Who's Missing from Your
Wedding?
Your Dog!
by Blake
Kritzberg.
Man's best friend is enjoying a higher profile when it comes to tying
the knot. Although the trend gained steam in the easy-going West,
wedding planners all over the country are seeing dogs take on key
roles in the ceremony. In short, well-trained tail-waggers are showing
up as ring bearers, groomsmen, maids of honor, and even assuming the
role that once belonged to good ol' Dad -- giving away the bride.
Dogs have become so common in weddings, many professional planners
know where to book a dog handler for the day without blinking an eye.
(After all, he'll need water, protection from crowds -- and a few
trips to the loo.)
Gone to the Dogs?
What fuels the trend to add Fido to the ceremony? Opinions differ,
but one is the way that weddings are changing: once they were a purely
formal affair, with formal language and dress that hardly seemed to
relate to our real lives at all. But many of today's couples are trying
to bring more of the things we really say into the ceremony -- sometimes
by writing our own vows -- and more of how we really look, which sometimes
means bypassing the traditional white dress. And for many of us, our
patient pooch is a lot like a child or a two-footed companion. He
might have his own furniture, his own shelf full of tasty organic
treats, his own set of smart fashion accessories. And whither we go,
he goes ... just like any other family member. No wonder many couples
don't think twice about bringing him to the altar.
But not every dog makes the perfect bridal party member. No matter
how much you might love the mischievous antics of your wayward canine
at home, it's only the well-trained, responsive dog that should share
your big day. If your dog comes, sits, is good with groups, and can
be relied on to hold a "down-stay," he's a candidate. If not, leave
him home, or invest in some obedience classes straight away.
You'll also want to clear your pup's presence with the powers-that-be
well ahead of time. Yes, it's a little surprising, but with the rising
popularity of dogs in weddings, it's a fair bet that your officiant
will give you the green light. Many banquet halls at hotels will also
say "yes" to a well-behaved pet on your big day, provided you have
a handler.
Dressed for Success
Once you've got the go-ahead, the greatest fun in including your dog
is dressing him up. Popular choices for pint-sized wedding apparel
include adorable jeweled collars, miniature tuxes or bridal gown,
and crystal-encrusted combs and
barrettes. Diane Meier Delaney of "The New American Wedding" draped
her pooch in an ornate floral arrangement that literally took her
guests' breath away (but discuss this option thoughtfully with your
florist -- avoid poisonous flowers and steer clear of scratchy wires).
Now that you've ordered his attire and your dog's all set to work
hard at your wedding, why not plan to treat him? You can purchase
adorable cakes and cupcakes designed for occasions that are perfectly
safe for your dog: delicious-looking confections made with wheat flour
or oatmeal and bananas or honey, dripping with carob and studded with
candy dog bones. Or you can make your own -- just search the net for
some tested, dog-safe recipes that avoid excess fat and sugar, and
pass on canine no-nos like chocolate, grapes, avocados, coffee and
certain nuts.
Blake Kritzberg is editor of FavorIdeas. Stop by for
celebrity wedding news, fairy
tale wedding favors, wedding attire for dogs and unique
wedding favors. Article Source: ArticleRich.com
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