Walkies down the aisle: Rise of pets at weddings revealed

As Royal Wedding fever sweeps the nation, new research released today has revealed that 4 in 10 of the UK’s pet owners would want their beloved pet at their wedding!

A survey of UK pet owners* commissioned by raw and natural pet food experts Natures Menu, has found that almost half of pet lovers (40%) would have their four-legged friend play a part in their special day.

Of the traditional wedding day roles, official ring bearer is the most popular part of the official proceedings that we’d give to our pet (22%). This was followed by their appearance in the official photographs on the big day (20%), engagement photos and save the dates (11%) and even walking down the aisle as a bridesmaid (11%). 5% also said man’s best friend would be their best man or groomsman on their wedding day.

What’s more, it appears the younger generation are more inclined to want their pet at their future wedding, with 56% of 18-24 year olds saying they couldn’t imagine their big day without them – so a surge in pet attendance may be on the cards in years to come!

The top reasons for couples to consider having their pet at their wedding:

1. Pets are a key member of our family, so they have to be there! (56%)
2. My pet will keep guests happy – they’re just so cute! (44%)
3. I would miss them too much if they weren’t there (31%)
4. My pet will look great all dressed up! (17%)
5. They’d certainly make the photographs more interesting (17%)

Michael Henson, a Digital Marketing Manager from Cardiff, is having his bulldog Bruno as a groomsman at his upcoming wedding:

“When my fiancée and I got engaged, we knew straight away that we wanted our much-loved dog Bruno to be a part of our day. We even specifically chose a venue that was dog friendly. He is going to be an official groomsman and will be standing with me and my best man at the bottom of the aisle watching my wife-to-be walk down!”

Claire Miller, Head Vet at Natures Menu, said: “It’s no surprise that so many people would consider having their four-legged friend attend their wedding day and even give them a role to play.

“Pets are no longer just pets and are now considered an integral part of the family. Having an animal around the house has become a common part of many cultures and our bond with our furry-friends has grown over the years. We love them just as much as much as humans and it is important that we provide our pets with a good, healthy diet that provides them with all the nutrients that they need to thrive.”

Natures Menu pet food is packed with real, human grade meat and perfectly balanced to meet your pet's nutritional needs. Its vet approved complete meals are free of added sugars and flavour enhancers and contain absolutely no fillers, meat meals or meat derivatives.

For more information please visit Natures Menu

ENDS

*Research by The Leadership Factor conducted in April 2018 with over 1,000 UK pet owners.

For more information including case studies or imagery, please contact Lilly, Emily, Rose, Naomi, Emma or Janine on 0113 243 1117, or email naturesmenu@lucre.co.uk.