Including the dog?

fulloflove

Ideas for places with could hold a reception with a dog?  Unfortunately we are also doing budget.  I wonder if any restaurants have patios with at least partial cover so we would be safer if it rains.

niq24601

Try checking your local board, they may have some suggestions there. In general public parks that have some sort of building nearby (community center, etc.) work pretty well. Also the dog-as-ring-bearer is kinda cute.Good luck!

BibliophileMom

Personally, I wouldn't do this, but hey - it's your wedding!  Just make sure you plan ahead.  What will you do if the dog barks or whines?  What if someone is allergic to dogs?  What if people feed the dog table scraps?  What if the dog goes poo right there where everyone is partying?

fulloflove

Forgot to mention that my dog was previously a show dog in both confirmation and obedience.  He is used to traveling, crowds and other animals.  Very quiet and well-mannered.  He has also done therapy work at nursing homes.  He knows sign language (dog sign language, not ASL).        He has been with me through high school, undergrad and now grad and I cannot imagine not including him.  Also, the wedding is on the smaller side (50 people) of only family and a few friends so I know nobody is allergic to dogs.  The family is all used to him as I take him everywhere!Outside would be great, but we need a backup plan if it rains.

trix1223

I love dogs. I've had several dogs as pets. I have 4 "grand-puppies" that I love. But they're DOGS. Now matter how much I love them, care about them, worry about them, enjoy their company, they're DOGS. And as such, they simply don't belong at a wedding. I liken people who must take their precious pooches everywhere to people who also assume that their children must be invited to everything they are. There are some functions that are just inappropriate for children. And there are some functions that are just inappropriate for dogs. And a wedding is one of them~regardless of how well trained and/or behaved they are.

fulloflove

trix1223 - this is *my* wedding and my dog will be appropriate for my wedding.  If people do not want to be around a dog, then they don't belong at my wedding.  I don't really want opinions on whether or not I should include my dog.  I just want help thinking of ideas for receptions that would allow dogs.

trix1223

Not to be too snarky, but I believe the phrase should be *our* wedding, rather than *my* wedding.

ffmaid

Check your local board they are much more likely to know a place that will allow animals Also please out a note on the invites so that people who are alergic can decline Is your FI a wacky dog person too? His family and friends may not be expecting an animal at an event for humans. But if this is what bioth of you want and you warn guests then I think it is a choice that is up to you. I do view it as a sign you do not understand teh difference between animals and people and might need a little mental help but hey if you want to be crazy go for it. If nothing ese youe wedding will be memorably insane

vallsass

Our dogs are very important to us as well, and we wanted to have them involved in some way. Because of the size of the event and venue logistics, etc. it is not going to be possible for us to have them at the event. (plus we have enough going on that day we didn't want to have to keep track of the dogs, and didn't want to pawn them off on a friend for the whole wedding) SO we are going to be doing our pictures before the ceremony and we will take some with our dogs. That may be a good idea for you if you can't figure out a venue.Some hotels allow dogs to stay with guests so there is a possibility they may allow a dog to attend an event. You may have to pay a larger deposit.Resturaunts or establishments that serve food as a primary business, probably aren't going to let you bring a dog on the premises.If you plan on an outdoor wedding your rain plan may have to be move things indoor and the dog doesn't get to come. Which would be sad, but may be necessary.HTH!

meaganbrand

our dog is our baby, our pride and joy. but there is no way we could have her at our wedding. as much as we will miss her, it is in the best interest of everyone and her, that she is at "doggy day care". instead we have having silly pictures of her as our table numbers, that way she is still "there" and our guests will be able to see her. and there is no stress/worry/allergies etc.

faith194

Our dog is a HUGE part of our life. He is our pride and joy, and we talk about him entirely too much to our family and friends. . .However, it was not appropriate to have him at a wedding. People asked us if we were going to include him, and we said no way. There are people who may be allergic. Who would take care of him while we were doing everything we needed to do---It wouldn't be fair to ask anyone to take care of a dog, even if they asked to help out. Polar is a huge part of our family, but it was also important for him to be safe and sound at home in his crate during the wedding festivities.  I'm so glad I didn't have to worry about him one bit and we were able to enjoy our day(afterall, it was our wedding day, not his, regardless of how much we love him).I would personally think twice about using any living creature as a prop at a wedding, regardless of how much I love my dog.

