When it comes to planning a wedding, most brides spend hours going over every detail to make sure their special day turns out as imagined.
And for dog owners, this could include thinking up ways to incorporate their pets in their celebrations.
A quarter of dog-owning engaged couples enlist their pet pooch to play the part of best man or maid of honour on their wedding day, according to new research.
A survey revealed that Brits are taking a man’s best friend to a whole new level by giving them a starring role on the big day.
The top roles and responsibilities include being ring bearer at 58 per cent, walking the bride down the aisle with 34 per cent, and even joining in the first dance at 17 per cent.
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The research, carried out by Yappy.com, a website dedicated to personalised pet products, also discovered the majority of pooches are given suits to wear, with one in four wearing a bow tie and one in 10 even wearing a top hat.
In the last 12 months, one third of Brits have attended a wedding where a dog had a starring role in the ceremony.
Those in Brighton are more likely to have their dog feature in their weddings, followed by those in Sheffield and Manchester.
One bride to embrace this year’s most loved wedding trend was Sarah Eldon, who walked down the aisle at her own wedding with her beloved dog, Eva.
Sarah said: "I could never have imagined not having Eva by my side on my big day – she’s one of the most important members of my family and there was never any question she would be part of the wedding party.
"The whole day was made so much more special with her there, she helped me feel calm. Luckily, my now-husband Rob loves her as much as me – we’re a team of three and she was our true guest of honour!"
John Smith, founder at Yappy.com, said: "The Yappy team is made up of some of the biggest dog lovers in the country – probably even the world! We love our pets, and are thrilled that dogs are being incorporated into special family moments, such as weddings."
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
