package Guide

Hounds & Heritage

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introduction

When you have owned a dog that becomes part of your family, no matter how long or short that time may have been.., finding care for them and/or ensuring they are a part of the day IS essential.

With more and more dog-friendly venues appearing, it is becoming easier to include your dog into the celebrations. However, there is still the added pressure of wondering who will look after them. Some people believe that including dogs in weddings means dirty paw prints all over dresses or dogs running riot all over the venue, when in reality, it is much more controlled. 

Hounds & Heritage Weddings has put together a variety of packages that can assist you on the big day, regardless of what it is that you are looking for. 

Hello + Welcome

booking process

the process

The quotation process is extremely simple. Once a booking request has been submitted through the 'Booking & Availability' page, it will be transmitted directly to HHW. 

Jemma will review your request and provide you with a quotation via email. 

All quotations and estimates are subject to current availability, and can be easily changed if the details require it.

Once you have received your quotation, you will be able to look at the details and, if applicable, accept it. 

Once accepted, the invoice will be generated and sent out for you to pay your 30% booking fee. This will secure the dates into the diary. 

If your wedding date is the same year as the booking request, you will be sent a link to access and book your familiarisation meetings. 

number

1.

Request a Quotation

The first meeting that you will be asked to book is an Initial Consultation.

A one-hour initial consultation usually takes place at the client's home. As part of the package booked, the travel to the Client Home is included, so there are no additional or hidden fees for the service or the travel.

The purpose of this consultation is to allow HHW to observe the dogs in their home environment and assess their reaction to strangers around their loved ones. It is possible to obtain a broad overview of the dogs behavior and personality here. The desired plan for the wedding day and all topics surrounding the dogs general day to day care are discussed in detail.

The time with HHW is a great way for clients to learn more about Jemma, her family, the background of Hounds & Heritage, and to ask any questions that come to mind. 

number

2.

initial consultation

For those clients that have booked a service which includes a stay in the HHW home, the first meeting is usually a walk, halfway between HHW & the client home. The objective of this meeting is to introduce Loki and Elene, which are Jemma's dogs.

The objective is to observe how the client dog reacts to both dogs while out on a walk, as well as the general public and any other dogs that may be present during the walk.

OR

For clients who have booked a service that includes a Pet Sit away from the HHW home, the first meeting usually takes place on a walk, which is mutually halfway from both residences. 

number

3.

familiarisation meeting (dog walk)

After meeting one, it is customary for the second meeting to consist of a walk and home visit to the home of HHW. The objective of this meeting is to observe the dogs' responses in a new environment, and to provide the clients with an opportunity to view their prospective temporary lodgings.

The initial walk is always conducted to ensure that all dogs can be reintroduced outside of the home environment. Clients are then asked to come through the garden back gates, so that they can let their dogs off into the garden once the final gate has been secured.
Finally, HHW insists that all dogs be allowed off the lead so that they can explore the new surroundings freely.

OR

For clients who have booked a service that includes a pet sit away from the HHW home, the second meeting usually takes place at the client's home.

number

4.

familiarisation meeting (home visit)

The Trials are a mandatory part of booking a service with Hounds & Heritage Weddings, and they are never omitted. Clients must have their dogs participate in either a day-trial or an overnight test when they pick a package that includes a home board or daycare at HHWs residence.

If the Trial raises minor concerns, such as insufficient sleep during the night, insufficient eating, whining, or excessive panting, it will be deemed an unsuccessful trial, and HHW will encourage the dogs to return for a re-trial. The majority of dogs who attend for a trial pass, however, a small minority of them fail and require a re-trial. A significantly lesser proportion of dogs who fail the re-trial are typically deemed unsuitable for home boarding. If this is the case, HHW would be transparent and open with their clients. If the re-trial was to be unsuccessful, HHW would suggest another solution to try.

HHW notes that is usually expected for some dogs to be slightly nervous upon their first visit. As such, many dogs benefit from ongoing visits ahead of the booked service date.

number

5.

trial day & night (home boarding)

It is recommended that any subsequent meetings be scheduled on a regular basis to enhance the bond between all parties. Some dogs, particularly those who are nervous, may require additional meetings before proceeding with their service process. However, in most cases, HHW will devise or suggest a suitable plan to proceed with.

