Explore Our Wedding Chaperone Services
One of the biggest regrets from my wedding day was that Barney wasn’t there! Whilst he was with my husband getting ready we had no one to look after him at the venue. After working in weddings prior to starting Barney’s Buddies and then this, I have decided to provide the service I wish I’d been able to find for our day.
Included as Standard
We begin with a no obligation 20-30 minute consultation by phone to understand your unique wedding dog chaperone requirements. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other, discuss our service in detail, problem solve any logisitcal concerns, start building a tailored plan so your dog can be a part of your big day!
After the consultation, I’ll create a personalised quotation and send it to you via email for your consideration. This will be valid for 5 working days.
No obligation Consultation & Quotation
To ensure the best experience on your wedding day, a mandatory face to face meeting is arranged 1-2 months before the big day. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet you and your dog/s in person, help your dog/s become familiar with me, and discuss any final details or preferences.
If you feel your dog/s would benefit from additional familiarisation sessions or walks, these can be arranged at an extra charge.
I also offer ongoing support leading up to your wedding via phone, text and emails.
Get to Know You Meeting / Familiarisation Session
All travel is limited to 25 miles from my home address, this includes collection of your dog/s and transporting them to a venue and back. Any additional miles are charged at 45p a mile.
As your wedding day is so important I want to not stand out, so I will ask for details of your theme and colours to try to blend in as a guest rather than be an obvious supplier.
Travel / Outfits
Morning Collection - Direct collection at an agreed location on the morning of your wedding.
Pre Wedding Walk - 30 or 45 or 60 minute walk to burn off any excitement energy and ensure your dog/s is calm and content.
Morning Pet Sitting - Dedicated care whilst you and your wedding party focus on getting ready, no distractions.
Tidy up/Brush/Deodirise - So they look their best, dress them in your provided outfit if required.
Venue familiarisation - I’ll take your dog/s to explore the venue or church, including the ceremony space to ensure they feel safe and confident.
Pre Wedding
I’ll be by your dog/s side every step of the way, making sure they are calm, cared for and involved in all the special moments.
Venue Arrival & Pre Ceremony - Arrive at ceremony 60 minutes before. Assisting with any pre-ceremony photos. Helping your dog be a friendly “greeter” as guests arrive. First look coordination.
Ceremony Invovlement - Support as a calm, reassuring presence during the ceremony. Have your dog be involved as a Dog of Honour, Best Pup or Flower Pup with a member of your wedding party or with my assistance. I’ll remain nearby, seated where you choose.
Ongoing Care - Attend to the comfort needs of your dog/s. Entertainment and comfort breaks throughout. Food, water and downtime as needed. Working with your photographer to capture the best photos.
The service can range from 2-6 hours at the venue to suit your needs.
At Your Wedding!
Once your dog/s role is complete, I’ll continue to keep them safe and comfortable so you can relax and enjoy your evening celebrations.
Drop Off - I’ll safely transport your dog/s to an agreed, supervised location.
Pet sitting - alternatively I can stay with your dog/s at the agreed location up to 9pm.
Golden Hour Photos - If we’re staying onsite at your wedding venue, I’m happy to assist your photographer with sunset or golden hour shots featuring your dog/s.
Post Wedding
Extras
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If you have more than one furbaby an additional charge per dog will be added.
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I love to take photos and videos of the dogs I care for and there is no more important time than a wedding day! I will capture those behind the scenes moments that only your dog experiences. As part of the packages you will receive up to 10 videos and photos, with the added extra you will receive up to 50 videos and photos.
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I can coordinate your dog’s role working closely with the registrars, your celebrant and venue coordinators to make it smooth and memorable. Ring purses and leather pouces supplied to ensure safety of your rings. Practice run done prior to the ceremony.
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For couples who want ongoing care I can offer overnight stay till 9am the day after your wedding. This is at a location of your choice, including:
Your wedding venue
Hotel room
Your home
Airbnb or holiday cottage
Your dog will be cared for with regular comfort breaks, water, food and company.
Please note I do not offer overnight home boarding in my own home.
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Are you having a rehersal the night before and your dog/s have a role in your ceremony? I can attend with your dog and help with practice runs to make sure we are all prepared.
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Posing for a camera can be hard for dogs, especially big and scary looking cameras they’re not used to! We can go on a one hour photo session at a location of your choice to give your dog/s the opportunity to get used to a camera and you get some nice photos all together!
Booking Our Service
To secure your Wedding Dog Chaperone service, a 50% booking fee is required.
Once I recieve this fee, your wedding date will be officially reserved and confirmed in our calendar.
The remaining 50% balance is due 28 days before your wedding date.
A contract agreement will be sent via email to you to complete, sign and return, ensuring everything is clear and agreed upon before the service commences.
FAQs
What does a Wedding Chaperone do?
1
A Wedding Chaperone is basically your dog’s plus one, we take care of their every need and ensure they are kept comfortable and happy throughout your special day. We also take care of the logisitics of getting your dog to and from the venue, as well as all their care needs before, during and after the wedding.
We also help and support with any wedding duties like greeting guests, ring bearer duties, walking down the aisle and photos.
Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
2
We are based in Swadlincote, South Derbyshire and are lucky to be surrounded by lots of dog friendly venues. Every enquiry is assesed to ensure we are provifing a service at a cost that we feel is value for money for every couple. Main areas currently covered are Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire.
Please note within your package we cover the first 25 miles, any additional mileage is charged at 45p a mile.
Are you insured?
3
Yes I have full Public Liability Insurance as well as Injury to Animals coverage. I am also DBS checked and Dog First Aid Trained.
Can we have more than one dog at the wedding?
4
Yes! I can cater upto a maximum of six dogs.
Can my dog attend more than one venue?
5
Yes! If for example you marry in a church then move to a venue for the reception, we will transport them the same as we would for just one venue. All logisitics around travel are taken care of by us.
How long can my dog be at the wedding?
6
This will depend partially on your venue, many venues have time limits of when dogs can be on site. Otherwise I recommend 4 hours as a good middle ground. It ultimately comes down to your dog and keeping them safe and happy. Some dogs may love the wedding environment, some may find it overwhelming.
How long will my dog be taken care of on the wedding day?
7
This will depend on what your specific requirements are and what is agreed on booking. For example you may prefer your dog is collected early due to wedding preparations going on at home. Or you may prefer to have your dog with you right up until you leave for the venue, or even at the venue.
If you add on pet sitting we may be with your dog for 24 hours+
We would discuss this during your initial consultation where we get a better understanding of what you need and create your bespoke service.
How long does it take to get a quote and when is my date secured?
8
From your initial consultation we aim to have quotes to you within 48 hours which will be valid for five working days. To secure your date we require a 50% booking fee. Once this is recieved your wedding date will be officially reserved and confirmed in our calendar.