Dog at Ceremony/Reception?

Lowell14 · July 2014

Our Maltese was inadvertently in my mom and stepdads wedding.

I was taking him out to relieve himself and when by the time I brought him back in, the ceremony was about to start! Gave him to a family member to hold during the ceremony. He was very good and he was in a few family photos. After, he was brought back to the room and checked in every hour.

Any longer than the ceremony and I think the dog may have gotten overwhelmed and cranky

charlottesmom0626 · July 2014

There is a dog-sitting service that provides a wedding package here...the sitter will bring your dog to the ceremony (or reception, or just for pictures) and then escort your dog for the day/hour/whatever and then bring them back to the boarding kennel, or your home.
Maybe you could look into something like that? That's what we're considering for our dog if she comes to the wedding.

Jen4948 · July 2014

taylorann0626 said:
There is a dog-sitting service that provides a wedding package here...the sitter will bring your dog to the ceremony (or reception, or just for pictures) and then escort your dog for the day/hour/whatever and then bring them back to the boarding kennel, or your home.
Maybe you could look into something like that? That's what we're considering for our dog if she comes to the wedding.

Given how so many pet owners think of their dogs as their "children," given how reluctant people are to leave their "children," human or canine, with strangers, and given all the logistical and other reasons upthread why it's not a good idea to bring dogs to wedding ceremonies (just to recap, allergies, scared guests, scared dogs, the dogs' needs to be fed, walked, etc., guests' needs not to be bitten, licked, sniffed, or jumped on, the dogs' potential to urinate, defecate, or bark at the wrong time, or otherwise get out of control, and venue restrictions that prohibit dogs from even being present), I think it just makes more sense and is more considerate of everyone not to bring dogs to weddings at all.

Just take photos of the dogs if it's so important that the dogs be "present."

mrs4everhart · July 2014

OP, if we were going to be local, at a venue MonkeyPants our American Bulldog, could join us, he would be there, no doubt about it! He's a badass. He'll hop up and sit on a barstool like he owns the bar. He comes pretty much everywhere with us, so long as the weather cooperates. I love my dog more than most humans I know and I can't think of too many people I'd place over spending the day (any day) with over him.

Strangers fear him because they are ignorant and think he's a pit bull (I say ignorant because all pits aren't to be feared, they're an awesome breed) and they move out of our way when we're out running. Some will even turn around after we pass like I'm going to let him off his leash to attack (not that he wants to do that - he's a big baby). It used to upset me because he's the sweetest dude in the world but now I just chuckle and let them move out of the way for him.

I'm one of those people who is completely aware her dog is not human but that doesn't stop me from treating him that way as much as possible.

ambercge · July 2014

To all of these people saying "Your dog is more important than your guests?"

.... YES. YES HE IS.

I have three dogs and they are ALL more important than half of my guests. They are my family and have been for the last 3 years. Not my cousins who I see twice a year. Not my mother who always has a negative word to share. Not my siblings who care more about themselves than me. My dogs are my children, children with unconditional love.

And if my guests can't handle that fact, gtfo.

I understand fears and allergies, but the fact remains. My KIDS will be in my wedding. I don't care if my guests don't like human children - I'm still inviting my toddler and infant siblings (age 4, 3, 9 mo, and 8mo.) And anyone who doesn't like kids can shut their traps.

It's your day, honey. Do what you want.

We're having ours as groomsmen and a bridesmaid. They'll walk down the aisle, escorted by a human attendant, and be kept on a leash through the ceremony. If, for whatever reason, they have an adverse reaction, we have someone there who will handle them until they're taken home after the ceremony. They'll be introduced long before they go down the aisle so that they can meet with guests and acclimate to the situation.

But my fiance and I love them, and we can't imagine getting married without our children. They kept us together through the hard times because we had a family to fight for, and we owe them our relationship. And if they bark? If they rip my dress? If they get in mud and cover me?

THAT IS OKAY TOO. Babies spit up and a dress is just a fucking dress. A piece of cloth. What are you going to do with it afterwards, put it in a closet to covet it and pull it out in thirty years and think back on the "good old days" when you were a size zero and had all the dreams and ambitions in the world?

Please.

Your wedding is about what YOU want. About what is important to you. If Great Aunt Flo, or your cousin Mary Sue are more important than having your dogs there, leave the dogs at home. But if you want them in the ceremony, go for it.

I can, however, understand not having them throughout the entire day (unless you're outdoors and can have a fenced in enclosure, which might be a good idea to think about as well). We were originally going to invite our friends dogs, but we were afraid of tempers flaring with our dogs or other dogs. We're sticking to the ceremony. Down the aisle, a few pictures with them, and back home. And we're obviously having someone on stand-by just in case they need to be removed.

mrsmagicgeek · July 2014

I love my dogs too much to put them through that sort of stress

Jen4948 · July 2014

ambercge said:
To all of these people saying "Your dog is more important than your guests?"

.... YES. YES HE IS.

I have three dogs and they are ALL more important than half of my guests. They are my family and have been for the last 3 years. Not my cousins who I see twice a year. Not my mother who always has a negative word to share. Not my siblings who care more about themselves than me. My dogs are my children, children with unconditional love.

