.png)
.png){kind=small}
How to include your fur baby into your Missoula, Montana wedding.
- Donna Langston
- Mar 14
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 15
When you visualize your wedding celebration you automatically think of the people you care the most about and then of course your best friend, no not your partner, your dog! For many of us our dog(s) have been with us for all of our big events so of course they should be by you when you say "I do!" Here at The River House, riverhousemontana.com, we love dogs, our dogs, your dogs, just dogs! But we know it's important to keep them safe and keep your stress down so we have some ideas on how to do all of that.
First, you obviously want the joy but do you want the responsibility of bringing your dog to your wedding? Think about how your dog reacts in situations with many different people and emotions. If your pal is easily overwhelmed it might not be fair to them. You don't want to calm down your mother and your dog! The other consideration is their level of energy. If in your dog's mind, happiness is jumping and barking excessively, it might not be a good fit. Picture your wedding guests and your dog and see what you conjure up. Seriously if your dog will add to your level of happiness by being there and they will enjoy it, then do it! So your next consideration is finding a dog friendly venue.
Not all wedding venues welcome dogs so finding one that meets your needs and your dog's can be tricky. Here at The River House we are a dog haven but obviously they can't roam freely. So when you are doing your things, we have a fenced in area off the main house. It's a convenient place for them to lie under trees and listen to the creek. At many wedding venues, such as The River House, we have a lot of land for you to accompany your dog so you all get to relax, enjoy the river, forests and mountains before your big day.
Let's say you've decided bringing your fur baby to your wedding celebration is what you want and you've found the perfect venue that welcomes your best friend, now what? Preparation for all aspects of your wedding will help the day go better and that includes your dog. Write down all the dog paraphernalia you need; bed, leash, dishes, toys, food, meds and of course cookies. If it's written down, then when it gets hectic, you don't have to think or forget.
Now comes the fun part, how do you want your dog to participate in your wedding? The most obvious is in your ceremony. If you want them in the ceremony then find a person who can control your dog and who your dog likes. By having that person in your wedding party they can walk your dog down the aisle. Often an older child can be that person. How do you want your dog to contribute to the festivities? If your adorning them, make sure your dog is comfortable. You don't want your dog to be uncomfortable and nervous walking down the aisle. Just as everyone in the wedding party should be comfortable in their clothing your dog should also. Often a crown of flowers could go around their collar or perhaps a sparkly leash. Make sure the person guiding the dog has treats for sitting down and being quiet during the ceremony. Don't forget to water them or take them in the river if it's hot after the ceremony.
You probably want your dog in some pictures, so maybe the river's not a good idea quite yet. Keeping you dog clean especially around the wedding dress is important. Find a few opportune shots for the 3 of you, be happy for all of your favorite beings are there. Now it's time to have fun so have a preselected person take your dog into the air conditioned house to take a nap. It's been an exciting day and your pup needs their rest and you need not to worry about them. Having some calming music in the house can help your dog, you and the bridal party, as they come in to freshen up.
Do make it one person's responsibility to feed your pup at the time you dictate, otherwise well meaning people might all feed him/her to your dog's glee! Again have everyone keep an eye on the water bowl. In all the excitement it can be easy to forget little details. Asking several people to occasionally let your pup out into the fenced yard from the house will insure your dogs' safety and comfort. Don't let any dogs roam freely, it's a crazy time with too many cars and excitement. Keeping your anxiety down is the ultimate goal.
Knowing your pup is safe, fed and watered you can relax and dance the night away. Having fun at your wedding is what it's all about. Whatever you and your partner decide is fun then that's what you should do. The River House has comfortable accomodations for you and 26 members of family and friends. Staying overnight at your wedding venue is good for your dog and you. Not worrying about driving anywhere helps you to fully immerse yourself into the celebration.
It's a great idea to have a day after the wedding for recuperation. At The River House we offer a three night package which gives you time for planning, recreating, celebrating and recuperation. Go to the following for more information on our wedding package for The River House, https://www.riverhousemontana.com/wedding-packages, The day after the wedding can involve lying around, fishing, spending time with people you didn't get to see on the busy wedding day. A three day wedding celebration also allows for your dog to enjoy all the venue has to offer, running down trails, swimming in the river and enjoying the mountain air!
Most Montana wedding venues have wildlife in the area so keeping your dog under supervision is necessary. While the forests and waterways are great fun, dogs should always be controlled. At The River House we welcome the wedding couples dog(s) but request those are the only dogs that are there. For safety and liability the River House does not allow the guests or other family members to bring their pets. We also ask that dogs are not allowed to chase wildlife.
Weddings are a time for love, fun and celebration so having your dog with you can add to the experience. By being mindful of how your dog is around others and a lot of stimuli you can decide if it's a good option to have them at your wedding. If not bringing them is best, find an option that makes you comfortable. Try not to use a new boarding situation for you or them since you don't want to worry about them. Use a place or person that everyone has some prior experience and sense of peace about. Minimizing stress and maximizing joy is what every wedding wants. Here at The River House we help to achieve happiness and we know sometimes bringing Fido can help! Please contact us if you'd like to book a tour, https://www.riverhousemontana.com/contact-8
For more information on The River House Wedding & Event Venue check out our instagram and facebook pages:
https://www.instagram.com/theriverhouseweddings/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564208978040
As a locally owned family wedding venue we recognize the value these types of venues bring to the wedding industry. We all work hard to offer our wedding couples the best experience for their wedding celebration. Below is a list of other locally owned wedding venues in different parts of the United States.
Thank you so much for your lovely attention, we are here to help you have the best wedding ever.
xoxo
Donna Langston
The River House Wedding & Event Venue
Condon, Montana
406-861-2873
About me: I'm a lover of mountains, rivers and trees and wish to share our beautiful place in Condon, Montana with others. As a mental health therapist, I understand the importance of making your dreams come true. I often use my skills to help the wedding celebration have minimal stress and maximum joy!
Dog at outdoor wedding venue by Missoula, Montana
Comments