More and more, couples are starting to plan their weddings with the intention of bringing their pets into the wedding ceremony. It’s actually surprising it’s taken this long, seeing how attached many people are to their pets.

There are even companies now that will make outfits for pets to wear if that’s what their owners wish. Outfits such as tuxedos, hats and bowties for male dogs, and little bridesmaid’s dresses or even replica wedding dresses for female dogs. It has been reported that most male dogs don’t do so well with the hats, though.

Pets are considered as part of the family, and for some people, it’s inconceivable that on their special day their "best friend" wouldn’t be there to take part in the ceremony. For younger couples, the pet may have grown up with them; for older couples, the pet might have been their only companion for years before meeting that someone special. In either case, not having their favorite companions with them just doesn’t seem right.

Many couples expect their pets to walk down the aisle with them. One hopes that they have their pets trained to behave in public, to sit and stay still while the ceremony is proceeding. Some have a young person walk the pet up the aisle, almost like a guest, while others have the pet with them at the altar.

Pets have often been a part of outdoor weddings, but more couples are asking the reverend if their pets can be with them inside the church. And more reverends are going for it; it’s hard to turn down some pets, as reverend’s also love animals.

Of course having pets at a wedding can cause certain kinds of issues that couples must be cognizant of. One, if young children are also at the wedding, they could be distracted by the pets and become disruptive. Two, if the pets misbehave that could also be disruptive. Three, their pets will be in an unfamiliar environment, especially if it’s indoors, so couples need to make sure that the person responsible for them beforehand takes extra precautions in keeping an eye on them.

Still, imagine the wedding pictures later on with the happy couple and their favorite pets all enjoying the family moment. Those are memories that will last a lifetime, and would probably be something that most other couples would be surprised to see as the years go by.