Sarah Parker

Sarah Parker

Furry mammal babies are so important in our lives and I understand how you want your family member to be part of the wedding team. I have done a few weddings with pets, and it's gone well with careful planning.

A few things to consider:

Make sure you have a dedicated dog person who walks the dog down the aisle on a lead. Often the rings are placed in a secure pouch attached to the collar. The delegated person will also be in charge of handling your dog at all times during the service. A lead is crucial, esp with outdoor weddings. This is because any slight distraction happening might catch your dog's attention and your dog might up and run off with the rings, or bolt towards the horizon.

Is your dog human-friendly? Are there guests that are terrified of dogs? Is your dog well-trained and listens to commands?

All in all, your dog needs to feel safe and be handled by a close person they trust.

Remember you might be nervous and emotional, and dogs pick up on this, so make the environment comforting and known to them with practice rehearsals and lots of dog treats. Have fun! 

Sarah Parker

I love weekday weddings. They are often more affordable with venue costs and accommodation. I don't think celebrants charge less for weekday ceremonies as we do the same work and offer the same services to couples on any given day. The bonus may be you get to have the celebrant you want as they're not booked out! 

Some guests could find it difficult to take time off work, so an intimate ceremony during the afternoon and then meeting up with guests at a reception early eve/dusk works well. I think it's a great idea, enjoy your wedding :) 

Sarah Parker

Hi there,

It can be so intense, can't it?

My advice is to be clear about what's on the "table" in regard to welcomed suggestions and inputs.

Perhaps deflecting the person who is full of advice, to suggest if they could resolve another issue in terms of wedding plans. For example, a person suggests what you should do with food options or music at the wedding ceremony and reception. You could say, oh that's sorted, however, I'm needing someone to help welcome guests when they arrive at the ceremony.

Think about what you actually don't really want to do and delegate them to that.

I need 8 vases, 10 candles....

So often speak people without thinking about the emotional triggers that can happen. Often just automatic, straight out "you should...".

I can understand it's irritating. Good clear communication skills work a treat. 

"Thanks, but this has been sorted, did you do this at your wedding?" Steer them away from your plans and into their story perhaps.

Hang in there. Most people only want to help and generally mean well.

Enjoy your time :)