We've been dog-people all our lives, so we perfectly understand the wish to involve your pooch in your big day! And there are so many ways to do so. From ring-bearer to flower pupper, and from bridesmaid to groomsman, announcer, or guest of honor, your four-legged friend CAN stand by you on your wedding day and have everyone's hearts melt. Before you decide to dress-up your beloved friend and put them to the task, My Planner Crete has compiled this mini guide to help you. 

1. PERSONALITY GOES A LONG WAY - THAT GOES FOR FIDO AS WELL
Looking into your doggo's personality traits before assigning them a role on your big day is the MOST important. Not all canines are up to the task as some can get quite excited when around new people and places. Some fur babies love to go exploring, others like to chew-up new and exciting items (those lovely Valentino baguettes hanging on the chairs look oh so chewable), sniff people's crotches, rub against legs, going all humpy, or even steal treats (especially when they can't get their paws on shoes). Sounds familiar? If not go on to make certain that your BFF can follow simple commands, ensure they are not scared of crowds, pee on chairs, or chase anything. 

2. YOU CAN'T TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS - PERIOD
Many of us fur-child parents aspire to train our beloved bugs how to walk down the aisle and be gracious hosts in just a few weeks time. If you ever had the chance to train your pupper you already know this will not guarantee success. Keep in mind that during a wedding day stress tends to pile up. Even if you have team My Planner Crete and Mariangela on your side alleviating it all, there are so many things to require your attention. Welcoming your guests, getting prepped, having your photographs taken, performing tasks every step of the way... they are all so fun, but they won't be that fun without having properly trained fido. Speak with a dog trainer at least 7 months before your wedding to schedule training sessions for you both, so that there are no surprises. 

3. BE CONFIDENT AT ANY SIZE (OR BREED) IS A MYTH - AT LEAST WHEN IT COMES TO HAVING YOUR DOG AT THE WEDDING
When you're planning a destination wedding and always depending on the formality level, the kind of venue you have chosen, and your location some dog-sizes and breeds can be a perfect fit. A private villa, a beautiful estate, a beach resort are way more suited for your fur-baby than a closed space. Your pupper's genetic inclination towards smaller spaces may make them quite uncomfortable indoors or in a venue that is packed with people and items. If that is the case, consider that perhaps your pooch would be so much happier at home. Which also brings us to the next bit.

4. NOT ALL VENUES ARE SAFE FOR YOUR BOI. - ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH PLANTS
Such a good boi your pal! Trained, proper, calm... but at some point they'll need a breather. A place to pee, a walk around, or something to chew on. Some venues use pesticides on their flower shrubs which may be extremely harmful to your doggo. Some plants by nature can also be super dangerous and toxic. Tulips, Lilies of the Valley, Oleanders, Philodendrons (Monstera), Azaleas, Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane), Liliums, Cyclamen, Crocus, Grapefruit, Hellebore, Chrysanthemum, Lavender, Hydrangea, Laurel, Black Calla, Carnations, Chamomille, Peaches, Clematis (for the full list- and its a very long one - visit this link). If your doggo inhales, bites, or even mlems (samples) any of these beautiful for us -but threatening to them- plants, your wedding day is at risk. Before you decide to have Elisabeth Taylor prance in a bridal tutu announcing the bride is coming, make sure your venue and your floral scheme are safe. 
https://be.chewy.com/complete-guide-to-poisonous-plants-for-dogs/

5. PAY HEED TO TREATS - DERP
Is there a floof on this earth that doesn't love treats? If your bundle of cuddle is in for the wedding then make sure they do not receive or ehm... "discover" any treats they shouldn't, and that includes food items intended for guests. Not everyone is aware that this onion-infused and curdled with mushrooms canape will probably cause your furball gastrointestinal irritation- nor that a cooked bone from a lambchop can easily splinter and in large quantities cause from constipation to perforation of the gut which can be fatal. What you can do instead is make an announcement through your wedding website that your pup will be present on your big day, asking guests to refer from offering him/her food of any kind. If you want to make a statement ask your stationery & graphics team to craft a beautiful notice with fun-to-read, even humorous instructions for your guests to read. 

