At Dog of Honor® Weddings & Events, we’ve had the joy of chaperoning over 200 weddings across Northern California—and one thing is clear: couples are no longer simply inviting their dogs to the celebration. They’re curating experiences that honor them with the same intention, design, and personalization given to every other element of the wedding day.

As we look ahead to 2026, we’re seeing an exciting evolution in how couples are weaving their pups into their wedding story. From couture accessories to bespoke treats and immersive guest experiences, these are the trends shaping luxury dog-friendly weddings in the year ahead.

1. Big, Bold Bows & Florals

Statement-making is officially the moment. In 2026, pups won’t just be walking down the aisle—they’ll be owning it. Oversized bows, sculptural florals, and couture accessories are taking center stage as couples lean into runway-inspired styling.

Whether it’s a beautifully structured bow, hand-dyed silk, or a floral “mane” crafted for the dog, these looks transform pups into intentional design elements within the wedding aesthetic.

I Do Too Bow -Meezily on Etsy
Blue bow: Limpawpaw on Etsy

2. Invitation Suites Featuring the Dog of Honor

Your invitation suite sets the tone for your wedding long before guests arrive. In 2026, couples are introducing their pups right from the first touchpoint—invites, RSVP cards, wax seals, envelope liners, and custom monograms featuring their Dog of Honor.

It’s a sophisticated way to forecast the role their pup will play throughout the weekend and a beautiful way to add personality, warmth, and storytelling to their paper goods.

Credits: @chereeberrypaper & @beccaberensonstudio

3. Elevated Dog Cakes & Treat Boards

Your furry BFF deserves more than a treat from your purse on the wedding day. Couples are investing in elevated, thoughtfully designed dog desserts—from mini Dog of Honor cakes to wedding-themed “barkcuterie” boards complete with cookies shaped like gowns, rings, bowties, and more.

This trend is all about celebration and equality: if your guests get beautiful dessert displays, why shouldn’t your pup?

Cake by: @leashandcollarsacramento
Treat board by: @barkcuteriebybrynna

4. Place Cards & Escort Walls With Pup-Centric Details

In 2026, the smallest paper details are becoming meaningful design opportunities. Couples are weaving their dogs into escort walls, place cards, menus, and welcome signage in understated, design-forward ways.

Think:
• minimal illustrations
• embossed silhouettes
• refined line drawings
• subtle nods in color palettes or motifs

It’s personalization that feels intentional, not kitschy—and it blends seamlessly into modern wedding design.

Dachshund place card: JonNiPaperGoods

5. Curated Wedding Merch Tables

Favors are out; curated merch moments are in.

Couples are designing boutique-style merch tables featuring meaningful, design-driven items that tell their story—and yes, their pups are always part of that story. From custom tote bags and branded apparel to illustrated stickers and mini dog treat packs, merch tables are evolving into thoughtful displays of personality.

Expect pups to be front and center in 2026 wedding merch collections.

Cheers to love matchbox: @chereebabypaper

custom wedding welcome gifts.zip - 9.PNG

6. The Must-Have Dog & Couple Shots

2026 photography is all about connection, emotion, and storytelling. Some of the most requested dog moments include:

• under-the-veil snuggles
• pups lounging on the wedding dress train
• first looks that include the dog
• quiet portraits during golden hour
• playful candid shots during getting ready

These images aren’t just cute—they’re heirlooms that reflect the bond between couples and their dogs.

Under the veil photos courtesy of : @benandebony
Under the dress photo: @honey.stills

7. Elevated Guest Experience With Personalized Pup-Inspired Touches

What sets a wedding apart in 2026? Thoughtfulness.

Couples are creating immersive guest experiences that weave their Dog of Honor into custom games, signage, illustrations, and welcome bag design.

Imagine:
• a Connect Four game with each game piece featuring your pup
• welcome bags designed with bespoke dog illustrations
• itineraries and weekend maps showcasing your dog’s silhouette
• custom drink toppers of your pup

These touches aren’t just adorable—they make guests feel welcomed into your story.

Final Thoughts

2026 is shaping up to be a year where the Dog of Honor is not merely present, but celebrated with intention, artistry, and heart. From high-fashion accessories to meaningful guest experiences, these trends reflect a broader shift toward deeply personal, design-forward wedding weekends.

If you’re dreaming of elevated ways to include your furry BFF in your celebration, we’d love to help you design a Dog of Honor experience that feels effortless, memorable, and uniquely yours.

Schedule your consultation at the link below

Learn more

Featured