Weddings today evolve beyond what we expect from the traditional. What once started as a celebration of two people has turned into a union of two families, pets included. As proud fur parents, the thought of including your feline baby on your special day is something of a dream. After all, your cat is an important part of your life. So, how can you make this dream possible?
Here’s a guide on everything you need to consider when planning a cat-friendly wedding.
Choose a cat-friendly venue
One important aspect of planning a cat-friendly wedding is selecting a safe and accommodating venue. Whether you’re planning an intimate affair in Brooklyn or a destination wedding in Los Angeles, here are some key factors to look into at your venue.
Type of venues
Outdoor venues can be tempting, especially for their natural beauty and open spaces. However, they come with risks. There could be unpredictable weather, loud noises, and other factors that can startle or harm your cat. Cats are naturally curious and may be tempted to explore beyond designated areas, potentially getting lost.
On the other hand, indoor venues can feel smaller or limiting. However, they could also offer a more controlled environment, making it easier to keep an eye on your cat and ensure their safety.
If you’re set on an outdoor wedding, consider setting up a secure, enclosed area where your cat can roam freely without the risk of escape. This could be a large tent, a screened-in gazebo, or a portable outdoor cat enclosure.
Cat-proofing the venue
Regardless of your venue choice, cat-proofing is essential to prevent accidents and ensure your cat’s safety. Start by sweeping the venue for potential hazards. Secure all exits, doors, windows, and any other potential escape routes, to prevent your cat from slipping out unnoticed. Assign someone to monitor entryways during the event to ensure they remain closed.
Additionally, remove hazardous items like candles, sharp objects, or fragile decorations that could be knocked over.
Avoid common wedding flowers like lilies, which are toxic to cats.
Ensure that all floral arrangements are cat-safe and kept out of your feline friend’s reach.
Creating a quiet space is also important. Weddings can be overwhelming for cats due to the noise and crowds. Designate a secluded area where your cat can retreat if they feel stressed. This could be a separate room or a cozy corner equipped with their favorite bed, blanket, and toys.
Plan the logistics
Once you’ve chosen and cat-proofed the venue, it’s time to consider the logistics of including your cat in the wedding. Here are some logistical considerations you need to look at:
Role in the ceremony
Decide on the role you want your cat to play in the wedding. Some couples opt to have their fur babies as ring bearers, while others prefer them in pre-ceremony photos or simply have them present at the reception. Whatever role you choose, ensure that it’s one your cat will be comfortable with and won’t cause them undue stress.
If your cat has a specific role in the ceremony, practice with them beforehand. Rehearsing can help reduce anxiety on the day of the event, whether your cat will be walking down the aisle or sitting in a special seat.
Transportation
Traveling with your cat to and from the wedding venue is another important consideration. Use a secure, well-ventilated carrier, and consider placing familiar items like a favorite toy or blanket inside to help keep your cat calm. If the venue is far from home, plan breaks during the journey to allow your cat to stretch and use the litter box.
Designated caretaker
Assigning a trusted friend or family member as your cat’s designated caretaker for the day can alleviate stress. This person can be responsible for transporting your cat, ensuring they have food and water, and monitoring their behavior throughout the event. Providing this caretaker with clear instructions on your cat’s needs and preferences is also helpful.
Cat-friendly accommodations
If you’re staying overnight at a hotel or other accommodation, ensure it’s pet-friendly and that your cat has a safe, comfortable space. Bring along their litter box, food, and other essentials to help them feel at home.
Address the litter box dilemma
One of the biggest challenges of including your cat in your wedding is managing their litter box needs. The last thing you want is for your cat to feel stressed or uncomfortable because they can’t find a suitable place to relieve themselves.
Choose a location for the litter box that is out of sight but still accessible for your pet. A hidden corner of the designated cat area or a small bathroom could work well. Make sure it’s a space your cat is familiar with before the big day.