And if my guests can't handle that fact, gtfo.

I understand fears and allergies, but the fact remains. My KIDS will be in my wedding. I don't care if my guests don't like human children - I'm still inviting my toddler and infant siblings (age 4, 3, 9 mo, and 8mo.) And anyone who doesn't like kids can shut their traps.

It's your day, honey. Do what you want.

We're having ours as groomsmen and a bridesmaid. They'll walk down the aisle, escorted by a human attendant, and be kept on a leash through the ceremony. If, for whatever reason, they have an adverse reaction, we have someone there who will handle them until they're taken home after the ceremony. They'll be introduced long before they go down the aisle so that they can meet with guests and acclimate to the situation.

But my fiance and I love them, and we can't imagine getting married without our children. They kept us together through the hard times because we had a family to fight for, and we owe them our relationship. And if they bark? If they rip my dress? If they get in mud and cover me?

THAT IS OKAY TOO. Babies spit up and a dress is just a fucking dress. A piece of cloth. What are you going to do with it afterwards, put it in a closet to covet it and pull it out in thirty years and think back on the "good old days" when you were a size zero and had all the dreams and ambitions in the world?

Please.

Your wedding is about what YOU want. About what is important to you. If Great Aunt Flo, or your cousin Mary Sue are more important than having your dogs there, leave the dogs at home. But if you want them in the ceremony, go for it.

I can, however, understand not having them throughout the entire day (unless you're outdoors and can have a fenced in enclosure, which might be a good idea to think about as well). We were originally going to invite our friends dogs, but we were afraid of tempers flaring with our dogs or other dogs. We're sticking to the ceremony. Down the aisle, a few pictures with them, and back home. And we're obviously having someone on stand-by just in case they need to be removed.

Just make sure you indicate in your invitations that there will be dogs present so those persons who are allergic to dogs or who do not want to be licked, be sniffed, be jumped on, be urinated on, or be crapped on by your dogs can decline the invitation rather than come and be told to GTFO because "it's your day."

Oh, yes-grow the hell up while you're at it and recognize that no, it fucking ISN'T "your day." Getting married does not entitle you to treat your guests like shit.

AddieCake · July 2014

ambercge said:

To all of these people saying "Your dog is more important than your guests?"

.... YES. YES HE IS.

I have three dogs and they are ALL more important than half of my guests. They are my family and have been for the last 3 years. Not my cousins who I see twice a year. Not my mother who always has a negative word to share. Not my siblings who care more about themselves than me. My dogs are my children, children with unconditional love.

And if my guests can't handle that fact, gtfo.

I understand fears and allergies, but the fact remains. My KIDS will be in my wedding. I don't care if my guests don't like human children - I'm still inviting my toddler and infant siblings (age 4, 3, 9 mo, and 8mo.) And anyone who doesn't like kids can shut their traps.

It's your day, honey. Do what you want.

We're having ours as groomsmen and a bridesmaid. They'll walk down the aisle, escorted by a human attendant, and be kept on a leash through the ceremony. If, for whatever reason, they have an adverse reaction, we have someone there who will handle them until they're taken home after the ceremony. They'll be introduced long before they go down the aisle so that they can meet with guests and acclimate to the situation.

But my fiance and I love them, and we can't imagine getting married without our children. They kept us together through the hard times because we had a family to fight for, and we owe them our relationship. And if they bark? If they rip my dress? If they get in mud and cover me?

THAT IS OKAY TOO. Babies spit up and a dress is just a fucking dress. A piece of cloth. What are you going to do with it afterwards, put it in a closet to covet it and pull it out in thirty years and think back on the "good old days" when you were a size zero and had all the dreams and ambitions in the world?

Please.

Your wedding is about what YOU want. About what is important to you. If Great Aunt Flo, or your cousin Mary Sue are more important than having your dogs there, leave the dogs at home. But if you want them in the ceremony, go for it.

I can, however, understand not having them throughout the entire day (unless you're outdoors and can have a fenced in enclosure, which might be a good idea to think about as well). We were originally going to invite our friends dogs, but we were afraid of tempers flaring with our dogs or other dogs. We're sticking to the ceremony. Down the aisle, a few pictures with them, and back home. And we're obviously having someone on stand-by just in case they need to be removed.

I judge you.

holyguacamole79 · July 2014

ambercge said:

To all of these people saying "Your dog is more important than your guests?"

.... YES. YES HE IS.

I have three dogs and they are ALL more important than half of my guests. They are my family and have been for the last 3 years. Not my cousins who I see twice a year. Not my mother who always has a negative word to share. Not my siblings who care more about themselves than me. My dogs are my children, children with unconditional love.

And if my guests can't handle that fact, gtfo.

I understand fears and allergies, but the fact remains. My KIDS will be in my wedding. I don't care if my guests don't like human children - I'm still inviting my toddler and infant siblings (age 4, 3, 9 mo, and 8mo.) And anyone who doesn't like kids can shut their traps.

It's your day, honey. Do what you want.

