How to Select Dog Wedding Accessories

Dress your pooch in the proper attire

By Jennifer Vance

Photo by Bold American Catering

Dogs are becoming more popular as wedding attendants, which means your favorite pooch needs the perfect accessories to properly play the part. You can choose anything from full-on tuxedos and dresses to simple bowties and tiaras. How dressed-up you want your best friend to be depends entirely on you, your wedding style and how comfortable you are with the idea that your pet might steal the limelight.

• What You Need to Know
• Decide on what role your dog will play in your ceremony. Will he act as ring bearer, walk down the aisle with you or your fiancée, or will he simply be a part of the celebration by being present at the festivities? Do you want him in pictures at both the ceremony and the reception? You need to answer all these questions when deciding on how to accessorize your dog.
• Your dog must be well trained to be included in your wedding ceremony. Having a friend, relative or pet sitter who can attend to your dog during the course of the ceremony is a must.

Step 1:

You need a working knowledge of your ceremony site (indoor or outdoor, for example). This will help determine the types of dog wedding accessories you choose. Be sure that the venue allows animals on the premises and what extra fees might be charged.

Step 2:

It's a good idea to have your color scheme and wedding style set before you purchase any dog accessories. Simple bow tie? Elaborate doggie tux? Bridesmaid "dress"? The options exist; it all depends on how much you want to spend, what the dog's role in the ceremony is and how elaborate you want the dog's accessories to be. Keep in mind that the dog needs to be able to move comfortably and relieve himself or herself when necessary without ruining the outfit.

Step 3:

Research vendors that provide dog accessories or talk to a tailor about creating the accessories. Human ties work on dogs, provided the tie is shortened to the appropriate length so the dog doesn't trip over it.

Step 4:

Use a tape measure (or string and a standard ruler) to measure your dog's neck, chest and length. Specifically, measure all the way around the widest part of your dog's neck for neck measurements, all the way around the widest part of your dog's chest for the chest measurements, and from the base of your dog's neck to the base of his or her tail for length measurements. You can then input these measurements into dog sizing charts (available online or at dog accessory stores) to find what size your dog wears. You need to have exact measurements if you plan on having something made. Also keep in mind that premade accessories may not fit perfectly and may need additional tailoring.

Step 5:

Test out different fabrics and styles on your dog before you buy anything. Some fabrics and styles may be uncomfortable (think how uncomfortable a stiff, tight polyester tie around his neck would feel after a few hours). He may even have an allergy to certain materials.

Step 6:

Order your dog's accessories at least a month in advance and try them on as soon as they arrive so you have time to exchange them or make any tailoring adjustments. Also, you'll know whether your dog will be comfortable wearing something and not be constantly trying to rip it off.

• Tips & Warnings
• Don't let any accessories impede your dog's ability to breathe and move properly. Always keep the dog's comfort as your top priority over how cute you think he or she looks.
• Consider your dog's ability to deal with the weather. Warm climates are tough on certain dogs, such as bulldogs, which may have breathing difficulties, and especially with a necktie making him hotter.
• Always provide plenty of water and have someone available to walk your dog about 10 minutes before the walk down the aisle. You don't want the dog relieving itself halfway down the aisle.
• Measure your dog at least two times and when measuring, round up to the nearest half inch.
• Be sure to inform your wedding party you plan on using your pet in the ceremony. Be sure no one is uncomfortable around dogs.