I hear so many people say that their dog or cat is more than just a pet—they are part of the family. Well, for those engaged couples looking for a way to include Fluffy and Fido in the wedding ceremony, here’s an idea for your consideration: make them your ring bearer and flower girl.

No kidding! I saw this idea in a popular craft store to make your pet part of your wedding decorations. Now you can purchase “costumes” for your dog to be the ring bearer and your cat to be the flower girl.

The dog costume is a tuxedo “bib” that ties around the dog’s neck, complete with four French cuffs. The pillow is tied around the dog’s midsection so that it sits level on his back. The flower girl costume is a frilly pink headband, tutu, and a basket for the flower petals that hangs around the neck. These are purrfect (sorry—couldn’t help myself) for those brides and grooms who truly consider their pets part of their family and want to include them in their wedding ceremony.

You may want to consider this idea for getting your pets safely down the aisle: have a traditional flower girl and ring bearer pull child-sized wagons loaded with the pets so that they reach their destination safely and in a timely way. The wagons can be decorated with tulle, fabric, ribbons and flowers to match your wedding decorations so your pooch or kitty can enter in proper wedding style.

So think about making your best friend part of you big day!

This wedding planning ceremony idea was brought to you by weddingandpartynetwork.com.

Many wedding traditions stem from very old customs, religions or superstitions, while others evolve through necessity. Some are the result of the love we have for something or someone.  A new "old" wedding tradition that is rising in popularity comes from the love we have for our pets.

Who was the first to include a pet in their wedding and when did it happen? We can't be 100% sure. Most likely it occurred around 2100B.C. in the Bedouins tribes of Egypt who adored their Salukis. A resurgence of this tradition is occurring among contemporary couples all over the world. These couples are choosing to make their furry companions a part of the ceremony.

What is causing the resurgence of this doggie wedding tradition? The rising age of first times brides and grooms seems to be the contributing factor. After all, their pets were their constant companions before the love of their life enter their world.  That's not to say that younger couples haven't included pets in their weddings.  There have been weddings with all different types of pets from snakes to ferrets and from dogs to cats. In all cases, you can be certain that a couple who chooses to have a pet in their ceremony does this out of love for their non-human companion.

Of course, dogs are the most common wedding attendees.  They have even been members of the wedding party. Dogs have served as ring bearers, flower carriers, and even the bride or groom's "dog of honor" or "best" dog.  You can even find tuxedos to fit your pet to carry this tradition to the full extent.

This "old" new tradition is one that is gaining in popularity. So, don't be surprised if at the next wedding you attend you see a furry friend escorting the Bride to the alter.