fulloflove

Wow, no help at all   My dog is not a "prop" in any way.  He is part of the family and included as such.  I already did mention that nobody invited is allergic and we are having a very small wedding of only family and a few close friends.  And yes, my fiancee and her family are dog lovers too.  They even invite him to their family vacations or just when we go to visit.  She seems even more insistent than I am on including him. People in Europe (particularly the UK) take their dogs everywhere.  I guess that means these people are all mental too.    And SM14 - I was just clarifying what I did and did not ask for.  There is nothing in the rules I saw about asking for advice on certain subject or explaining why you want it- please quote the rule you mention to inform me otherwise.  I really meant this to be a question on reception locations that would allow dogs as I have already made up my mind to include mine.And why exactly is a dog inappropriate in a wedding?  Isn't it a bit obtuse to assume all weddings should not have dogs? 

trix1223

The "exactly why" dogs don't belong in weddings is because they're animals.  Well loved, extremely doted on, pampered, included in **almost** everything, but that doesn't change the fact that they're ANIMALS.And while you may believe that everyone, everywhere will love your beloved pooch as much as you do, it's simply not the case.I work in a church as an organist.  We've had people ask if they can include their animals in their wedding, and I'm very happy that the church consistently says absolutely not.Clearly I am not going to convince you that IMO you've gone off the deep end about an animal, and you're never, ever going to convince me that animals at weddings are appropriate, so we'll have to agree to disagree on this one.

fulloflove

Because they're animals?  That's why they don't belong?  Seems a silly reason to me to apply to all weddings.    Weddings should be about the family, and in our case including the dog is right for our family(ies).   I bet people wouldn't throw such a tantrum about allergies and the like if a service dog came to a wedding. 

ffmaid

I was going to say something a but mean. But I deleted it. Simply put chances are very high that although your friends and family tolerate your unnatural attachment to the pup that they think you are slightly off your rocker by bringing it to places everywhere with you. Additionally there is a huge chance that you are doing a grave diservice to the dog in treating it like a purse instead of a pet. People who tot their dogs everywhere generally are doing a grave diservice to their pet and those around them

trix1223

Well, weddings are really about two consenting adults pledging their faithfulness to each other. IF they choose to invite their families, and IF their F&F choose to attend, that's a plus, isn't it. But you CAN have a wedding without F&F. And yes, "Because they're animals" is a reason that most people can easily understand, and even relate to.

duckie1905

I bet people wouldn't throw such a tantrum about allergies and the like if a service dog came to a wedding.This statement is slightly ridiculous due to the very nature of service animals.  Someone with a service animal requires their assistance to function on a day to day basis whereas you cart your dog around for fun.  Dogs are not props and it certainly isn't fair to say that just because no one would complain about a service dog at a wedding having your pets there is appropriate.There is a huge difference.

faith194

The difference between your human family and your dog family. . .You dog couldn't care less if you get married, nor does your dog understand the ceremony or why the heck it is there. . .Your human family certainly understands and partakes in the event for TWO HUMANS.You are going to do what you are going to do, but I would tread lightly. No matter how much my mom said that I should include Polar in the ceremony, I wasn't going to budge. A wedding ceremony is for people, not dogs.

jamiemarie33

Hi fulloflove,I am with you in that our dog is our family and we love taking him everywhere with us.  I completely disagree with the person who said taking your dog everywhere is a disservice to the dog.  Riiiiight, because leaving your dog home where they are bored out of their minds is much better than socializing your dog and giving him fun things to see/do.  We want to include our dog in our wedding ceremony, but not the reception.  My dog is very well trained also (we compete in agility), but the reception has too much going on.  I watch my dog like a hawk when we are out anywhere, so I wouldn't be able to enjoy myself as much because I'd be worried if someone was getting too drunk and annoying him, etc.  He is a German shepherd, so I try hard to give the breed a good name.  I don't need him barking at scary drunk people!  I don't want to discourage you from including your dog though, you know your family and friends and your dog...if you think it will work- go for it! 

hollieheidi

Most places allow service animals only.  I think it would be an issue with the venue as most places won't even let you bring in food from outside sources or without the required information to make sure it was made in an approved kitchen. Right or wrong none of us are invited to your wedding so it doesn't mean anything to me what you choose.  I do think that you need to do your research about your venues....I don't know that most museums or even public rental halls allow animals other than service animals.I think just from the budget standpoint that outside venues are budget friendly and they would be animal friendly as well.  State park, a cabin location so you could have food...Just a suggestion, but maybe include your pup in the ceremony but not in the reception?  Just a thought. Good luck...happy planning!

ifeaneedhelp

i think it's great that you are having your dog there. I would be doing the same thing but the venue isn't pet friendly. look for an outdoor location that allows them- because parks are usually easier on the budget you might be able to use tents without going over budget. Other than that check out some local pet friendly restaurants that might be able to host your reception. Because your wedding is only 50 people it should be fairly easy to compensate. Good luck! I'd love to see pictures once everything is said and done.

