Kids and Pets at your Wedding

Should You Have Kids and Pets at Your Wedding?

Kids and pets are a couple of topics that raise several questions and have the potential to cause the right amount of stress during your wedding planning process. More specifically, should either of them be invited and included in the wedding?

Usually, there is no quick yes or no response to this question because there are several different factors to consider before making a decision.

A Definite No Makes It Easy

If you are of the mind that you don’t want kids or pets at your wedding and that’s that, then your decision is an easy one. As long as you and your partner agree, you can let your guests know that the wedding is just for adults well in advance, so they have time to make the necessary arrangements.

Are You Playing It Safe or Just Paranoid?

Of course, if your first inclination is a ‘no’ but there is no specific reason, you may want to sit with it for a bit to be sure. Are you just being safe because you want the perfect wedding and feel that kids or pets could jeopardize that? Or has a little unrealistic paranoia begun to slip in?

What to Do with Your Fur Babies?

Q: Why are they there?         

What role would you like them to play at your wedding? Do you want them to attend because they are part of the family? Do you want them to act as a ring bearer? Another role?

Q: Does their temperament fit your wedding?

Your dog or cat may seem relaxed at home, but will they still be that way amid all the excitement that is your wedding day? If you can answer a definitive yes, then everything should be fine. If you’re unsure, opt for safety first and consider leaving them at home.

Q: Does the venue allow pets?

While this is a fundamental question, you’d be surprised how many people forget to ask and then find out later it’s not allowed.

Q: Are there any guest issues?

This day is indeed about you, but you also don’t want a guest with a severe dog or cat allergy to react during your big day.

Q: Who is going to be in charge?

Naturally, you will be busy for most of the day, so it’s crucial to delegate pet responsibility to someone else. Choose someone you feel comfortable with that knows your pet.

Naturally, you are going to be occupied for much of the day, so it’s crucial to delegate pet responsibility to someone else. Choose someone you feel comfortable with that knows your pet.

What to Do with Kids?

Having kids at a wedding is different from pets at a wedding, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan.

If you’ve decided to welcome kids at your wedding, a little planning will make a big difference. Decide if you’d like a specific kid section so they can mingle with one another and consider hiring or providing babysitters so the adults can have a great time. However, kids are still happy and comfortable.

The “kids and pets” question is usually black and white for most brides, and if you follow these tips and suggestions, you can have both at your wedding and still have a magical day!