in unknown environments, crowds and around strangers. This will help you determine the best way to include them in the day.
2. Inform Your Vendors: Your vendors want to make sure everything runs smoothly and so it is important to notify them your dog will be a part of the day. Discuss your venue’s pet policies and let your planner know exactly how your dog will be participating. Talk to your photographer about the photos in which you would like to include your dog. It is important to keep everyone in the loop!
3. Dress Them Up: Consider what you would like your dog to wear for their big debut. There are great custom attire options you can order on Etsy, or you could even make something for them yourself! Keep their comfort levels in mind, as well as the weather and choose an outfit that will be a fun addition to their look. If you are planning to have your dog groomed for the wedding, we highly recommend grooming a couple days before the wedding, as opposed to the day-of, because a bath and a haircut can add additional stress to such a big day.
4. Plan Their Day & Pack Their Bags: Just as you need a timeline for your day, your dog will need one as well. Plan what pictures and activities you would like your dog to be a part of and have arrangements in place to get them to each location. Prepare all their supplies, such as leashes, waste bags, water bowls, food, and lint roller in advance, then designate someone to be responsible for their care.
5. Your Dog’s Plus-One: Your vendors will be busy working hard on other things and you likely do not want to put the responsibility of your dog’s care on one of your guests. A professional will coordinate with your vendors and provide transportation so that you and your guests will be able to remain completely present. Most importantly, a professional will make sure all your fuzzy loved one’s needs will be met! The peace of mind you knowing your baby is in good hands will be priceless. On top of that, giving your dog a plus-one will guarantee they are properly cared for and able to have the best day ever! This is also the best way to assure picture paw-fect photos!
Phone: 813 - 701 - WOOF (9663)
www.facebook.com/fairytailpetcare
Instagram: @fairytail_petcare
TikTok: @fairytail_petcar