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The Courier
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Animal weddings: Your guide to including them on your big day in and around Dundee, Fife and Perth
Animals can add a unique, memorable touch to a wedding, whether it's a case of bringing the family pet or inviting other creatures. Popular choices include dogs, ponies, birds of prey, and of course alpacas. If you're desperate to take your beloved dog, then you need to consider a few things such as: what happens when Fido needs to do his business? That's when a service like dog chaperoning comes in handy. Perth-based dog wedding chaperone Laura Findlay has been making couples' dreams come true across Scotland since she set up her business, Solo Paws, in 2023. Her mission is to offer a personalised service to wedding couples, whether simply to bring pets along for the photo shoot, festoon them in special wedding attire, or look after them before, during and after the ceremony. Laura can be involved as much or as little as the couple want. Her lowest price is £50 and this can rise to a few hundred pounds depending on the service. She can walk the dog, give it a wash, tart it up, put on a wee bandana, bow-tie or a special collar with a wooden heart. Imagine having miniature Shetland ponies at your wedding! Haggis and Squiggles, from Blairgowrie-based Alba Therapy Ponies, have been invited to their first wedding in September. Their owners, Alex Barr and Drew Myers, said while the cute equines will be 'confetti ponies' at the ceremony, they'll then be available for 'pony enrichment sessions' with children. 'Our two superstar ponies Haggis and Squiggles wear flower arrangements on their backs, and wicker baskets filled with confetti for guests to throw,' said Alex. 'They can also carry bottles of prosecco or beer. They act as 'four-legged waiters' when they mingle over cocktail hour to distribute drinks. 'Children at the weddings can also learn how to groom and care for them.' 'We're marketing the ponies for weddings and hope to have some more last minute bookings this summer,' added Alex. Owls can be used as ring-bearers indoors, while other birds of prey may be lined up for outdoor ceremonies. Guests could be welcomed by majestic birds perched at the entrance, and enjoy interactive flying experiences. Elite Falconry based at Cluny Mains Farm, near Kirkcaldy, offer various wedding packages. These include getting an eagle or owl to fly over the head of guests to deliver the rings and to the (pre-trained) best man. They also offer an 'eagle cam', where an eagle wearing a small camera soars above the venue capturing footage of guests arriving.
Scotsman
30-04-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Scottish dog chaperone business sees wedding bookings double
A Scottish dog chaperone business has seen wedding bookings double that of the previous year. Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Solo Paws provides a range of pet services, including dog walking and cat sitting, as well as its popular wedding chaperone service. From walking down the aisle to posing for the perfect photographs, Solo Paws handles every detail, allowing the couple and wedding guests to enjoy the special day without any worry. The business was founded in late 2023 by dog lover, Laura Findlay, following a period of poor mental health. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Formerly a social enterprise manager, Laura was eager to find a more fulfilling, non-office-based role, and launched the business after spotting a gap in the market for a bespoke wedding dog chaperone service. Solo Paws Business Gateway has played a key role in helping Solo Paws scale up and navigate the early stages of growth. With expert guidance from adviser Michelle Maddox, Laura received specialist HR advice, including contract templates, which enabled her to outsource work and manage growing demand more efficiently. This support allowed the business to remain flexible and responsive, even during holidays or busy periods, while also giving Laura the space to explore personal development activities. Additionally, Business Gateway provided valuable insights into business structure options and offered a sounding board for future expansion plans. Laura credits their help with boosting her confidence and providing the practical tools needed to turn her unique idea into a thriving venture. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Bookings for 2025 are already double that of last year and the Solo Paws team are expecting another surge as wedding season approaches. Laura Findlay, Solo Paws Laura Findlay, owner, Solo Paws, said: 'I found starting by own business scary, especially after being out of work for six years due to focusing on my mental wellbeing. Aside from caring for my own pets and having one of our dogs at our wedding, I also knew that I lacked professional experience in the field I wanted to enter. 'Thanks to support from Business Gateway, and drawing on my business background, I've been able to slowly and gradually build experience up. Business Gateway has been fantastic, providing specialist HR advice to ensure I was properly set up with a contractor. My adviser has been great for brainstorming ideas and gathering information.' Michelle Maddox, Business Gateway adviser, said: 'It's been a real pleasure supporting Laura on her journey with Solo Paws. Her passion for animals and her drive to create something truly unique in the pet care and wedding industry has been inspiring. We were able to provide tailored HR support and advice around business structure, helping her lay strong foundations for growth. Laura's energy and vision are a real asset to the Perth business community."