We're having ours as groomsmen and a bridesmaid. They'll walk down the aisle, escorted by a human attendant, and be kept on a leash through the ceremony. If, for whatever reason, they have an adverse reaction, we have someone there who will handle them until they're taken home after the ceremony. They'll be introduced long before they go down the aisle so that they can meet with guests and acclimate to the situation.

But my fiance and I love them, and we can't imagine getting married without our children. They kept us together through the hard times because we had a family to fight for, and we owe them our relationship. And if they bark? If they rip my dress? If they get in mud and cover me?

THAT IS OKAY TOO. Babies spit up and a dress is just a fucking dress. A piece of cloth. What are you going to do with it afterwards, put it in a closet to covet it and pull it out in thirty years and think back on the "good old days" when you were a size zero and had all the dreams and ambitions in the world?

Please.

Your wedding is about what YOU want. About what is important to you. If Great Aunt Flo, or your cousin Mary Sue are more important than having your dogs there, leave the dogs at home. But if you want them in the ceremony, go for it.

I can, however, understand not having them throughout the entire day (unless you're outdoors and can have a fenced in enclosure, which might be a good idea to think about as well). We were originally going to invite our friends dogs, but we were afraid of tempers flaring with our dogs or other dogs. We're sticking to the ceremony. Down the aisle, a few pictures with them, and back home. And we're obviously having someone on stand-by just in case they need to be removed.

mmmmmkay.

holyguacamole79 · July 2014

..

JellyBean52513 · July 2014

doeydo said:

I guess for me, if I had a dog that I felt was like my baby and could handle a very social and excited situation like that, then yes it would be more important to me for him or her to attend than Great Aunt Jo who I see a couple times a year and am inviting out of "requirements". If it was one of my VIPs (ie. our parents, siblings, etc.) then perhaps the dog would not attend the wedding. I completely understand that not everyone's allergies can be "solved" by taking a pill, but you can choose to avoid places that will have dogs (though, of course, people walk dogs in public all the time).
As for the fear thing, I was abused by my father. That doesn't mean that I should just fear all white men or all fathers out there, because that's a generalization and completely wrong. If someone doesn't attend an event because a dog is present or leaps back as a dog that is just sitting or walking around then they need serious help, IMO.

The difference is, your father is a human being who is capable of making his own decisions that he can rationally consider the consequences of before acting upon them. Dogs do not go through such a thought process before biting or attacking someone. I'm not trying to depreciate the seriousness of your experience; I'm a sexual assault advocate so I'm entirely sympathetic and find it commendable that you disclosed such information. This comparison of a human evil versus an animal behavior is, however, entirely inappropriate.

I love dogs, I've always loved dogs, I had a lab/doberman mix during my entire childhood until he passed away and it was heartbreaking. When I was 23, I was visiting a friend and when her mom let their dog out of his cage, he walked up to me as calm as could be, jumped up and locked his jaw on my arm and nearly ripped my muscle clean out. I'm NOT exaggerating, this was probably the worst injury I've ever experienced and I've broken bones. The way this attack was so unexpected, so "uncommon" for this dog, terrified me because YOU NEVER KNOW what an animal can or will do. Ever since then, strange dogs have scared me. The first time I met the dog of my SO's very good friends, I sat on their living room couch while everyone was outside because she was standing in the doorway to the living room looking at me and I was doing everything I could not to have a panic attack. I love this dog will all of my heart now, but I was still very scared because of what had happened. Maybe I DO need help, according to your opinion, but you can't tell me that my fear is unjustified after what I went through.

FTR, I've also been sexually assaulted. I don't distrust all men, either. But I don't trust strange dogs because they're animals with animal instincts and even the best training cannot completely suppress instinctive reflexes.

doeydo · July 2014

Jen4948 said:

To all of these people saying "Your dog is more important than your guests?"

.... YES. YES HE IS.

I have three dogs and they are ALL more important than half of my guests. They are my family and have been for the last 3 years. Not my cousins who I see twice a year. Not my mother who always has a negative word to share. Not my siblings who care more about themselves than me. My dogs are my children, children with unconditional love.

And if my guests can't handle that fact, gtfo.

I understand fears and allergies, but the fact remains. My KIDS will be in my wedding. I don't care if my guests don't like human children - I'm still inviting my toddler and infant siblings (age 4, 3, 9 mo, and 8mo.) And anyone who doesn't like kids can shut their traps.

It's your day, honey. Do what you want.

We're having ours as groomsmen and a bridesmaid. They'll walk down the aisle, escorted by a human attendant, and be kept on a leash through the ceremony. If, for whatever reason, they have an adverse reaction, we have someone there who will handle them until they're taken home after the ceremony. They'll be introduced long before they go down the aisle so that they can meet with guests and acclimate to the situation.

But my fiance and I love them, and we can't imagine getting married without our children. They kept us together through the hard times because we had a family to fight for, and we owe them our relationship. And if they bark? If they rip my dress? If they get in mud and cover me?

THAT IS OKAY TOO. Babies spit up and a dress is just a fucking dress. A piece of cloth. What are you going to do with it afterwards, put it in a closet to covet it and pull it out in thirty years and think back on the "good old days" when you were a size zero and had all the dreams and ambitions in the world?