::cherish~love::

WOW, I'm REALLY shocked by some of these responses!  I totally understand where you are coming from, and you are NOT crazy! If I was having a wedding with 50 of my friends and family, our dog would for sure be there if he was allowed.  I'm having a pretty formal outdoor ceremony, and there are days when I just really want him there, and I know we will miss him on that day.  =(  So I say if you want your dog there, then he/she should be there!  Sorry this didn't answer your question, I just had to throw some love out there for all the pups! Good luck!

BlueBalloon

I don't think that's crazy at all and I don't think that wanting to bring your dog to your wedding means that you tote your dog everywhere. A wedding is an important day and if you want you dog there, go ahead. Even just including pictures, etc if you are physically unable to have them there is nice. Me and my fiance have pet rats who are our babies and pictures of them are going to be included at the reception.

fulloflove

Thanks for some of the ideas.  We found a place that is an inn, allows dogs and is budget friendly.  This would mean that if anything at all happened, we could plop my little guy back in the room for some R&R.  He is a very mellow King Charles and knows everybody invited   May not be able to work it out, but it's a start!  I also like the idea of tent rental - but will this be expensive if we needed heat/rain protection?  I would love nothing more than to do an outdoor wedding on the beach or in a park, but don't think this would fly because of the possibility of inclement weather.Thanks for the love!  I'm really shocked too at how angry people get about something that won't affect them in any way.  My FI's and my own extended families bring their dogs along traveling too, so we're a family of "wackos" according to some.  Just wanted to add that it's *because* we love our dog as a living creature that we do NOT treat him as a prop or an inconvenience  

dsouldiva

**People in Europe (particularly the UK) take their dogs everywhere** In defence of my fellow countrymen, please let it be known that this is completely untrue, unless "everywhere" means "the park". However, people in France take their dog's everywhere, this is true. I have sat next to many a toy poodle whilst dining in France.

fulloflove

When I said "everywhere" I meant friends' (who also have dogs) and family's houses and on vacation.  I don't bring him to restaurants or stores (unless it's a pet store of course), as I am well aware of the problems and laws associated.  This is why I am trying to come up with a dog-friendly location, because I know many locations will not be able to work with a dog. 

jennylove810

For the record, fulloflove, while I am of the personal opinion that I wouldn't include my dog in my wedding, in no way have you "gone off the deep end" by wanting to include fido in your small, outdoor wedding. And while it's true that you can't control the responses you'll get, I'm disappointed that some people chimed in not to offer you suggestions or ideas, but rather to tell you that you're a wack job for wanting to include your pet. *shakes head* Best of luck to you.

austinandstella

I have to say that I am saddend by the responses to this post as well. I thought we were here to help each other and offer suggestions, not critic peoples lives. That said... I am planning on including my dog as well. My wedding is pretty far off so I have time to do more looking, but as of right now I am planning on having my wedding at a local winery were I can have the wedding outside and the reception in a barn on the property that is airconditioned and such. It is also close enough to home that my dog gets to go home after ceremony and pictures because I know that I don't want to have to watch her during the reception.  I don't if there is anything like that where you are going to be but you might look?  Or maybe you could find a goddy daycare that is nearby? then you can just drop your dog off after the ceremony? I would also really love to see your pictures after the big day and hear how it goes.

tobeDrReed

FI & I would have also like to have our dog (the lab in my sig) there at our wedding, but we know that it isn't realistically going to happen.  Even though he's well behaved the commotion might be to much for him and I'd hate worrying about him or who is going to be taking care of him.That said, he'll still be there. We're going to take photos of him and turn them into table numbers. Maybe you could incorporate him into another aspect of your wedding if you can't find a suitable venue.  Good luck on your search!

pooh8402

just want to say that we're including our dog in our wedding. he's the ring bearer. so kudos to the OP!

don't listen to these other girls, it is YOUR wedding to do as YOU please. I love a person saying, "omg, what if he whines or barks?" omg, what if your flower girl cries? stuff happens. a good bride will just roll with noise. it's OKAY. we have already recruited one of the groomsman to be the caretaker of the dog throughout the wedding--he's a roommate of my FI, and is very familiar with and takes very good care of our dog. we've left him in his care before. if the dog starts acting up, have a crate on hand for the dog to be in and out of the way. this is not cruel, dogs actually like crates.

junelley

I don't think it's fair to say that dogs just don't belong at weddings, period.  I think it is very possible for it to work out.  Both my FI would LOVE to include our dog in the ceremony, but we worry about other issues as addressed by various pps.  We are aware (we do have a couple of guests who are scared of dogs, and we don't know what to do with our dog during the reception) and therefore it's not likely we'll have our dog there.  But, I assume OP knows her guests, situation, and dog best, so if it works for her, kudos! I am very envious!