Didn’t think there was a place for your pet in your special day? Guess what? Four-legged ring bearers are all the rage. Here are some thoughts on the joys and challenges of making furry friends part of the wedding party.

They’re as much a part of the family as any one--and certainly closer to you than that third cousin thrice removed who just RSVP’d “with guest”. But until recently, the pets of brides and grooms have found themselves in the doghouse on wedding day. That’s changing, though, as couples from coast to coast heed the wordless pleading of pets who wouldn’t miss this party for all the rawhide bones or little catnip mice in the world.

“I have had weddings that included pigs, dogs, birds--you name it,” says Janet Dunnington, the owner of CEO Weddings & Events. While dogs are most often assigned the role of ring bearer, Dunnington recalls one wedding where the couple’s two dogs were maid of honor and best man, “or, shall we say, man’s best friend.” Some brides even forgo the traditional bouquet, opting to carry a lap dog or cuddly cat in their arms instead!