Your Pet Can't Be There — But Their Portrait Can
For pet owners getting married, one of the biggest sources of quiet sadness on the wedding day is that their furry family member can't be there. Dogs and cats are rarely venue-appropriate — and yet they're family.
Custom pet portraits have become a popular, beautiful way to include your pet in the celebration without the logistics of an actual animal at your reception.
Here are the most popular ways couples are using pet portraits at weddings.
1. As Table Numbers
Instead of numbered cards or floral arrangements, use framed portraits of your pet — one per table — as table numbers. Each table gets a different portrait (perhaps different art styles, or different photos), and guests are assigned to "Table Peanut" or "Table Luna" instead of Table 6.
It's a conversation starter, it's personal, and it tells a story about who you are as a couple.
What you need: 8–12 digital portrait prints, printed at A5 or A4, in matching frames. Order all from Loyal Studio at the same time for a consistent style.
2. As the Welcome Sign
A large-format portrait of your pet — perhaps in oil painting style — as your welcome sign or entrance display. *"Welcome to our wedding — and yes, that's our dog Archie"* is a quiet, charming message.
What you need: A single portrait, printed large (A1 or larger), mounted on a board or in a statement frame.
3. As Escort Cards
Instead of printed name cards, use small portrait prints (postcard size) of your pet, with guest names handwritten on the back. Guests take them home as a wedding favour and keepsake.
What you need: Portrait printed as many small duplicates as guests. Most print shops can reproduce a digital file at postcard size cost-effectively.
4. On the Cake Table
A framed portrait of your pet alongside the wedding cake. Many couples who don't have pets at the ceremony find this small nod deeply meaningful.
5. As a Memorial Touch
For couples whose beloved pet passed before the wedding day, a portrait at the reception is a quiet, loving memorial. A framed portrait at the sweetheart table, or among the family photos display, honours their presence.
Choosing the Right Style for a Wedding
For weddings, we recommend:
Practical Tips
Order well in advance. Digital files are delivered quickly, but allow time for printing and framing — ideally 2–3 weeks before the wedding.
Use a consistent style across all tables. If you're using portraits as table numbers, keep the same art style throughout for a cohesive look.
Print locally for speed. Digital files from Loyal Studio can be taken to any local print shop for same-day or next-day printing.
Frame consistently. Choose one frame style and stick with it across all prints — simple white or natural wood frames work best.
Start Creating Your Wedding Portraits
Upload a photo of your pet and create your wedding portraits today. Digital files are ready in minutes.