Every year, the wedding industry reaches new heights of creativity and coolness. For 2024, "Groovy Nuptials" has been highlighted by Pinterest Predicts as the trend to watch, marking a season of deeply personalized and unique celebrations that echo each couple's distinctive journey together. And as modern ceremonies become more tailored to reflect all the connections in our lives, they have naturally shifted more and more to include our beloved pets.

Whether you're incorporating your sociable dog or cat directly into your ceremony or seeking ways to honor your pet's spirit while they relax comfortably at home, we have all the tips and ideas you need to ensure they're part of your special day in a way that serves you both.

A different kind of love story

Our pets often play starring roles in our love stories right alongside our partners. They've been there through the awkward first dates, the ghostings, and the heartbreaks. We've watched them grow to love the person we've chosen to share our lives with, eagerly awaiting their visits and gradually becoming an inseparable part of our family.

In fact, Figo's 2024 report on generational trends in pet parenthood revealed that over 1/3 of pet parents would be ready to swipe left on a lover who doesn’t vibe with their dog or cat. For women, this number rises to 42%, meaning nearly 2 in 5 female pet parents are choosing pets over partners if pressed.

Considering this, if you and your love have reached the altar with pets by your side, their bond may have played a significant role in nurturing and strengthening your relationship. Watching the dog or cat you adore embrace someone new into your shared lives is a heartwarming journey all its own. So, it's only fitting that they too have a special role in celebrating that commitment, in one way or another.

1. Lint roller optional

Elevating your dog or cat to "Pet of Honor" is a heartfelt acknowledgment of their significance. We don’t believe in treating your pet like an accessory, so if you're adding a fit to their wardrobe, ensure it’s comfy and doesn’t stress your pet out any more than necessary.

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For the well-dressed pup or kitty, consider a stylish bow tie or a charming flower collar. These are minimally disruptive and can easily be put on and off as needed.

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Beyond adorable attire, their presence at your side as you walk down the aisle or mingle with guests underscores their role in your journey. Many pet parents are asking their dogs (and cats) to be ring bearers or flower girls, but we recommend you keep the real ring out of their grasp and with a safe human guest instead.

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Believe it or not, brands have started creating collars for this very purpose – so pets can carry the rings around their neck as they stroll down the aisle.

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It’s also wise to have a backup plan (a stand in flower girl or ring bearer) if your pet finds the limelight too daunting. Their comfort comes first!

2. Pet celebrations and libations

Whether your pet can attend in person or is more comfortable hermit-ing at home, you can still integrate them into every aspect of your wedding.

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It’s become popular to shake up signature drinks like "Baxter's Bloody Mary", "Whiskers' Whiskey Smash", or “Snoopy’s Spritz” in honor of their presence. Think creatively with menu signs featuring your pet's image so they can be there in spirit.

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Or – if you’re expecting more wet-nosed guests than just your own, you can invest in a custom dog-friendly ice cream stand.

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This can be a refreshing feature if your wedding date runs hot or takes place in a warmer climate.

3. Give a dog a bone

Adding a bone or biscuit buffet to your wedding festivities offers a delightful twist that caters to attending pets and those celebrating from home.

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Make it a dedicated feature with signage and clever packaging, filled with gourmet dog treats. For in-person pups, this buffet becomes a fun spot to enjoy their own party treats.

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For those pet parents who prefer to leave their pups at home or guests who want to bring a little joy back to their pets, consider offering a take-home treat bag. These can be customized with your wedding’s theme and filled with assorted goodies that ensure no pet misses out on the celebration.

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It’s a thoughtful way to include all whiskered friends in your special day, whether they can make it to the event or not. For a human equivalent, consider a dessert table with custom-designed cookies shaped like your pets.

4. Décor, but make it dog

If you’re known in your circle as the ultimate pet enthusiast, embrace your certified pet lover boy (or girl) reputation by giving a nod to your soulful sidekicks well before the big day even arrives.

