Is it considered propper etiquette to having a dog as a ring bearer at an outdoor wedding?

Question

Barking during the service, dog going #1 & #2, who is responsable for the dog during the festivities?? So many questions (worries...). If you have experience with this please advise. Thanks!

Answer 1

You are the only one who knows your dog well enough to tell if those would be problems or if he'd get shy and refuse to walk, etc..  For the most part I would suggest you choose a friend/family member to serve as an escort for the dog.

I've seen people take it as far as having vows for the couple and the dogs.  It's not really ettiquete, just a matter of taste and personal opinion...just like if you should have blue or green tablecloths.  Ettiquete is more about how you treat people around you and manners, so unless you are planning on the dog biting/going to the bathroom on your guests it is soley up to the couple if the dog is included in the ceremony.

Personally I think it depends.  Indoors like a church you need to leave the pooch at home.  If it's casual and outdoors then by all means bring them.  Whatever you do though please don't dress the dog up in some sort of human outfit.  That always creeps me out.

Answer 2

I wouldn't do it.  The dog, no matter how many times they go potty beforehand, can stop and go potty down the aisle, bark uncontrollably, or anything else. Only seeing eye dogs should be at weddings, as they have been specifically trained to handle large crowds among other things.

Answer 3

You can have a dog as the ring bearer - however, someone MUST be in charge of the dog! If a friend or family member cannot or will not do this (and I personally wouldn't ask them to), hire a pet sitter.

You can find a reputable, insured pet sitter at http://www.petsitters.org/

or

http://www.petsit.com/

Do not hire some kid off the street. You need someone who has experience and knows what to do, is diligent and quick to respond to any barking or p**p incidents.

After your dog goes up the aisle (he or she may need to be escorted by family, friend, or pet sitter), the pet sitter should  off to the side (unless escorting). If the dog gets restless or disruptive, the pet sitter can step in and either make the dog sit or just lead the dog away to the side. Or you could just plan to have the dog go off to the side after you get the ring. Put down a rug or blanket or dog bed off to the side of the wedding party, with the pet sitter nearby to take care of any issues.

Pet sitters are usually not that expensive, and it is totally worth it to have your OTHER family members involved in your special day!

Answer 4

I think etiquette would say that pets should not be involved in weddings. However, if you have a VERY WELL-BEHAVED dog who will sit still, not eat the rings, not jump on anyone, not jump on the food tables, not chew up the venue, not stain your dress with muddy paws, and your guests aren't allergic, you can do what you want. I think it sounds like an awful lot of work, but I've seen it done before. The dog, a very friendly, pleasant golden retriever, wore a collar of roses, was on a ribbon leash, and had a bridesmaid as his designated "escort" down the aisle.

Answer 5

If you want your dog to be part of the wedding, do it.

Answer 6

Walkies before and afterwards; check with the venue to make sure pets are allowed on premises.  Have the dog escorted by someone you trust and keep Fido on a leash at all times to ensure a controlled ceremony (eg, someone is afraid of dogs, or the dog doesn't like the photographer's camrea flash).

Answer 7

Ham actors say never do a scene with children or animals...they will steal the scene right out from under you....

Now I don;tmean that you're a ham actor...but think about it...do you want your guests to remember what a beautiful bride you were or Fido...

1) taking a dump outta excitement in the middle of the aisle

2) Hiking a leg and peeing on Uncle Vinnie (se above #1)

3) Biting Aunt Gloria

4) Barking & growling during the wedding vows

5) Oh, did I mention guests who are afraid of dogs, or who have dog dander allergies?

Who is responsible? Unless you plan on having a paid person standing by with a bucket & pooper scooper (boy, will that make for interesting wedding memories) the owner of the dog is...so if Fido barfs or anything else....guess who has the clean up detail.........if the venue/place will even allow him there.....good luck

Answer 8

I don't think there is any etiquette about having a dog as ring bearer.

Being an animal lover and owned by a dog and 3 cats, I think its an adorable idea so long as you have someone willing to be responsible to hold onto the dog during the wedding (this might include hiring a dog-walker), the dog is generally calm and relatively quiet.

Could you imagine a yippy pomeranian "yip-yap-yip-yap" all through the ceremony?

I have an extremely quiet husky-mix, who is very friendly and good with people.  Even people who are scared of dogs warm up to my Sunny (she's my avatar).  So if my wedding were outdoors, I could easily see including my dog in the ceremony.

My neighbors dog - a yippy pomeranian - would end up being punted like a football from the reception because it wouldn't shut up.  This dog barks at cars, people, squirrels, birds, everything!  This is an example of a poor choice of dog to bring to the ceremony.

Only you know your dog and if it can be trusted to behave.

ALSO, if you ensure the dog is walked before and after the ceremony, I wouldn't be very worried about the dog relieving him/her-self during the ceremony.

Answer 9

Not a problem at all if he's been trained to carry a basket (with ring inside).  If he isn't that well trained, then don't bother. S/he won't respond to cues with so many people around.

Answer 10

Its your day and your decision.I think its great to get your pet involved.