Some dogs are expected to be slightly nervous upon their first visit to home boarding. As a result, many dogs benefit from ongoing visits ahead of the booked service date.

Meetings are usually expected to begin at least 3-4 months prior to the wedding date, and to finish 2 months prior to the wedding date. It is encouraged for dogs to continue visiting/using the allocation of meetings, rather than leaving a huge gap between completing the familiarisation process and the Wedding Day.

number

6.

further meetings

packages

THE SHIEL

THE AWE

THE KATRINE

THE LOMOND

one/two night boarding stay with chaperoning
duties

day package with chaperoning duties

one night client home/venue stay with chaperoning duties

wedding day pet sitting (no chaperoning duties)

the packages

THE ETIVE

one/two night airbnb stay with chaperoning duties

day package with chaperoning duties

details

the katrine

The Katrine package is best suited for brides and grooms who wish to have their dogs present for chaperoning duties without the need for additional overnight services such as a client home stay or a home board. 

The Katrine package typically covers photographic assistance and meeting/ greeting guests. However, Ceremonial assistance can be added if desired.  

Katrine is most often requested by couples who have obtained dog-friendly accommodation either through the Venue or in close proximity to their Venue at separate accommodation. This package is typically reserved for either 11am-4pm or 11am-midnight. The dogs are either given to a family member or to the newlyweds at the end of the festivities.

At this time, Katrine is the only day package offered by Hounds & Heritage Weddings. 

the basics


0.60p per mile thereafter

chargeable at 0.60p if over mileage allocation above

55 mile mileage allocation

Collection & Transportation Service 

Day Care Assistance - 10.30am till 4pm only

before the day


a visit to your home to meet you and your dogs

Dog Walks & Home Visits to get to know you and build a bond with your dogs

One initial consultation

three familiarisation meetings 


on the day

pre-wedding dog walk

photograph assistance

meeting & Greeting guests 


working with your photographer to help capture the special moments

up to One Hour 30 Minutes, dependent on capability

Pre and/or Post Ceremony

base pricing

day hours (10:30am-4pm)*



DAY HOURS WITH EXTENSION TO MIDNIGHT (10:30AM-12AM)*

from £220.00

from £285.00

add ons

additional dogs



ceremonial assistance



additional mileage

£35. per dog

*package start pricing based upon one dog

£40.

0.60p per mile

ONE/TWO NIGHT boarding STAY WITH CHAPERONING DUTIES

details

the awe

The Awe Package is best for Brides & Grooms who want their dogs to be present for Chaperoning Duties and need a place for their dogs to stay overnight in a home-from-home environment.

The Awe Package typically covers a two-night boarding period, as well as chaperoning duties, photograph assistance, meeting/ greeting guests, and ceremonial assistance. 

Most couples seize this opportunity to reserve the Awe for both the Night Before the Wedding and the Night of the Wedding. However, it is not uncommon for the Night of the Wedding and the Night After the Wedding to be requested instead. 

The Awe Package is undoubtedly the most comprehensive package offered by Hounds & Heritage, and it is consistently ranked as the most frequently booked package.


a visit to your home to meet you and your dogs

Dog Walks & Home Visits to get to know you and build a bond with your dogs


Inclusive of a retrial if required


the basics


0.60p per mile thereafter

chargeable at 0.60p if over mileage allocation above

Night Before the Wedding &/or Night of the Wedding

65 mile mileage allocation

Collection & Transportation Service 

One/Two Night Home Boarding Stay

before the day

One initial consultation

four familiarisation meetings 

trial day & Night Board


on the day

pre-wedding dog walk

pre-wedding dog grooming

photograph assistance

ceremonial assistance

meeting & Greeting guests 


working with your photographer to help capture the special moments

up to One Hour 30 Minutes, dependent on capability

everything from bouquet duties, to ring bearers, and sitting in ceremony

Pre and/or Post Ceremony

Qualified Level 3 Groomer. Bath, Brush, Blowdry - Perfume/Aftershave

the basics

before the day

on the day

base pricing

one night stay with chaperoning duties*



two night stay with chaperoning duties*

from £255.00

from £285.00

add ons

additional dogs



additional mileage



privatise the booking**

£50. per dog - £35. puppies 

*package start pricing based upon one dog

0.60p per mile

£50. one off fee

**By privatising your booking, it is guaranteed that the dates, regardless of whether they are for an arrival day or a changeover day, will be exclusively yours, eliminating any possibility of other dogs potentially sharing the dates with yours.