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Your wedding invitations or save-the-dates can feature a vibey illustration of your dog or cat, setting a personalized tone for your celebration. Etsy is a great resource for getting custom wedding art at an affordable price that will do your pets justice.

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Extend this theme to your wedding day signage and decor like table markers or other small hints that reflect your pet’s personality. It'll turn your party into one giant "spot the Fido reference" game.

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You might even top your cake with a little homage to your dog or cat – we especially love the ones designed to look like they’ve counter-surfed a bite out of your third layer of red velvet.

5. Match made in heaven

For a "spark" of creativity that truly captures the essence of your special day, consider offering custom matchbooks as wedding favors.

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These small but memorable gifts can feature adorable illustrations or silhouettes of your beloved pet, turning an ordinary item into a delightful keepsake. Whether it's your dog's playful stance or your cat's elegant profile, these matchbooks can be an uber-cool reminder of your love.

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Distribute them during your reception or set them alongside candles on guest tables, inviting everyone to "spark" memories of the day with a personal touch that celebrates the pup or kitten who has lit up your life.

6. Wear your heart on your sleeve

Introduce an unforgettable element to your wedding by hiring a tattoo artist who can create custom pet tattoos, offering both permanent and temporary options.

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This unique attraction allows guests and fellow pet parents to celebrate your special day with a pet tattoo of their own.

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For those not ready for a permanent commitment, temporary tattoos provide a fun and pain-free alternative.

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Decorate your tattoo station with photos of your pet and examples of art styles or flash designs and watch as your guests line up to immortalize the occasion with a depiction of their own pet.

7. Say cheese!

It might seem obvious, but modern pet parents are increasingly including pets in their wedding photography to capture beautiful memories together.

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This takes a photographer well-versed in pets who can make it as quick and seamless as possible so your pet can get back to enjoying themselves. Squeaky toys are a must here!

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If your pet is shy or anxious, you may want to consider doing your shoot separately without the chaos of the wedding unfolding. Or, opt for a private session and sneak in one or two shots before their handler takes them to chill elsewhere.

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When it comes to pets at weddings, for the most part, the more they can decompress and do their own thing away from the crowds, the better. If you can capture memories without disrupting them too much, you've hit the jackpot.

8. Pep in your step

Elevate your wedding’s dance floor with a cozy and custom twist by offering guests custom embroidered socks or slippers featuring your pet. These comfortable footwear options can have artistic renditions of your dog or cat stitched into the fabric, making them perfect for slipping on and dancing the night away.

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Set up a "cozy corner" at your reception with baskets filled with personalized socks or slippers, inviting guests to ditch their formal shoes and keep their feet warm while celebrating.

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On top of a practical gift that guests can take home, it adds a playful element to your wedding, allowing everyone to feel the spirit of your pet while breaking a sweat. Plus, it's a great way to ensure the dance floor is packed all night!

9. Giving back

Instead of traditional gifts, invite guests to donate to a pet charity or rescue organization, honoring your bond with your pet while contributing to the welfare of other animals. What a beautiful way for two pet lovers to celebrate while giving back to a cause they support.

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Or do what the couple above did. Their dog wasn’t a great fit for the commotion of a wedding, so they partnered with a local animal shelter to bring adoptable puppies to the celebration instead. We think that’s a great way to start your nuptials on a high note – and a lot of good karma.

Comfort and safety above all

Always prioritize your pet's comfort and safety during your wedding. Consider having a designated quiet space or hiring a professional pet attendant to ensure they are well cared for and can participate in your special day without stress.

If your pet isn’t suited to the chaos of crowds or the unpredictability of a big bash, listen to their needs and utilize some of the creative ideas above to incorporate them instead.

Wedding bells and whiskers

Including dogs and cats in our weddings isn’t just a trend. Now, more than ever, we're celebrating the profound connections that shape our lives and make our journeys to the aisle even more meaningful.

As we lean into the personalized flair of modern weddings, we honor not just our human relationships but the rich, loving bonds we share with our dogs and cats. This approach to weddings beautifully exemplifies what it means to be a modern pet parent in today's world.

Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.