The Logistics of a Pet-Friendly Wedding (That No One Talks About)

By Elizabeth Hernandez

From customized cocktail napkins to beer “burros” (yes, really), pets are having their moment at weddings—and for a good reason. Around the world, animals have long been part of meaningful rituals: in Hindu weddings, a groom might arrive on a horse during a traditional Baraat, signifying his journey to unite with his bride; in Peru, llamas are incorporated as symbols to bring blessings, prosperity, and good luck for the new couple; and in the Midlands of the UK, a black cat is thought to provide happiness and good luck to a bride who receives one as a gift on her wedding day. 

Today, while including pets is more literal than symbolic, we see pets as part of our family, so it only makes sense to want them by our side during such an important occasion. With today, April 11th, being National Pet Day, there couldn’t be a better time to spotlight what it really takes to pull off a pet-friendly wedding. At Casani Estates, we love that couples want to include their animals. We’ve seen ring bearer Rottweilers, bridesmaid Bichons in flower collars, and even llamas greeting guests at cocktail hour. But as beautiful as those moments are, it takes thought, planning, and a pet-positive venue to make it all feel seamless. 

We’ve partnered with Regina Richardson, owner and founder of Furry Ventures Pet Care, a Casani Estates Approved Vendor and a Trusted Vendor at Wedding Venue Map, to help answer the questions no one talks about when it comes to pet logistics—and to share how venues like ours can help make your pet-inclusive wedding feel effortless.  

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What “Pet-Friendly” Actually Means

“Pet friendly can mean a lot of different things,” explains Regina. “Some venues say they’re pet-friendly, but then limit where the pet can go or don’t allow them inside at all.” Casani Estates is one of the rare venues that offers flexibility and space for pets and their people. Pets are welcome both indoors and out. That means your pup can be part of your ceremony beneath The Oak Hammock, pop into portraits on The Great Lawn, or hang out in the Get-Ready Suite—without having to be shuffled around or left outside. It’s a level of flexibility that’s surprisingly rare. Regina says that not having these questions answered ahead of time “can create last-minute stress for couples and vendors trying to coordinate the day.” Casani Estates is also a venue that lends itself well to animal care, with plenty of room for quick walks or breaks away from the crowd. When pets are treated like honored guests, everyone gets to relax a little more.

Bridesmaids Don’t Fetch

“One of the biggest challenges couples face when including their [pet] in the wedding is that everyone they trust to help [...] will already be attending the event,” says Regina. “ That’s where we come in to make sure their pup is cared for and included without adding stress to the day.” Translation? It’s best not to rely on your maid of honor for potty breaks or ask your uncle to keep your enthusiastic lab calm during portraits. Your loved ones are there to celebrate with you—not manage responsibilities during the day. Leading your pets on a walk down the aisle is great, but they might get distracted, leave your pet unattended, or miss subtle signs of stress. That can lead to accidents, like your pup chewing something they shouldn’t or wandering off. A professional pet handler can take care of everything—from transportation and water breaks to calming routines—so your loved ones can stay focused on the celebration.

And yes—those adorable flower pup photos? There’s probably a handler just out of frame with a pocket full of treats and a squeaky toy.

Not Every Pet Loves a Party

It’s easy to imagine your pet sitting sweetly through the ceremony, then trotting around for photos. But receptions? That’s another story. “Receptions can be a lot for dogs [with] loud music, crowds, [and] food everywhere,” says Regina. “[That’s why] we usually leave during cocktail hour.” If you want your pet involved, it’s better to focus on key moments: the ceremony, portraits, or a cute grand entrance. After that, let them go home and unwind. Regina adds: “Weddings are long, busy, and often overwhelming for dogs.” The best approach is to include pets in meaningful parts of the day, not the entire thing. Creating a personalized plan based on your pet’s personality is key to staying one step ahead. This allows your furry friends to be a part of the celebration without feeling stressed or overstimulated. Get creative with pet-inspired touches at the reception like custom cocktail napkins, signature drinks named in their honor, or tiny lookalikes perched on your cake.

Tails, Tuxes, and Tiny Florals

Outfits and accessories are adorable, but comfort should come first. “Avoid anything too tight or restrictive, especially around the neck, legs, or face” Try not to overdo it with their wardrobe, unless this is something that your pet is already familiar with, or “introduce things slowly, well in advance,” Regina advises. Outfits should be made of a breathable, lightweight material that allows them to move freely, sit, lie down, and do their business with no issues. A floral collar, bow tie, or bandana is often enough to make a statement without making your pet miserable.

Paws for Concern

Before assigning your pet a starring role, ask yourself: Does my pet actually enjoy the spotlight? Not every furry friend wants to trot down the aisle or pose for photos with 100+ guests watching. Some pets are naturally social and unbothered by crowds, music, or changes in routine. Others—no matter how adorable—may find the chaos overwhelming. Regina says, “Our job is to help couples make the best decision for their [pet] by having an honest, pressure-free conversation early in the planning process.” It’s key to discuss your animal’s temperament, energy level, comfort around large crowds [and] children, and how they typically react to loud noises or unfamiliar environments. “If there are concerns, I offer alternative ways to include them, like a pre-ceremony photo shoot, or a visit during getting ready time.”

While Casani offers lots of space to decompress, it’s important to know the signs that your pet isn’t coping well. Regina lists a few key red flags are heavy panting or whining, a tucked tail or pinned ears, and shaking, hiding, or trembling. “If a dog becomes overly stressed, [...] we always follow their lead,” she says. “[We’ll] never push them to do something they don’t want to.” Their comfort and safety come first, even if that means changing the plan. Professional handlers are trained to recognize these stress signals and step in with calming techniques like quiet walks, water and treats, or moving them to a low-stimulation area. If it becomes clear that your pet is too overwhelmed, a handler will adjust their role or remove them from the event entirely to a safe, comfortable space.

That’s why handlers also work closely with couples ahead of time to create flexible, pet-centered plans with backup options. Sometimes that means switching from a ceremony walk to just a few cute portraits—and that’s totally okay. The goal is to make sure your pet enjoys the day too, even if it looks a little different than imagined.

Our Advice? Have a Plan B—and a Pro

For Regina, the most rewarding part of her job is knowing she’s helped create moments of pure happiness. “[Pets] are family, and helping them be there—whether it’s walking down the aisle, posing for photos, or just getting a few snuggles in—adds something truly special to the day,” she says. “It’s an honor to help create those once-in-a-lifetime memories.” At Casani Estates, we couldn’t agree more. Whether your pup is a bridesmaid, ring bearer, or just there for emotional support, we love seeing couples celebrate with their whole family—and with professionals like Furry Ventures Pet Care by your side, you can trust that your pets are in the best hands. 

One last piece of advice from Regina is this: “It’s okay if your dog's role looks different than you originally imagined. Including your dog should be joyful, not stressful—for you & them. Focus on what’s realistic for their personality and comfort level, and be open to adjusting the plan if needed. Sometimes the sweetest moments happen when we let go of the ‘perfect’ idea and just let your [pets] be themselves.”

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Would you like help customizing your pet-friendly ceremony at Casani Estates? We're always happy to coordinate with professional handlers like Regina to make sure everyone—including your dog—feels right at home. After all, including your pet should be joyful, not stressful—for both of you.

Photos courtesy of these talented photographers who have captured unforgettable pet-friendly moments at Casani Estates: Apostrophe Orlando, Brazen Boudoir, Love & Exploration, and Nacho Photo Studio.