Please.

Your wedding is about what YOU want. About what is important to you. If Great Aunt Flo, or your cousin Mary Sue are more important than having your dogs there, leave the dogs at home. But if you want them in the ceremony, go for it.

I can, however, understand not having them throughout the entire day (unless you're outdoors and can have a fenced in enclosure, which might be a good idea to think about as well). We were originally going to invite our friends dogs, but we were afraid of tempers flaring with our dogs or other dogs. We're sticking to the ceremony. Down the aisle, a few pictures with them, and back home. And we're obviously having someone on stand-by just in case they need to be removed.
Just make sure you indicate in your invitations that there will be dogs present so those persons who are allergic to dogs or who do not want to be licked, be sniffed, be jumped on, be urinated on, or be crapped on by your dogs can decline the invitation rather than come and be told to GTFO because "it's your day." Oh, yes-grow the hell up while you're at it and recognize that no, it fucking ISN'T "your day." Getting married does not entitle you to treat your guests like shit.

Oh, it'd be great if events with human children had warnings so I could bring some ear plugs, Tylenol, and generally prepare myself for some mayhem, as some children run around like madmen and/or cry and throw temper tantrums.
ETA not to mention the spit ups, pooping, and peeing.

PrettyGirlLost · July 2014

banana468 said:

Maggie0829 said:

banana468 said:

All I have to add is that I definitely love my dog more then some of my family members and I find absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Threes nothing wrong with loving your animals. There IS an issue if you think they are more than your animals.

No I don't think there is an issue. I love my dog. She is probably the only "kid" I will have. Of course she doesn't sit at the table during dinner and I am not going to enroll her in elementary school but she means A LOT to me and my H and we would be devastated if anything happened to her. We changed how we lived for her. We stay home more for her. We go to the dog park and the trail for her. We buy toys for her. I bake extra chicken so she can have tasty dinners. I miss her when I am gone for long periods of time. I feel bad leaving her in the morning when I go to work. So yeah, she is a lot more to me then just a pet.

People with pets who do not have or chose not to have children, do in many ways think of their pets as their kids. They are their pets care taker and don't want anything to happen to them and want to make them as happy as possible and give them the best life as possible.

They are more then just pets to people, they are family members.

That's great. But they still aren't people.

I know that sounds harsh and I know that the family pet is a family member but the animal is not a human.

Of course the pet may rank higher to you than some family members. It's still your pet though and not a human being.

Just a general rant, not directed at Banana.

Humans *are* animals, same as dogs and cats. Biological fact. Tell me what kingdom Homo Sapien falls under if you want disagree.

It's not the Plant kingdom.

I'm not advocating for pets at weddings, but comments that such and such are not human, they are *just* animals just annoy me.

Human beings exhibit some of the most disgusting, deplorable, vile, reprehensible behaviors of any other animal on this planet, made all the worse due to our evolutionary superiority compared to the rest of the animal kingdom.

I hold those people at a much lesser regard than any other animal, even though they are humans.

Jen4948 · July 2014

doeydo said:

Jen4948 said:

To all of these people saying "Your dog is more important than your guests?"

.... YES. YES HE IS.

I have three dogs and they are ALL more important than half of my guests. They are my family and have been for the last 3 years. Not my cousins who I see twice a year. Not my mother who always has a negative word to share. Not my siblings who care more about themselves than me. My dogs are my children, children with unconditional love.

And if my guests can't handle that fact, gtfo.

I understand fears and allergies, but the fact remains. My KIDS will be in my wedding. I don't care if my guests don't like human children - I'm still inviting my toddler and infant siblings (age 4, 3, 9 mo, and 8mo.) And anyone who doesn't like kids can shut their traps.

It's your day, honey. Do what you want.

We're having ours as groomsmen and a bridesmaid. They'll walk down the aisle, escorted by a human attendant, and be kept on a leash through the ceremony. If, for whatever reason, they have an adverse reaction, we have someone there who will handle them until they're taken home after the ceremony. They'll be introduced long before they go down the aisle so that they can meet with guests and acclimate to the situation.

But my fiance and I love them, and we can't imagine getting married without our children. They kept us together through the hard times because we had a family to fight for, and we owe them our relationship. And if they bark? If they rip my dress? If they get in mud and cover me?

THAT IS OKAY TOO. Babies spit up and a dress is just a fucking dress. A piece of cloth. What are you going to do with it afterwards, put it in a closet to covet it and pull it out in thirty years and think back on the "good old days" when you were a size zero and had all the dreams and ambitions in the world?

Please.

Your wedding is about what YOU want. About what is important to you. If Great Aunt Flo, or your cousin Mary Sue are more important than having your dogs there, leave the dogs at home. But if you want them in the ceremony, go for it.

