You may have noticed we’re big dog lovers at Holden, so when we stumbled across this post from Rebecca McBride, a Dog Wedding Chaperone, we knew we had a) discovered our dream job and b) had to feature her on the blog! Keep reading to learn about McBride&Groom, a service designed to integrate your dog seamlessly into your wedding!
How did you think of the idea to become a Dog Wedding Chaperone?
The spark for McBride&Groom actually happened while I was balancing a hospitality job with my university degree. I will never forget the first time I saw a couple bring their dog to their wedding. As a lifelong animal lover, I was completely smitten. I even found myself volunteering to hold the pup when I was supposed to be waitressing.
When I moved back home after my degree, I found myself in a job that didn't fulfill me. I’ve always known I wanted to be my own boss and, more importantly, work with animals. I realised there was a gap for a professional who understood the flow of a wedding day just as well as they understood canine behaviour. I wanted to create a service that provided peace of mind for the couple and a five-star experience for the dog.
Once the name "McBride&Groom" clicked into place, it just felt right. I knew I had found my niche, and I haven't looked back since.
What does your service typically entail?
My service is designed to be completely seamless so the couple doesn’t have to worry about a thing. On the wedding morning, I handle everything from a pre-wedding walk to burn off some energy to safe transport to the venue. Once we arrive, I help the dog get settled, give them a quick tidy-up, and dress them in their wedding accessories.
During the ceremony and reception, I make sure they are calm, comfortable, and have lots of toilet and quiet breaks. I help them greet guests, and I coordinate any big moments such as the ring bearer duties.
I also work closely with the photographers to capture those perfect, posed shots (usually involving plenty of treats and squeaky toys!).
After the photos are done, I can transport them to their final location, or provide my ”home from home” overnight service so the couple can dance the night away knowing their best friend is tucked up and happy.
How do you prepare for the wedding? Do you meet the dogs for the first time that same day?
I always recommend an in-person meeting before the big day. Some dogs will go with anyone, but for most, meeting a dog for the first time on a wedding day with all the noise, crowds, and excitement could be overwhelming for them.
My priority is always the dog’s wellbeing, so building a relationship beforehand is essential. Preparation starts with a detailed consultation where I learn everything about their personality: their favorite treats or words, any scary noises to avoid, and how they react to strangers or cameras.
On the logistics side, I also coordinate with the venue and the photographers in advance. I scout out the best spots for potty breaks and quiet retreats, ensuring that every transition from the ceremony aisle to the portrait session is calm, controlled, and completely stress-free.
I carry a fully stocked chaperone kit that’s become my signature. It’s packed with high-value treats and squeakers to get those perfect, looking-at-the-camera shots, but also the essentials that keep the bridal party looking pristine (like paw wipes for any accidental muddy moments and lint rollers to ensure there’s no fur left on the groom's suit or the bride's gown).
What are some ways you’ve seen couples incorporate their dogs into their special day?
I definitely see quite a few dog ring bearers, and it is always a crowd favourite. Some dogs enter the room to “Who Let the Dogs Out.” I also see lots of dogs on cakes, and they even have their own signature cocktails.
What’s an unexpected challenge or limitation of your job?
The biggest challenge is also what makes the job so rewarding: the sheer unpredictability of working with animals! No matter how much we practice the aisle walk or a ring-bearer moment, a wedding is a sensory overload for a dog. There are new smells, loud applause, and more people than usual.
I have found that one of the most frequent challenges is managing the “paparazzi” aka the wedding guests! Everyone loves the couple’s dog, and when they see them looking dapper in a bow tie or floral collar, they naturally want to rush over, pet them, and take photos.
While it's lovely that everyone is so excited, it can be very overstimulating for a dog to have fifty people coming at them at once. Part of my role is gently managing the guests to ensure the dog doesn't get overwhelmed or start jumping up in all the excitement.
I have to be the one to steer the pup (and sometimes the guests!) to a quiet spot for a reset break. It’s a delicate balance of letting the dog be the star of the show while making sure they stay calm, comfortable, and most importantly, off the bride’s dress!
Do you have experience with all different sizes and a variety of breeds?
Absolutely! One of the things I love most about McBride&Groom is the sheer variety of clients I get to work with. I’ve had everything from tiny Yorkshire terriers and dachshunds, who fit perfectly in a flower girl's arms, to giant, gentle breeds like Newfoundlands and Dobermans, who make quite the statement walking down the aisle!
Having worked with such a wide range of sizes and temperaments, I’m very comfortable managing different energy levels. Whether I'm lifting a small pup for a photo or bracing for the bouncy, working cocker spaniel, I’ve seen it all. My goal is always to adapt my handling style to what that specific dog needs to feel confident and calm in a busy wedding environment.
Can you tell us about the most memorable wedding or dog you’ve ever worked with?
It’s so hard to choose because every dog brings their own story to the day, but one that stands out was when a bride had secretly arranged for me to bring their lovable golden retriever to the venue as a surprise for her new husband right after the ceremony.
The groom had no idea his best friend was going to be there. I waited with the dog just out of sight, and as the couple stepped out as newlyweds, we made the big reveal. The look of pure shock and joy on the groom’s face was priceless. He was so excited, and the dog was absolutely ecstatic to see him too!
It was such a beautiful, high-energy moment of pure happiness. It really highlighted why I do what I do; a wedding is a celebration of family, and for many couples, that family isn't complete without their dog.
For our feline-loving friends…have you ever chaperoned a cat?!
While I haven't had a feline “client” walk down the aisle just yet, I have helped many cat-loving couples include their pets in other ways. Most cats prefer the quiet of their own home to a busy wedding venue, so I provide a lot of specialist pet sitting for couples while they are away celebrating.
I recently dressed two cats in tiny suits for photos at home with their newly married parents! It was the perfect way to get those family portraits without stressing the cats out with a trip to the venue.
That said, if there is a particularly adventurous cat out there who wears a harness, I’m always open to a consultation—never say never!
We know you’re based in Ireland, but do you travel for weddings? What’s the best way for couples to get in touch about hiring you for their big day?
Yes, I will travel for weddings! Couples can start by filling out this form on our website!
Photo courtesy of @hammondphotography.ni (cover & last photo), @germanlarkin, @rashidakeenanphotography, and @you_them_us.
Questions? Give us a shout at help@hiholden.com or a ring (pun intended) at 646.722.6817.