6. QUIETLY NAPPING BEFORE & AFTER - A ZEN SPACE
Your wedding day will go by in a flash for you, we guarantee it! But since your babe hardly has a sense of time, to them it might seem like a lifetime. As they will need a quiet space to nap before and after the ceremony (mission accomplished) speak with your wedding planner to ensure there is a space available and a dog-sitter of some kind to make sure they get their beauty sleep. Doggies love to snooze someplace they feel safe and sound in, otherwise, they get quite irritated - remember? new environment- and may begin to blow off some steam by finding out what your wedding dress tastes like. And oh, how they love those chantilly lace details! 

7. BLOWING OFF STEAM & GETTING CALM MAKES A BOI AN ANGEL - IN FUR 
Anxiety is not a dog's best friend. A pooch wants to blow off some steam to get calm so that they walk the aisle like an angel in fur. You need to make sure your ring-bearer pupper will be walked - as natural-born sniffers they will want to make themselves familiar with the new location and explore around. This is what they do by nature, ensuring everything is safe for you, their parents, first. They also need to be properly fed and looked after. This requires an allocated "danny" (dog-nanny) or a person your baby trusts. If they also happen to have a pocketful of treats to reward fido. You also need to give your babe a tour of your wedding venue at least a day before the wedding. This way they will know that you approve of the place, and their place in them (having directed them to all the right directions to pee and poop they'll be leaving a bit of their own scent behind and thus feel more confident to revisit the place). 

8. LOOK AT ME MAMMA! - ADORABLE BUT MINIMALIST WEDDING LOOKS
We are pretty certain you'll want to give your canine the royal treatment a day before the wedding. Taking them to the salon, having their fur shampooed, conditioned, brushed, their paw-nails clipped and adding a spritz of dog-perfume, however, is not enough, is it? Many brides wish for their puppers to wear accessories, such as cute bow-ties, tutus, bandanas, little hats... Our advice? Try out any new accessories several times before the big day, and keep in mind that "less is more". Yes, you may be dreaming of your furry baby looking awfully cute in a derby hat, or a lovely wreath piece, but think of how long they will be required to wear these, and how heavy or bulky they can feel. Keep things as simple as possible for them. Instead of dressing them up head to toe, look for pupper-approved attire or trim their accessories. Safe-flower weaving into their leash, a made-to-order print on their harness is cuteness overload - as well as safety and ease. 

9. BORK TWICE FOR THOSE PUPPER- INSPIRED WEDDING IDEAS - PAWS UP! 
The sky is the limit for dog-inspired wedding ideas! 
CHAPPINVITES - You know how your chappie loves paper right? This time however they won't be chewing on it, rather be on it! Ask your stationery artist to imbue your wedding invitations and paper goods with gorgeous pupper illustrations and vignettes. Escort cards, doggie-portrait wax seals and papeterie can turn into puppeterie and wow everyone. 

WAG THAT TAIL FOR COCKTAIL - Wording your cocktail list after your doggo is another cool idea, that will thrill your guests.  " Salty Dog" / "Greyhound" / "Fruity Shiba" / "The Regal Beagle" / "The Pomeranian" / "Bloodhound Martini" /  "The Bulldog Smash Drink" / " Asta Collins" / "Salty Chihuahua" / "Great Dane" / "Golden Retriever" / "Colorado Pug"/ "Pink Poodle Cocktail" / "Whippet" / "The Portuguese Waterdog" / and "The Yellow Labrador" are some actual cocktails to inspire your wedding libation. - And don't forget to theme those cocktail napkins!

DOGBISQUITS FOR EVERYONE -  Cookies, biscuits, cake. These lovely confections can get the royal canine treatment with oh-so-cute pupper nods, especially if your baker loves to create whimsical sweets. 

PUN THAT ESCORT CARD DISPLAY -  A pun is always fun. Consider "Please Fetch Your Seat"  ... "Sit! Staaay " ...  "Take it - don't drop it" ... " and more or go with a "Furever and Ever" pooch-themed sign anywhere you wish! 

IF IT'S NOT IN DOGUE IT'S NOT IN FASHION ... Vogue details are what every guest will be marveling at during your wedding. With your pupper in mind, however, they are now In Dogue! How lovely is an embroidered dinner napkin with your furry love's little face on it, or a lacing detail on your dress, a pupper-pochette on your groom's tux pocket, cushions for your reception themed after your pooch, or figurines of your doggo on each table! Wowsers! 

We seriously hope you've loved these ideas because we've had so much fun creating them! To My Planner weddings are all about making each celebration tailored, personal, and incredibly fun! Tap on our expertise if you're planning on saying I do in Crete, and good things will come to you!