Wedding Stationery Designers Who Include Pets in Invitations (and How to Make It Look Chic)
For many couples, their wedding day wouldn’t feel complete without a beloved pet somehow present, even if only in ink and watercolor.
According to Ofelia Botella, “When we paint pets into a suite, it’s not about novelty - it’s about affection. It’s a whisper of real life, of companionship.”
How to Incorporate Pets Beautifully
1. Hand-Painted Portraits
The most timeless approach. A fine-art rendering of your pet, whether nestled within a floral crest or seated beneath an illustrated archway, creates a piece you’ll treasure long after the wedding.
2. Symbolic Motifs
If subtlety is your style, a tiny paw print, tail flourish, or silhouette can appear as part of your monogram or envelope liner.
3. Venue Scenes
Imagine your cat curled under a pergola, or your dog bounding through an illustrated landscape - miniature stories that make your stationery feel alive.
4. Menu or Bar Signage
Pet-inspired cocktails are a favourite (like “The Olive” or “The Coco Mule”). Illustrated signs can tie this personality back to your main suite.
“The watercolor of our cat at the bar for our drink menu? Sublime,” shares Brooke R., 2025 bride. “Every time we look at it, we smile - it’s so personal, so us.”
Keeping It Elegant
It’s easy for pet illustrations to veer into caricature. The key lies in restraint:
Keep the palette soft and tonal.
Match the painting style to your venue artwork.
Allow the pet to belong within the composition - not sit apart from it.
As Ofelia notes, “A well-painted pet feels like part of the landscape. It should never compete with your story, only enrich it.”
How the Process Works at Ofelia Botella Studio
Inspiration Call — share photos, personality notes, and favourite details about your pet.
Sketch & Style — an artist studies their features and personality to capture a natural likeness.
Final Composition — the pet illustration is integrated into your chosen suite design, crest, or venue artwork.
Many couples later frame these pet paintings as stand-alone portraits, a joyful keepsake of both wedding and companion.
FAQs
1. How do I include my pet in my wedding stationery?
Through custom illustration, subtle symbolism, or themed signage.
2. Can multiple pets be included?
Yes — artists can balance composition beautifully with two or more.
3. What’s the most popular way to feature pets?
Hand-painted portraits within crests or venue landscapes.
4. Does it work for both cats and dogs?
Of course — and we’ve painted everything from parrots to horses.
5. Will the artwork still feel elegant?
Yes — tone, texture, and composition keep the result refined.
6. Can I use my pet’s art across signage?
Absolutely — we often reuse the artwork for menus, bar signs, and thank-you cards.
7. Is the pet artwork painted by hand?
Yes — by one of our in-house artists trained in fine-art technique.
8. How long does it take?
Usually 2–3 weeks within your stationery timeline.
9. Can I request a stand-alone pet portrait?
Yes — many couples do, as a keepsake or gift.
10. Does Ofelia Botella ship internationally?
Yes, across the U.S., U.K., and Europe.