ONE/TWO NIGHT airbnb STAY WITH CHAPERONING DUTIES

details

the Etive

The Etive Package is ideal for Brides and Grooms who desire their dogs to be present for their Chaperoning Duties and require a home-from-home environment for their dogs to stay overnight, away from children and/or other dogs.

The Etive Package typically covers a two-night airbnb stay period, as well as chaperoning duties, photograph assistance, meeting/ greeting guests, and ceremonial assistance.  

HHW acknowledges that not all dogs are comfortable in a Home Boarding setting alongside children and other dogs. Consequently, the Etive Package was specifically designed for couples who would prefer their dogs to remain away from their family home on the night before and night of their wedding.

The Etive Package is the newest addition to HHW, and is the first of its kind currently offered in Scotland. There are several locations available to choose from, all of which have been tried and tested before the inclusion in the package. All locations will be shared with the client before booking.

the basics


0.60p per mile thereafter

chargeable at 0.60p if over mileage allocation above

Night Before the Wedding &/or Night of the Wedding

40 mile mileage allocation

Collection & Transportation Service 

One/Two Night airbnb Stay

before the day


a visit to your home to meet you and your dogs

Dog Walks to get to know you and build a bond with your dogs

One initial consultation

three familiarisation meetings

on the day

pre-wedding dog walk

pre-wedding dog grooming

photograph assistance

ceremonial assistance

meeting & Greeting guests 


working with your photographer to help capture the special moments

up to One Hour 30 Minutes, dependent on capability

everything from bouquet duties, to ring bearers, and sitting in ceremony

Pre and/or Post Ceremony

Qualified Level 3 Groomer. Bath, Brush, Blowdry - Perfume/Aftershave

the basics

before the day

on the day

base pricing

one night airbnb stay with chaperoning duties*



two night airbnb stay with chaperoning duties*

from £295.00

from £345.00

add ons

additional dogs



additional mileage


£45. per dog

*package start pricing based upon one dog

0.60p per mile

pricing inclusive of airbnb costs

ONE NIGHT client home/venue STAY WITH CHAPERONING DUTIES

details

the lomond

The Lomond package is recommended for brides and grooms who wish to have their dogs present for chaperoning duties and require their dogs to rest in the comfort of their own home or at pre-booked lodgings in close proximity to or at the venue.

Typically, the Lomond package includes a one-night pet sitting period, and chaperoning duties; photograph assistance, meeting/ greeting guests, and ceremonial assistance. 

The Lomond is a highly favored option among couples who own reactive or rescue dogs who need their own lodgings.

Compared to the Awe package two night stay, the Lomond is only available as a one night stay.


the basics


0.60p per mile thereafter

chargeable at 0.60p if over mileage allocation above

Night of the Wedding

45 mile mileage allocation

Collection & Transportation Service 

One Night client home Stay

before the day

One initial consultation

two familiarisation meetings 




a visit to your home to meet you and your dogs

Dog Walks & Home Visits to get to know you and build a bond with your dogs

on the day

pre-wedding dog walk

pre-wedding dog grooming

photograph assistance

ceremonial assistance

meeting & Greeting guests 


working with your photographer to help capture the special moments

up to One Hour 30 Minutes, dependent on capability

everything from bouquet duties, to ring bearers, and sitting in ceremony

Pre and/or Post Ceremony

Qualified Level 3 Groomer. Bath, Brush, Blowdry - Perfume/Aftershave

base pricing

one night stay with chaperoning duties*



from £305.00

add ons

additional dogs



additional mileage



privatise the booking*

£45. per dog

*package start pricing based upon one dog

0.60p per mile

£50. one off fee

*By privatising your booking, it is guaranteed that the dates, regardless of whether they are for an arrival day or a changeover day, will be exclusively yours, eliminating any possibility of other dogs potentially sharing the dates with yours.

pet sitting at venue/accommodation

details

the shiel

Hounds & Heritage Weddings understands that there are often circumstances beyond your control that can dictate whether your dogs can be present on the day or whether they have to stay behind.

It can often be difficult to find an appropriate alternative to love and care for your dogs, especially when most of your friends and family are attending your wedding.

