In a scene straight out of a fairy tale, golden retrievers Bree and Bond celebrated their dream wedding in a picturesque outdoor setting, complete with a white lace gown and a delectable cake. Their closest human and canine friends gathered to witness the special moment as the two dogs exchanged vows, promising to share treats and playtime.
Pet weddings are becoming increasingly popular in China, a country where efforts to boost human marriage rates have faltered amid a declining population and low birth rates. While human weddings struggle to gain traction, the love for pets and a growing trend to pamper them are driving this new phenomenon.
In 2023, spending on pets in China surged by 3.2%, reaching 279.3 billion yuan ($38.41 billion). This uptick highlights the country’s increasing affection for furry companions and the willingness to splurge on their well-being and happiness.
“People have weddings, so why can’t dogs have weddings?” said Rye Ling, Bree’s owner, who proudly walked his pet down the aisle. Ling’s sentiments were echoed by many pet owners who see these ceremonies as a way to celebrate their pets’ bond.
According to research firm Acuity Knowledge Partners, China had over 116 million cats and dogs in urban areas as of 2023. This equates to about one in eight urban residents owning a cat or a dog, with the majority of these pet owners being under 40.
Ling and his girlfriend, Gigi Chen, who are not in a rush to marry themselves, meticulously planned Bree and Bond’s wedding for months. The couple hired professional photographers, designed wedding booklets, and ordered a custom-made 800-yuan cake with toppers resembling the bride and groom.
Yang Tao, whose Shanghai-based pet bakery crafted the wedding cake, was initially surprised by the demand for such elaborate pet celebrations. “I think there will be more and more dog weddings,” Yang said, noting that her bakery has already catered several similar events since its launch in 2022.
The trend shows no signs of slowing down, with Yang’s bakery receiving orders months in advance, including another dog wedding on the horizon.
Ling hopes that the ceremony gave Bree and Bond a “sense of ritual.” As he looks forward to welcoming puppies soon, he believes that these celebrations are a meaningful way to honor the special relationships between pets.
Stay tuned for more on this heartwarming trend as dog weddings become a delightful addition to China’s evolving pet culture.
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