Schedule for your Dog on your Wedding Day | Danica Oliva Photography

There are so many options when incorporating your doggos into your wedding day. And let’s be real, they’re dogs, they have their own needs, personality, and comfort levels. First and foremost the care of your dog during your big day is my number one priority. If you’re having a backyard wedding your pup probably has the freedom to roam and be a part of the entire day! Woot woot! Let’s see what schedule works best for them.

But first….

When Inquiring with your Venue/Location for your Dog ask:

• Can my dog be a part of my day? What parts are they allowed to be present for? Ceremony, Getting Ready, Reception, etc.
• Do you allow for our dog to stay the duration of our time here if they have a handler?
• Are there specific spots they are/aren’t allowed to be during their time with us?
• Are their options or services you provide for dogs at your venue?

What kind of time do I really need as a photographer with your dog?

• Formal Photo Time – I like to have these right after your first look (if you’re having one) or right at the start of your couple portraits. That way they aren’t over stimulated from the day and happy to be with you before returning home or going with a handler for the day. This time frame I ask that they be around for 20 minutes.
• Extended Family Photos – If you want them to be part of the extended family photos (yay!) then again I would get these done first so they can retreat to their dog handler/care taker. This would take 10 minutes.

• Pet Portraits – I love to have extra time with just your pupper but understand that sometimes wedding schedules doesn’t allow for this. So I like to squeeze this in when the time is right.
• Sunset Couples Session – a time with every wedding when it’s just me and the couple just before the sun goes down for 10 – 15 minutes. These are those really instagrammy photos everyone loves! In this case I would have their handler or a friend come with them for a few photos first and then run around with you for rest of the time.

Schedule Examples for your Dog:

6 Hour Wedding Day – First Look – Summer Outdoor Wedding – 1 Location

1:00pm – Getting Ready with Partner 1 (Photographer Arrives)

1:30pm – Head over to Partner 2

1:40pm – Getting Ready with Partner 2

1:50pm – Into Outfit

2:00pm – First Look with Parents

2:05pm – First Look with Wedding Party (if there is one)

2:10pm – Head over to First Look Location

2:20pm – First Look with Couple

2:25pm – First Look with Pupper (yes we will have them turn and see you)

2:30pm – Couples Portraits with Pupper

3:00pm – Pupper can leave and get ready for Ceremony

3:30pm – Couples Portraits with Just Each Other

4:00pm – Wedding Party Photos

4:30pm – Family Photos

4:50pm – Get Ready for Ceremony

5:00pm – Ceremony Start Time

5:20pm – Ceremony End Time (Cocktail Hour Begins)

5:25pm – Extended Family Photos

5:40pm – Pupper’s Portraits (as the couple joins the cocktail hour)

6:20pm – Reception Begins

6:30pm – Dinner is Served

6:35pm – Couples First Dance

6:40pm – Special Family Dances

6:45pm – Cake Cutting (if there is one)

6:50pm – Sparkler “Exit” (even with just the immediate family or wedding party for some final photos)

7:00pm – Photographer Leaves

8 Hour Wedding Day – First Look – Summer Outdoor Wedding – 1 Location

1:00pm – Getting Ready with Partner 1 (Photographer Arrives)

1:30pm – Head over to Partner 2

1:40pm – Getting Ready with Partner 2

1:50pm – Into Outfit

2:00pm – First Look with Parents

2:05pm – First Look with Wedding Party (if there is one)

2:10pm – Head over to First Look Location

2:20pm – First Look with Couple

2:25pm – First Look with Pupper (yes we will have them turn and see you)

2:30pm – Couples Portraits with Pupper

3:00pm – Pupper can leave and get ready for Ceremony

3:30pm – Couples Portraits with Just Each Other

4:00pm – Wedding Party Photos

4:30pm – Family Photos

4:50pm – Get Ready for Ceremony

5:00pm – Ceremony Start Time

5:20pm – Ceremony End Time (Cocktail Hour Begins)

5:25pm – Extended Family Photos

5:40pm – Pupper’s Portraits (as the couple joins the cocktail hour)

6:20pm – Reception Begins

6:30pm – Dinner is Served

6:35pm – Couples First Dance

6:40pm – Special Family Dances

6:45pm – Cake Cutting (if there is one)

RECEPTION CONTINUES

8:00pm – Dance Floor Opens

8:30pm – Sunset Couples Session Bring your Pupper (10 – 15 mins)

8:45pm – Sparkler “Exit” (even with just the immediate family or wedding party for some final photos)

9:00pm – Photographer Leaves