Wedding Gift Ideas For Dog Lovers: Including Their Furry Best Friend

Some couples put the dog in the photos, the speeches and the table plan. A gift that leaves the dog out misses the point entirely.

We design and print cards, pin badges, prints and party decorations in the UK. We don't paint pet portraits ourselves, so where we recommend a commissioned portrait it is a recommendation rather than our own product.

Ideas below cover keepsakes, useful things and what to do if the dog can't come.

The gift that gets talked about

• A commissioned portrait of their dog dressed for the wedding - veil, bow tie, buttonhole. Touching and funny at once.
• Or a portrait of all three of them from the wedding photos, which is the version that stays up for thirty years.
• Ask for the same colours as the wedding flowers and it will match the room it hangs in.
• Order from an engagement photo before the day, so it's ready for the reception table.
• Get the digital file too - it becomes the thank-you card artwork.

Keepsakes with the dog in them

• A framed print of the dog's paw print alongside the wedding date.
• An engraved tag in the wedding metal - it goes on the collar the same week.
• A photo book of the day with the dog's own page.
• A cushion or blanket printed with the three of them.
• Two enamel pin badges for the honeymoon coats and one bandana for the dog.

Useful gifts they'll thank you for

• Dog-friendly hotel nights for the mini-moon, which solves their biggest planning headache.
• Boarding or a trusted sitter paid for while they're away on honeymoon.
• A smart new bed for the house they're moving into.
• A dog-friendly hamper: treats for the dog, fizz for them.
• Contribute to the honeymoon fund and put the dog's name on the card.

If the dog can't be there

• A portrait on an easel by the entrance is now a common stand-in and always gets photographed.
• A cardboard cut-out for the photo booth, which is daft and much loved.
• A cake topper modelled on the dog.
• A framed photo on the top table place setting.
• Book the photographer an hour at home with the dog the morning after - Read the guide

Shop wedding cards

How to write it so it lands

• Match the portrait colours to the wedding flowers.
• Ask a bridesmaid for the best photo of the dog rather than guessing.
• Give the paperwork for boarding or hotel nights in a card - it reads better than a printout.

Where to shop next

• Mother's Day gifts from the cat
• 1st anniversary paper gift ideas
• Retirement gifts for dog lovers
• Unusual gifts for dog lovers
• Father's Day gifts from the dog
• Dog mum gifts she'll treasure
• Gifts for dog lovers
• Gifts for cat lovers
• Pet portraits UK: costs and how to choose
• Best photos to send for a pet portrait
• How to include your dog in your wedding
• Pet cards
• Wall art and prints
• Pin badges
• Hen party decorations
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas
• Party bag ideas for adults
• How much helium do you need for balloons?
• Congratulations cards
• Wedding cards
• Thank you cards
• Wedding cards guide
• Pin badges
• All guides

Frequently asked questions

What is a good wedding gift for a couple with a dog?

A commissioned portrait of their dog dressed for the wedding, a paw print keepsake with the date, dog-friendly hotel nights for the mini-moon, or paid boarding during the honeymoon.

How do you include a dog in a wedding gift?

Put the dog in the artwork or the wording - a portrait, an engraved tag with the wedding date, or a photo book with the dog's own page.

When should you order a wedding pet portrait?

Six to eight weeks ahead for hand-painted work and two to three for a printed illustration. Order from an engagement photo if you want it ready on the day.

Do you paint pet portraits yourselves?

No. We design and print cards, pin badges, prints and party decorations in the UK. A commissioned portrait mentioned here is an outside recommendation, not something we make.