I can, however, understand not having them throughout the entire day (unless you're outdoors and can have a fenced in enclosure, which might be a good idea to think about as well). We were originally going to invite our friends dogs, but we were afraid of tempers flaring with our dogs or other dogs. We're sticking to the ceremony. Down the aisle, a few pictures with them, and back home. And we're obviously having someone on stand-by just in case they need to be removed.
Just make sure you indicate in your invitations that there will be dogs present so those persons who are allergic to dogs or who do not want to be licked, be sniffed, be jumped on, be urinated on, or be crapped on by your dogs can decline the invitation rather than come and be told to GTFO because "it's your day." Oh, yes-grow the hell up while you're at it and recognize that no, it fucking ISN'T "your day." Getting married does not entitle you to treat your guests like shit.

Oh, it'd be great if events with human children had warnings so I could bring some ear plugs, Tylenol, and generally prepare myself for some mayhem, as some children run around like madmen and/or cry and throw temper tantrums.
ETA not to mention the spit ups, pooping, and peeing.

Comparing human children to dogs is like comparing apples and oranges.

The dogs do not have the ability to rein in their instincts to bark, poop, pee, sniff, and jump on strangers whenever and wherever they feel like it. They cannot distinguish between special occasions when it is not appropriate to behave as they normally do. Children who can't be taught to behave properly should also not be brought to weddings.

JellyBean52513 · July 2014

doeydo said:

Jen4948 said:

To all of these people saying "Your dog is more important than your guests?"

.... YES. YES HE IS.

I have three dogs and they are ALL more important than half of my guests. They are my family and have been for the last 3 years. Not my cousins who I see twice a year. Not my mother who always has a negative word to share. Not my siblings who care more about themselves than me. My dogs are my children, children with unconditional love.

And if my guests can't handle that fact, gtfo.

I understand fears and allergies, but the fact remains. My KIDS will be in my wedding. I don't care if my guests don't like human children - I'm still inviting my toddler and infant siblings (age 4, 3, 9 mo, and 8mo.) And anyone who doesn't like kids can shut their traps.

It's your day, honey. Do what you want.

We're having ours as groomsmen and a bridesmaid. They'll walk down the aisle, escorted by a human attendant, and be kept on a leash through the ceremony. If, for whatever reason, they have an adverse reaction, we have someone there who will handle them until they're taken home after the ceremony. They'll be introduced long before they go down the aisle so that they can meet with guests and acclimate to the situation.

But my fiance and I love them, and we can't imagine getting married without our children. They kept us together through the hard times because we had a family to fight for, and we owe them our relationship. And if they bark? If they rip my dress? If they get in mud and cover me?

THAT IS OKAY TOO. Babies spit up and a dress is just a fucking dress. A piece of cloth. What are you going to do with it afterwards, put it in a closet to covet it and pull it out in thirty years and think back on the "good old days" when you were a size zero and had all the dreams and ambitions in the world?

Please.

Your wedding is about what YOU want. About what is important to you. If Great Aunt Flo, or your cousin Mary Sue are more important than having your dogs there, leave the dogs at home. But if you want them in the ceremony, go for it.

I can, however, understand not having them throughout the entire day (unless you're outdoors and can have a fenced in enclosure, which might be a good idea to think about as well). We were originally going to invite our friends dogs, but we were afraid of tempers flaring with our dogs or other dogs. We're sticking to the ceremony. Down the aisle, a few pictures with them, and back home. And we're obviously having someone on stand-by just in case they need to be removed.
Just make sure you indicate in your invitations that there will be dogs present so those persons who are allergic to dogs or who do not want to be licked, be sniffed, be jumped on, be urinated on, or be crapped on by your dogs can decline the invitation rather than come and be told to GTFO because "it's your day." Oh, yes-grow the hell up while you're at it and recognize that no, it fucking ISN'T "your day." Getting married does not entitle you to treat your guests like shit.

Oh, it'd be great if events with human children had warnings so I could bring some ear plugs, Tylenol, and generally prepare myself for some mayhem, as some children run around like madmen and/or cry and throw temper tantrums.
ETA not to mention the spit ups, pooping, and peeing.

Stuck In The Box

I think it's reasonable and rational to assume that other humans, albeit of varying ages, will be in attendance at weddings. Do you really think you'd need a disclaimer for that?

Jen4948 · July 2014

JellyBean52513 said:

doeydo said:

Jen4948 said:

To all of these people saying "Your dog is more important than your guests?"

.... YES. YES HE IS.

I have three dogs and they are ALL more important than half of my guests. They are my family and have been for the last 3 years. Not my cousins who I see twice a year. Not my mother who always has a negative word to share. Not my siblings who care more about themselves than me. My dogs are my children, children with unconditional love.

And if my guests can't handle that fact, gtfo.

I understand fears and allergies, but the fact remains. My KIDS will be in my wedding. I don't care if my guests don't like human children - I'm still inviting my toddler and infant siblings (age 4, 3, 9 mo, and 8mo.) And anyone who doesn't like kids can shut their traps.

It's your day, honey. Do what you want.

We're having ours as groomsmen and a bridesmaid. They'll walk down the aisle, escorted by a human attendant, and be kept on a leash through the ceremony. If, for whatever reason, they have an adverse reaction, we have someone there who will handle them until they're taken home after the ceremony. They'll be introduced long before they go down the aisle so that they can meet with guests and acclimate to the situation.