Hounds & Heritage Weddings offers a wedding day pet sitting service designed to alleviate that common struggle and worry, while also doubling up as the perfect solution for friends and family who might also be struggling to find pet care.

As with all the services provided by Hounds & Heritage Weddings, the Wedding Day Pet Sitting service is entirely customized, and can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of each individual's wedding day.  

the basics


0.60p per mile thereafter

half day (5hrs) | full day (10+ hours)

25 mile mileage allocation 

half/full day pet sitting

before the day

One initial consultation

two familiarisation meetings





a visit to your home to meet you and your dogs

Dog Walks & Home Visits to get to know you and build a bond with your dogs


on the day

one/two, hour dog walk

arrival from 11:30am

feeding duties

play-time

normal meal-times & routines adhered to

to give you time to get ready and sorted before the celebrations

half day (1) | full day (2)

plenty of play and fun throughout the day

base pricing

half day (up to 5hrs)**



full day (10+ hours)**

from £80.00

from £165.00

add ons

additional dogs



additional mileage



additional meetings (outwith allocation)

£35. per dog per day

*package start pricing based upon one dog

0.60p per mile

£40. per meeting

**inclusive of travel to/from location

In order to ensure that your wedding date is secured in the diary, you must make a retainer payment.

Weddings that are scheduled to take place over 12 weeks from the inquiry date require a 30% retainer payment.

Weddings that are scheduled to take place less than 12 weeks from the enquiry date require the full invoice balance to be paid upfront. This will override the 30% retainer payment.

If the 30% retainer payment or full balance payment is not received, the invoice will be cancelled after four days, and the dates will be opened to the public again.

how do i secure my wedding date?

Your chaperone will be allocated 6 months prior to your wedding day prior to the commencement of the familiarisation meetings.

The chaperone who attends the familiarisation meetings will serve as your chaperone for your wedding day.

All members of HHWs team have undergone stringent screening and have participated in multiple assessments prior to their inclusion into the team.
Although every effort will be made to accommodate specific chaperone requests at the time of booking, this is not always guaranteed.

There is no difference in the quality of the service offered by different team members.

which chaperone will i have?

At present, we offer our services throughout the entirety of Scotland.

We are pleased to offer our assistance to couples who are planning to marry in the Highlands, Glencoe, or near the borders of England. Regardless of where it is in Scotland, we can help.

Our team members are based in Glasgow, South Lanarkshire, and Edinburgh, so we have a wide range of bases covered.

what areas do you cover?

Yes of course.

Provided that all the dogs get along with each other, we are pleased to provide pet sitting services at the venue or client home for family members dogs as well as your own. 

Can you help with additional family dogs not attending the wedding?

We are currently insured for up to six dogs per handler, but personal preferences are for a maximum of three dogs. 

For more than three dogs, we would arrange for a double team chaperone for the day so that we can fulfill their wedding day duties to the best of our ability.

For bookings for Home Boarding, we are licensed to accommodate three dogs; however, our personal preference is for two large breed dogs or two small breed dogs and one large breed.

is there a limit to the amount of dogs you can look after?

We have a limited collection of wedding items that we would be delighted to lend to our clients for use on their wedding day. Flower collars, bow ties, and luxe collar and leash sets are just a few of the options available.

If you are encountering difficulties in obtaining wedding attire, we would be pleased to provide a list of reputable suppliers that we have previously used.


Do you provide attire/outfits for our dogs on the day?

By using a long-standing wedding chaperone, you are booking someone who is solely focused on your dog's health and wellbeing.

When you book someone with experience in event/wedding environments, they are often better equipped to read the room and make decisions accordingly. They also have an understanding of how weddings work and how to communicate with your most important suppliers.

Chaperoning is different from dog walking, despite the fact that a minimal amount of walking is involved. It is an entirely different environment.



what is the benefit of using a wedding chaperone?

We aim to respond to all booking requests as soon as possible, however, during busy periods, this may not always be possible. We have dedicated admin days available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

If your enquiry is urgent, please email or text with the subject "URGENT" and we will respond accordingly.

i've submitted a booking request, when will i hear back?

The diary is available two years in advance.

The availability is extremely limited, therefore we strongly recommend that clients book as soon as possible.

Your dogs arrangements should be one of your first priorities, along with the venue and photography. 

how far in advance can i book?

answered

frequently asked questions