Investing in a portable litter box is also a great solution for events like weddings. These compact, travel-friendly litter boxes can be easily transported and set up in a discreet location at the venue. Be sure to place the litter box in a quiet, easily accessible area where your cat can use it without being disturbed.
If your cat uses Litter-Robot, know that it isn’t the most travel-friendly solution—but it can be done. Just be sure to place Litter-Robot near a power outlet or purchase a backup battery.
Prepare your cat for the big day
Cats are creatures of habit, and a wedding, with its flurry of activity, can be overwhelming for them. Preparing your cat in advance is key to ensuring they are comfortable and calm on your special day.
Acclimating to the venue
In pet-friendly cities like San Diego, you are allowed to bring your cat to the venue a few times before the wedding day. This will allow them to explore the space, get used to the environment, and identify safe spots to retreat to if needed. Familiarizing your cat with the sights and sounds they’ll encounter during the wedding is also a good idea. Play recordings of music or the sound of clapping, and introduce them to the people they’ll be interacting with, such as the wedding party or photographer.
Dressing up
While it can be adorable to dress up your cat for the occasion, comfort should always come first. If you decide to go this route, choose a lightweight outfit that doesn’t restrict your cat’s movement. Additionally, ensure they’ve worn the outfit a few times before the big day to ensure they’re comfortable.
Capture precious moments
Your wedding photos are memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime, and including your cat in those photos is a beautiful way to honor their place in your life. However, photographing animals can be challenging, so here are some tips for getting great photos of your feline friend on your big day.
Hiring a pet-friendly photographer
Not all photographers are experienced with animals, so it’s important to hire someone comfortable and patient with pets. Discuss your vision with them beforehand, and let them know the role your cat will play in the ceremony.
Candid shots
While posed photos are lovely, some of the most memorable shots might be candid moments—your cat nuzzling against your wedding dress, lounging in a patch of sunlight, or curiously exploring the decorations. Encourage your photographer to capture these natural interactions.
Consider your guests
Including your cat in your wedding means considering your guests as well. Not everyone may be as enthusiastic about your feline friend as you are, so it’s important to make accommodations for those who might have allergies or are uncomfortable around cats.
Allergies
Inform your guests in advance that your cat will be present so those with allergies can take the necessary precautions. Consider providing allergy relief options such as over-the-counter antihistamines or hypoallergenic wipes that can help alleviate symptoms.
Setting boundaries
Not all cats enjoy being the center of attention. To ensure your cat feels safe, set boundaries for guest interactions. This could mean asking guests not to pick up your cat or designating certain areas of the venue as cat-free zones.
Have contingencies
Despite your best efforts, things don’t always go as planned, especially when animals are involved. Having a backup plan is important in case your cat becomes too stressed or overwhelmed during the day.
A trusted caretaker
Assign a trusted friend or family member to be your cat’s caretaker during the wedding. This person can ensure your cat is comfortable, handle any unexpected issues, and whisk them away to a quiet area if needed. Having someone on hand who knows your cat well can help alleviate your stress and allow you to focus on enjoying your day.
A quiet escape
Even with all the preparation, your cat may still prefer some time away from the hustle and bustle. Ensure there’s a quiet space where they can retreat if they need a break. This could be a designated room or their carrier placed in a peaceful spot.
Post-wedding reflection
After the wedding, it’s important to smoothly transition your cat back to their normal routine. The excitement of the day, combined with any changes in the environment, can be stressful for them, so it’s crucial to take steps to ease them back into everyday life.
Involving your cat in your wedding can be laborious and overwhelming, but the reward is a day filled with love, laughter, and purrs. From selecting a cat-friendly venue to planning logistics, these efforts will help ensure that your wedding day is enjoyable for you, your guests, and your feline friend. By following these steps, you can create a day that is not only beautiful but also truly reflective of the life you share with your beloved pet.
About the author: Rosie Maclean writes for the wedding and event directory Breezit and is passionate about luxury, fashion trends, and the living large lifestyle.
