How to Make Your Wedding Flowers Pet-Friendly

A wedding is a special celebration of love shared with your closest loved ones. For many, this includes their furry companions, which adds an extra level of excitement to your floral planning process. If your beloved pets are part of the guest list, it’s essential to plan a pet-friendly celebration. While creating a beautiful aesthetic is key, you'll also need to factor in practicality tailored to your unique venue and preferences as a couple. This means considering every detail, especially the specific blooms used in your floral arrangements. 

Weddings can be joyful, yet sometimes hectic, and the last thing you want to worry about is your pet ingesting toxic flowers. That's why we’ve compiled all the tips you need for creating a beautiful, floral-filled wedding that's safe for your furry friends. From pet-safe flowers to essential safety precautions, here’s everything you need to know.

1. Choose Pet-Safe Flowers

Not every plant is safe for pets; some flowers can trigger allergic reactions, digestive problems, or even be fatal if ingested. That’s why it's essential for couples planning a wedding with four-legged guests to choose non-toxic flowers. Here are some beautiful and popular pet-safe wedding flowers to consider for your special day:

Roses

Roses are timeless flowers that are entirely safe for dogs and cats. No need to worry about the thorns—your furry friend instinctively knows to steer clear of them so they won’t pose any danger. Since roses are often given as gifts from loved ones, it's great that they are also pet-friendly!

Orchids

Orchids, like roses, are a luxurious symbol of love and have become increasingly popular at weddings. Often featured in bouquets and centerpieces, they add an opulent touch to any arrangement. Best of all, since they’re pet-friendly, you can confidently include these beautiful blooms in your wedding designs.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are usually associated with spring and fall, making them a perfect choice for those who want to celebrate the natural beauty of their wedding season. If you're planning a wedding with pets, you’ll be happy to know these flowers are safe for dogs and cats, making them an excellent option for pet owners.

Snapdragons

Snapdragons are unique flowers that look like a dragon's mouth and come in a range of vibrant colors, making them perfect for anyone dreaming of a bold color palette. Not only are they visually striking, but since they are safe for pets, they’re an ideal choice for a colorful, pet-friendly wedding.

2. Avoid Toxic Flowers 

It's important to be aware of the flowers you choose for your arrangements, especially since some can be toxic to cats and dogs. When planning for a pet-friendly wedding, discuss safe options with your florist. While some flowers may just cause mild discomfort, others can be more harmful and possibly fatal. Here are a few popular wedding flowers you should avoid.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis plants are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, so they’re not suitable for a pet-friendly wedding. While their vibrant, funnel-shaped blooms can add beauty to arrangements, they aren’t the best choice for couples who want to include their furry friends in the celebration.

Tulips

With their delicate charm and vibrant colors, tulips are a popular choice for spring and summer weddings. However, they’re not ideal for pet-friendly celebrations. While the highest concentration of toxins is found in the bulb, all parts of the plant can be harmful to pets.

Daffodils

Like many plants found in our homes and gardens, daffodils are not safe for our furry friends. They are toxic to both dogs and cats, and ingesting them can cause serious illness. If you’re including pets in your wedding, it’s best to steer clear of daffodils.

Lilies

Lilies pose a significant risk to cats, and all parts of the plant are poisonous, including the pollen, leaves, stems, flowers, and even the water in the vase. Ingesting even a small amount can be fatal. Although these beautiful blooms are often chosen for arrangements, it’s best to avoid them.

More toxic flowers avoid: 

• Azaleas

• Lily of the Valley

• Chrysanthemum

• Peonies

• Iris

3. Use Greenery Wisely

While greenery adds texture and volume to your arrangements, some foliage can be harmful to pets. Be sure to consult with your florist to explore safe greenery options for your pet-friendly wedding. Steer clear of toxic plants like eucalyptus and ivy, and consider alternatives such as ferns, bamboo, and olive branches.

4. Consider Artificial Flowers

Silk or artificial wedding flowers have become a go-to for many couples thanks to their durability and freedom from seasonal limitations. For pet-friendly weddings, they offer an additional advantage. With real flowers, you have to select safe blooms carefully and worry about pets nibbling on them. Renting artificial flowers is a safer alternative, giving you the benefits of durability and safety while still creating beautiful, eye-catching arrangements.

5. Place Arrangements Strategically in the Venue Space

If you're hosting a pet-friendly wedding, you'll need to get creative with the placements of your floral arrangements. Even with safe flowers, pets might be tempted to nibble or play with them. To avoid this, collaborate with your florist to strategically place florals out of reach, using elevated centerpieces or hanging installations to keep your blooms safely away from curious pets.

6. Consult With Your Florist Regarding Pet Safety 

Wedding florists are floral experts with the know-how to bring your vision to life. If you're planning a pet-friendly celebration, they can guide you on which blooms to choose or avoid and help design a layout that minimizes the chances of your four-legged guests nibbling on the flowers.

If you’re searching for a trusted florist in the San Francisco Bay area, consider us at Flowers Valley. We are an award-winning team with over 15 years of experience offering luxury florals that exceed expectations. We will work closely with you to design arrangements beautifully tailored to you that will make your special day truly unforgettable. Reach out for a custom proposal—we’re ready to bring your floral vision to life.