In 2024, Rebecca McBride turned her lifelong passion for animals into a booming business as a Dog Wedding Chaperone based in Northern Ireland. Her service allows couples to seamlessly involve their beloved dogs on their wedding day, ensuring their furry companions are well cared for while they tie the knot.
At just 26 years old, McBride is now fully booked through the end of 2025 and is planning to expand her services internationally. Though she initially pursued a path in biology due to societal expectations, Rebecca found herself unhappy and overwhelmed during her PhD studies. “I was in a rut,” she shares. Realizing academic life wasn’t for her, she made the brave choice to walk away and carve out her own career.
The idea sparked while she was waitressing at a wedding and noticed a couple struggling to manage their dog during the celebration. Instinctively, she stepped in to help. That moment stuck, and later, while walking dogs at a kennel job, the idea of blending pet care with event support clicked.
Dog Wedding Chaperone: A Niche Business with Heart
The road to launching McBride & Groom wasn’t without hurdles. Financial stress, a new business model, and the challenge of explaining her concept to the public were all part of her journey. “You really have to put yourself out there,” she says. But Rebecca enjoyed the process of networking at wedding fairs, venues, and local markets.
Her first client came just two weeks after launching. Since then, the business has grown rapidly. “I don’t have a single Saturday off until around September 2025,” she reveals. She now handles up to three weddings per week.
Packages begin at $268, with many couples opting for overnight care for extra peace of mind. “While they enjoy their party, I take the dog back and have a little sleepover,” Rebecca says with a smile.
Dog Wedding Chaperone: From Ireland to the World
Dog Wedding Chaperone: Although most weddings she attends are in Ireland, Rebecca has received requests from couples in Italy and Spain. Scheduling conflicts have meant turning some down, but international expansion is on her radar for 2026. She’s also preparing to grow her team and potentially franchise the business.
Moments that stand out for her are when dogs play special roles—like surprising a partner by walking the dog down the aisle or letting the pup act as a ring bearer. “Dogs help couples feel more relaxed on such a big day,” Rebecca notes.
Of course, not everything goes as planned. “I had a dachshund meant to deliver rings, but he just sat down and refused to move,” she laughs. She always ensures dogs are calm, clean, and leashed at all times—avoiding any pawprints on bridal gowns.
Her favorite dogs to chaperone? Retrievers and Labradors. “They’re goofy, joyful, and always eager to be part of the action,” she says.
Rebecca’s story is a testament to listening to your gut, taking risks, and following your passion. “There’s no point staying stuck in something that makes you miserable,” she shares. “You only get one life.”
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Source: www.people.com
