Pet memorial ideas to be included in the ceremony/reception

Set his bowl out to collect rescue donations, with a little picture/flower memorial.

Have you talked to him about this idea? I lost my dog of 9 years on October 1, he was supposed to walk down the aisle with the FG/RB and even had a tux. I would NOT like any kind of remembrance of him on the wedding day, to me that day is for celebration, not mourning and it would be very hard on me to see a picture of him or have something mentioned. Just food for thought.

This isn't helpful, but I'm just going to point out that I read bowel instead of bowl in Miss Michal's post.

Yes, I have talked with him about it. We were going to have them apart of the wedding too and our wedding pictures originally.

I see your side, and i see Glenn's side. Cause i would be devastated if i lost my boxer baby. I think the donations to the local boxer rescue would be awesome, however it IS your wedding and its SAD to see a pic of a pet that has passed. I would be so sad. What about wearing his/her pic on those sweet charms on your bouquet or even a charm on your other doggie. ya know?!

Glenn, sorry about losing your dog... so sad!

I would say a charm on your bouquet too; maybe mention him in your program. I include a pet blessing in a lot of my weddings; it is mainly meant of pets who can't there because it's not allowed, but it could be adapted I'm sure. If you email me, I'll send it to you.

I'm so sorry for you; it's very, very sad to lose your dog ;-(

Its a dog.. And will you ask people are you hear for the funeral or the wedding? Dont mix the two.. Its a happy wedding day not just an animal's "funeral".

I like the idea of the bouquet photo charm. Just because you honor someone or something that has passed on does not turn your wedding into a solemn occasion. We honored my DH grandparents and my aunt in the cermony program and with candles that were lit with a white rose in the church foyer before the ceremony started.

Sabrina, I really like the idea of the bouquet charm! I didn't even think about that. Celia, I like the pet blessing too! I would definitely like a copy of that. Thank you Brittney for pointing out that honoring someone/something that has passed doesn't make our wedding a solemn occasion! He was not just a dog!! He was a very important part of our family and how we met! I'm not asking if I should or shouldn't do anything in his memory at our wedding. It's a given that we will! Everyone that will be at our wedding knew him and how important he is to us.

I forgot to say Congrats Brittney!! You were one of the 11-11-11 brides! He can't forget that date. Hahaha

@Tina she didn't ask how you felt about her doing it. She said she wanted to do something special and asked for ideas.

Oh yea I love the charm on the bouquet idea!

Oh yea I love the charm on the bouquet idea!

It's not 'just a dog...." This is what I say;

There are some other friends that cannot be here in the flesh to celebrate with us, but anyone who knows (couple) , and all of you do, know how priceless these friends are.

They must be included in this wonderful celebration! (Pet names) you precious birdies and four leggers, we know you’d be here if you could! We see all the miracles of life and love in the animals with which we share our days. There are no clearer signs of a benevolent universe than a cold nose, a velvet ear, a wagging tail; a beating wing, an insistent morning meow. To the animals we’ve taken into our shelter; we are so thankful for your grace and elegance; for your humor and your exuberance. We will love you, care for you and protect you as you love, care for and protect us.

May you, and every other precious beast on this planet, always know that you are safe and treasured, respected and cherished and blessed forever.

@celia thats beautiful!

Thank you for sharing that Celia!

I love it when couples include their dogs!

Oh man...I'm so sorry to hear about your loss Our dog was a part of our wedding day (was a ring bearer) and I couldn't imagine not having him there. Have you heard of the poem The Rainbow Bridge? You could potentially have a friend of family member read it during your ceremony and then at the end, mention you have his bowl setup to collect donations for the local boxer shelter...or have it placed next to his bowl to collect donations (I love that idea). The charm is also super cute. I'll post the poem in a new post as I think it's too long to post in this one alone.

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. (cont)

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown

I hope you find something that will honor your boxer during your wedding...and don't listen to the negative people on here. Pets to many are like children...it's difficult when you loose one, especially when you plan on having them in your wedding.