But my fiance and I love them, and we can't imagine getting married without our children. They kept us together through the hard times because we had a family to fight for, and we owe them our relationship. And if they bark? If they rip my dress? If they get in mud and cover me?

THAT IS OKAY TOO. Babies spit up and a dress is just a fucking dress. A piece of cloth. What are you going to do with it afterwards, put it in a closet to covet it and pull it out in thirty years and think back on the "good old days" when you were a size zero and had all the dreams and ambitions in the world?

Please.

Your wedding is about what YOU want. About what is important to you. If Great Aunt Flo, or your cousin Mary Sue are more important than having your dogs there, leave the dogs at home. But if you want them in the ceremony, go for it.

I can, however, understand not having them throughout the entire day (unless you're outdoors and can have a fenced in enclosure, which might be a good idea to think about as well). We were originally going to invite our friends dogs, but we were afraid of tempers flaring with our dogs or other dogs. We're sticking to the ceremony. Down the aisle, a few pictures with them, and back home. And we're obviously having someone on stand-by just in case they need to be removed.
Just make sure you indicate in your invitations that there will be dogs present so those persons who are allergic to dogs or who do not want to be licked, be sniffed, be jumped on, be urinated on, or be crapped on by your dogs can decline the invitation rather than come and be told to GTFO because "it's your day." Oh, yes-grow the hell up while you're at it and recognize that no, it fucking ISN'T "your day." Getting married does not entitle you to treat your guests like shit.

Oh, it'd be great if events with human children had warnings so I could bring some ear plugs, Tylenol, and generally prepare myself for some mayhem, as some children run around like madmen and/or cry and throw temper tantrums.
ETA not to mention the spit ups, pooping, and peeing.

Stuck In The Box

I think it's reasonable and rational to assume that other humans, albeit of varying ages, will be in attendance at weddings. Do you really think you'd need a disclaimer for that?

I don't. But I would need one for a dog. Having been nearly mauled by one once whose owner failed to control it, I do not want to run any such risk ever again-not even at, and especially not at, a wedding.

cowgirl8238 · July 2014

I love my two cats like my children and I would love to incorporate them into my wedding. So what am I doing???? Well I am certainly not bringing them to the wedding venue that would be insane! I found a vendor on etsy that makes custom cake toppers and had her add the two cats to that. They are there, without being there. That is all I am doing.

PrettyGirlLost · July 2014

cowgirl8238 said:

I love my two cats like my children and I would love to incorporate them into my wedding. So what am I doing???? Well I am certainly not bringing them to the wedding venue that would be insane! I found a vendor on etsy that makes custom cake toppers and had her add the two cats to that. They are there, without being there. That is all I am doing.

Aw, I'd love to see them!!!

doeydo · July 2014

Jen4948 said:

doeydo said:

Jen4948 said:

To all of these people saying "Your dog is more important than your guests?"

.... YES. YES HE IS.

I have three dogs and they are ALL more important than half of my guests. They are my family and have been for the last 3 years. Not my cousins who I see twice a year. Not my mother who always has a negative word to share. Not my siblings who care more about themselves than me. My dogs are my children, children with unconditional love.

And if my guests can't handle that fact, gtfo.

I understand fears and allergies, but the fact remains. My KIDS will be in my wedding. I don't care if my guests don't like human children - I'm still inviting my toddler and infant siblings (age 4, 3, 9 mo, and 8mo.) And anyone who doesn't like kids can shut their traps.

It's your day, honey. Do what you want.

We're having ours as groomsmen and a bridesmaid. They'll walk down the aisle, escorted by a human attendant, and be kept on a leash through the ceremony. If, for whatever reason, they have an adverse reaction, we have someone there who will handle them until they're taken home after the ceremony. They'll be introduced long before they go down the aisle so that they can meet with guests and acclimate to the situation.

But my fiance and I love them, and we can't imagine getting married without our children. They kept us together through the hard times because we had a family to fight for, and we owe them our relationship. And if they bark? If they rip my dress? If they get in mud and cover me?

THAT IS OKAY TOO. Babies spit up and a dress is just a fucking dress. A piece of cloth. What are you going to do with it afterwards, put it in a closet to covet it and pull it out in thirty years and think back on the "good old days" when you were a size zero and had all the dreams and ambitions in the world?

Please.

Your wedding is about what YOU want. About what is important to you. If Great Aunt Flo, or your cousin Mary Sue are more important than having your dogs there, leave the dogs at home. But if you want them in the ceremony, go for it.

I can, however, understand not having them throughout the entire day (unless you're outdoors and can have a fenced in enclosure, which might be a good idea to think about as well). We were originally going to invite our friends dogs, but we were afraid of tempers flaring with our dogs or other dogs. We're sticking to the ceremony. Down the aisle, a few pictures with them, and back home. And we're obviously having someone on stand-by just in case they need to be removed.
Just make sure you indicate in your invitations that there will be dogs present so those persons who are allergic to dogs or who do not want to be licked, be sniffed, be jumped on, be urinated on, or be crapped on by your dogs can decline the invitation rather than come and be told to GTFO because "it's your day." Oh, yes-grow the hell up while you're at it and recognize that no, it fucking ISN'T "your day." Getting married does not entitle you to treat your guests like shit.

