Looking for a venue where you can bring your most cherished member of the family along as a guest? No, not your Aunt Sally... we're talking about your dog, of course!
Dog-friendly venues are on the rise and we love to invite the newlyweds' dog children to join in the celebration.
Hi, we're Olio, a modern/industrial event space in downtown Peabody, Massachusetts. We welcome weddings anywhere between 50 and 300 guests, and sometimes couples bring their pups with them. We're dog-friendly with a few rules and a few suggestions based on our many years of experience.... Read on and don't skip the very bottom for the cutest video!
Here are a few reasons why you should consider bringing your dog along with you to your wedding:
Dogs are part of the family.
For many people, their dogs are just as much a part of the family as their human loved ones. They're there for us through thick and thin, and they deserve to be a part of our special day. How could you possibly tie the knot without your fur baby there to witness and bark along?
Dogs make everyone happy.
There's something about dogs that just makes people smile. They're a great way to break the ice and get people talking. And let's face it, who doesn't love a furry friend to pet?
Dogs are low-maintenance guests.
Dogs don't need a lot of attention or special accommodations. They're happy to just hang out and be part of the fun. Sometimes they even get into the dancing.
Dogs add a touch of personality to your wedding.
Having a dog at your wedding is a great way to show your guests your unique personal style and let them meet your family. Try a flower collar or little puppy crown. This is a surefire way to make your wedding day more memorable and special.
If you're thinking about having a dog-friendly wedding, there are a few things you'll need to do to make sure everything goes smoothly.
First, you'll need to choose a venue that's dog-friendly. Not all venues allow dogs, so it's important to do your research ahead of time.
Second, we require that onsite dogs remain leashed at all times and within a handler's control. This is important for the safety and comfort of guests and staff, as well as for safe food and beverage service.
Third, make sure to consider what the doggy may need throughout the day. Treats, water, a walk, a quiet area, toys... be sure to pack a "doggy" bag!
Finally, we strongly recommend having someone in charge of the dog who is not the primary celebrant. Bring a trusted pet sitter, dog trainer, or a friend onsite to oversee your furry friend's every need. Often doggies will stay for the photos or even the ceremony and then head home to take a snooze on the couch, so it's ideal to have a human overseeing that.
And one last pro tip: if you choose a venue that is not dog-friendly or think your pup won't be able to hang, you can honor your fur baby in a different way. Consider a signature drink in their honor, their likeness on a cocktail napkin, or making a donation in lieu of favors to a special dog-focused nonprofit organization. Or maybe you can print giant cutouts of your dogs and they can join you on the dance floor.
We hope this gives you some ideas for your upcoming wedding! If you're looking for a venue that can help you create the wedding of your dreams, be sure to reach out for a tour. We're located 25 minutes north of Boston on the beautiful North Shore and we'd love to meet you (and your furry friends).
Thanks for reading!
xo,
Sarah Narcus
Owner, Olio
BONUS CUTENESS