The 5 Most Important Tips for Including Your Horse in Your Wedding:
When it comes to planning your wedding day, you want anyone and everyone you love to be there. And if you’re like me, that includes your horse! While it sounds like a great idea to include your horse in your wedding, there are definitely a few things to think about.
I’m talking about five of the most important tips for including your horse in your wedding below!
Come Up With a Game Plan.
This is definitely the most important tip to discuss with anyone included in your wedding. You’re going to want to make sure everyone who is involved in your wedding or wedding planning is aware that you want to have your horse a part of your big day. Since this tip is so big, I’m going to break it down into a few sections for you.
DECIDE HOW YOU WANT YOUR HORSE INCLUDED IN YOUR WEDDING.
Do you really just want some photos of you and your horse together? Is it important for your equine friend to be a part of the bridal party? Or are you okay with them being a guest? Would you rather have them as the ring bearer? Before anything else, be sure to decide this part first. What does your wedding day look like with your horse a part of it?
DOUBLE CHECK WITH YOUR VENUE AND CEREMONY SITE THAT A HORSE IS ALLOWED ON THEIR PROPERTY.
It may seem like a no-brainer, but with every detail of wedding planning demanding your attention, it can be easy to forget the simplest of things! If you’re set on having your horse as a part of your bridal party or at your ceremony, make sure your venue site will allow them.
KEEP YOUR DRESS AND SHOES IN MIND IF YOU’RE RIDING YOUR HORSE AT ANY POINT OF THE DAY.
Consider wearing capris leggings or longer underwear to keep from chafing if you plan on riding in or out of the ceremony or reception. Switch your heels to boots when you’re riding, too! No one will even notice the difference.
PLAN WHO WILL HANDLE YOUR HORSE THROUGHOUT THE WEDDING DAY.
Make sure they are comfortable being around horses, especially your horse! And don’t forget that pooper-scooper to clean up after them. Your venue will definitely appreciate it!
DO A RUN-THROUGH EITHER DURING YOUR REHEARSAL OR EARLIER IN THE DAY BEFORE ANY GUESTS GET THERE.
Plan out exactly how your horse will be included in your wedding day, and then run through it several times. Nothing beats being practiced and prepared for the actual ceremony!
Photo from Unsplash.com
Photo from Unsplash.com
Photo from Unsplash.com
Photo from Unsplash.com
Have Something to Distinguish Your Horse.
If your equine partner is a part day, consider having something that ties them into your wedding! Find a halter and lead rope or a saddle pad that matches the color palette of your wedding. Maybe consider adding a flower wreath that matches your bouquet. Really make it known that your horse is there to stand by your side as a part of your wedding party.
Photo from Unsplash.com
Keep Your Photographer in the Loop.
Make sure your photographer is aware that you plan on having your horse with you on your wedding day. Your photographer will need to incorporate the perfect shots into the wedding day timeline, and having your horse without them knowing can throw a huge wrench in their timeline.
You’ll also want to make sure that your wedding photographer has experienced photographing horses before! A wedding photographer who has experience with equestrian photography, too, will know what angles will be the most flattering for you and your horse. They’ll know that ears need to be pricked, and they’ll know how to get your horse to do so.
Having a wedding photographer who has experience photographing horses, especially at weddings, will ensure that you have amazing keepsakes of you and your equine partner for years to come. Don’t miss out on that opportunity by booking a photographer who doesn’t have the right experience you need for your big day!
If you want to chat about photography packages for your wedding day, click here to send me a message!
Photo from Unsplash.com
Remember to Keep It Safe.
If you are including your horse in your wedding day, keep safety in mind. Not everyone in your wedding party may be used to being around horses, and the same goes for your guests. They might not understand that there are certain areas to avoid around horses, like walking right up behind them. They might also not understand that unusual things might spook your horse. Safety is incredibly important, so definitely plan out every little detail to make sure your wedding day runs as smoothly as possible.
Be Ready to Let the Little Things Go.
Ultimately, remember that your horse is a living, breathing animal with a mind of its own. Things might not always go exactly according to plan.
Make a mental note that including your horse in your wedding day may open the door for mishaps. Your dress might get a little dirty, your horse might stop down the aisle to try and snag a bite of grass, you may feel a bit more stressed out on your big day if they’re there because you’ll be thinking about if they’re okay.
If you do include your horse in your wedding day, be prepared for this and more. And more importantly, be prepared to let those little things go! Having your equine partner in your wedding will make for an incredibly memorable day. Better yet, you’ll have one of your best friends there with you for your big moment!
But, if you do think it’ll cause too much stress, chat with your photographer. You may be able to schedule a session for a different day after the wedding. You won't have such strict time constrictions, you won’t have to worry about getting your dress dirty, and you won’t have to stress over having someone else care for your horse while you’re spending time with your guests.
Ready to Include Your Horse in Your Wedding Day?
Including your horse in your wedding is a huge decision with a lot to think and plan for, but it definitely can be done! And it can help to create a memorable and meaningful day for you. Keep these tips in mind as your planning to make sure your day runs as smoothly as possible with your equine friend by your side!
And if you’re ready to chat with a photographer who has experience photographing weddings that include horses, send me a message here!