Oh, it'd be great if events with human children had warnings so I could bring some ear plugs, Tylenol, and generally prepare myself for some mayhem, as some children run around like madmen and/or cry and throw temper tantrums.
ETA not to mention the spit ups, pooping, and peeing.

Comparing human children to dogs is like comparing apples and oranges.

The dogs do not have the ability to rein in their instincts to bark, poop, pee, sniff, and jump on strangers whenever and wherever they feel like it. They cannot distinguish between special occasions when it is not appropriate to behave as they normally do. Children who can't be taught to behave properly should also not be brought to weddings.

Really? Dogs who pee and jump on people are just not trained. Same with bratty children that stick their fingers in the cake and throw temper tantrums.

banana468 · July 2014

I'm fully aware that a human is an animal. My point is that a dog and a human are not the SAME animal. One expects other humans at a wedding. You can call your dogs your babies but that doesn't make them your kids. They're your pets. They're loved and members of your family but they're your PETS. Calling them your babies doesn't mean they are suddenly welcome in places that are known for serving humans only. In fact, they aren't legally allowed at most wedding venues at least in my state unless they are service animals.

We can talk about badness of humans and animals until the cows come home. You'll find issues with both that will fill a book. I consider myself a parent who instills excellent morals and behavior in my child but since she's 3, she's going to test boundaries constantly. It doesn't make her terrible. It makes her NORMAL. But I also won't be bringing her to my friend's evening wedding this weekend either because it's not the right place for her.

JellyBean52513 · July 2014

@Jen4948 I was replying to doeydo's ridiculous assertion that she thinks the presence of children at weddings warrants a warning to guests so they can be prepared with Tylenol and earplugs. I, too, have been seriously injured by a dog attack and as much of a dog lover as I still am to this day, I am very nervous around strange dogs also.

doeydo · July 2014

For the record, I didn't say that weddings with kids should have warnings. I just said events with kids having warnings for us people who aren't that fond of kids would be nice. No matter how good a parent is, babies cry. To be perfectly honest, it bugs the crap out of me. I know, it's natural and they are just letting their parents know that they need to have a diaper change, be fed, or whatever, but I'd rather not be around it.

morphemes · July 2014

I don't see dogs at weddings as a big deal, especially if the wedding is outside. It's definitely unexpected for guests and, yes, it might be difficult for some of your guests.

I have been to two weddings with dogs and neither one had any issues. To be completely honest though, one dog was a tiny, tiny little thing being held in a bag by the aunt of the bride and no one even realized the dog was there until much later. The other was a service dog that the bride had and the dog actually walked her down the aisle and was there fore the entire ceremony and reception. Of course, this was a service dog, very well trained and almost all (if not all) of the guests were familiar with the fact that the bride used a service dog. And honestly anyone who has an issue (any issue) with a person choosing to use their service dog on their wedding day gets a serious side-eye from me (I know no one here said that--just a general observation).

I guess I just don't feel as strongly about it as PP. I understand where both sides are coming from, but people with dog fears or allergies probably deal with that on a daily basis (obviously you can't predict when you'll come in contact with a dog). The danger here is that it's unexpected for a wedding. No one here would tell you not to wear perfume because a guest might be allergic, or to not have flowers because a guest might have an allergy or to be wary of serving blackberries because a guest might be allergic (sadly like me). But, like I said, it's just the fact that this is an unexpected addition to a wedding that makes it slightly different.

Jen4948 · July 2014

JellyBean52513 said:

@Jen4948 I was replying to doeydo's ridiculous assertion that she thinks the presence of children at weddings warrants a warning to guests so they can be prepared with Tylenol and earplugs. I, too, have been seriously injured by a dog attack and as much of a dog lover as I still am to this day, I am very nervous around strange dogs also.

I'm glad we agree about these things. I'm sorry about what happened to you.

Jen4948 · July 2014

morphemes said:

I don't see dogs at weddings as a big deal, especially if the wedding is outside. It's definitely unexpected for guests and, yes, it might be difficult for some of your guests.

I have been to two weddings with dogs and neither one had any issues. To be completely honest though, one dog was a tiny, tiny little thing being held in a bag by the aunt of the bride and no one even realized the dog was there until much later. The other was a service dog that the bride had and the dog actually walked her down the aisle and was there fore the entire ceremony and reception. Of course, this was a service dog, very well trained and almost all (if not all) of the guests were familiar with the fact that the bride used a service dog. And honestly anyone who has an issue (any issue) with a person choosing to use their service dog on their wedding day gets a serious side-eye from me (I know no one here said that--just a general observation).

I guess I just don't feel as strongly about it as PP. I understand where both sides are coming from, but people with dog fears or allergies probably deal with that on a daily basis (obviously you can't predict when you'll come in contact with a dog). The danger here is that it's unexpected for a wedding. No one here would tell you not to wear perfume because a guest might be allergic, or to not have flowers because a guest might have an allergy or to be wary of serving blackberries because a guest might be allergic (sadly like me). But, like I said, it's just the fact that this is an unexpected addition to a wedding that makes it slightly different.

Which is why people who are allergic to dogs or have other problems with them need warnings. Perfume and flowers are reasonably expected at weddings. Small children might be expected at weddings (who's allergic to children?). Dogs are not expected at weddings, and when you have an allergy or another problem with one, coming into contact with one unexpectedly can be a very big deal.

AddieCake · July 2014

I needed a warning once when kids were going to be somewhere and I didn't know. I had had a particularly shitty day at work (teacher), and the last thing I was in the mood for was a bunch of kids running around, pulling at me, etc. I was so annoyed.

kiwikiss56 · July 2014

FTR my dog will be in our wedding. If any of my guests think it is tacky OH WELL. We have an outdoor venue and have cleared everything with our coordinator and the venue - he will be on a leash for the ceremony as the ring bearer and later introduced with the wedding party at the reception and then be back in his crate (he will also be in his crate during cocktail hour). He was at our bridal shower off leash with 50+ people no problem and given he will be on a leash the whole time I don't see how this would bother anyone. I can't imagine our special day without him!

Jen4948 · July 2014

There are few if any more annoying things in this forum or anywhere where someone asks for advice on something, it's given and the rationale for it is provided, only for some newbie to come along and claim "I'm going to do what I want regardless and if anyone I invite or involve who has taken the time, energy, and other resources out of their lives to participate AT MY REQUEST has a problem with it, fuck them because IT'S MY DAY."

News flash: you are getting married, not ascending to Deityhood. It is NOT "your day" but the day of everyone in the human race and you are not exempt from the need to be considerate of your guests on your wedding day. You also come off as too immature to get married. Grow the hell up.

PrettyGirlLost · July 2014

banana468 said:
I'm fully aware that a human is an animal. My point is that a dog and a human are not the SAME animal. One expects other humans at a wedding. You can call your dogs your babies but that doesn't make them your kids. They're your pets. They're loved and members of your family but they're your PETS. Calling them your babies doesn't mean they are suddenly welcome in places that are known for serving humans only. In fact, they aren't legally allowed at most wedding venues at least in my state unless they are service animals.

We can talk about badness of humans and animals until the cows come home. You'll find issues with both that will fill a book. I consider myself a parent who instills excellent morals and behavior in my child but since she's 3, she's going to test boundaries constantly. It doesn't make her terrible. It makes her NORMAL. But I also won't be bringing her to my friend's evening wedding this weekend either because it's not the right place for her.

Yes, I agree that animals shouldnt neccissarily be in certain places in public. And I said in my post I wasn't advocating for dogs or pets at weddings.

JoanE2012 · July 2014

ambercge said:

To all of these people saying "Your dog is more important than your guests?"

.... YES. YES HE IS.

I have three dogs and they are ALL more important than half of my guests. They are my family and have been for the last 3 years. Not my cousins who I see twice a year. Not my mother who always has a negative word to share. Not my siblings who care more about themselves than me. My dogs are my children, children with unconditional love.

And if my guests can't handle that fact, gtfo.

I understand fears and allergies, but the fact remains. My KIDS will be in my wedding. I don't care if my guests don't like human children - I'm still inviting my toddler and infant siblings (age 4, 3, 9 mo, and 8mo.) And anyone who doesn't like kids can shut their traps.

It's your day, honey. Do what you want.

We're having ours as groomsmen and a bridesmaid. They'll walk down the aisle, escorted by a human attendant, and be kept on a leash through the ceremony. If, for whatever reason, they have an adverse reaction, we have someone there who will handle them until they're taken home after the ceremony. They'll be introduced long before they go down the aisle so that they can meet with guests and acclimate to the situation.

But my fiance and I love them, and we can't imagine getting married without our children. They kept us together through the hard times because we had a family to fight for, and we owe them our relationship. And if they bark? If they rip my dress? If they get in mud and cover me?

THAT IS OKAY TOO. Babies spit up and a dress is just a fucking dress. A piece of cloth. What are you going to do with it afterwards, put it in a closet to covet it and pull it out in thirty years and think back on the "good old days" when you were a size zero and had all the dreams and ambitions in the world?

Please.

Your wedding is about what YOU want. About what is important to you. If Great Aunt Flo, or your cousin Mary Sue are more important than having your dogs there, leave the dogs at home. But if you want them in the ceremony, go for it.

I can, however, understand not having them throughout the entire day (unless you're outdoors and can have a fenced in enclosure, which might be a good idea to think about as well). We were originally going to invite our friends dogs, but we were afraid of tempers flaring with our dogs or other dogs. We're sticking to the ceremony. Down the aisle, a few pictures with them, and back home. And we're obviously having someone on stand-by just in case they need to be removed.

Geez, if your guests are not important or you can't stand them, why the hell would you even invite them? I would much rather elope than feel obligated to invite people I didn't care about.

Dog at Ceremony/Reception?

Re: Dog at Ceremony/Reception?

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