The dogs perform their duties in tuxedos and bow ties, in silk dresses encrusted with costume jewellery, and in bespoke collars made of flowers.

Church of England priests have been given the power to include dogs in the wedding service. A spokesman said: “While it would be inappropriate for a dog to replace (the) father of the bride, there would be no sensible grounds for objecting to it taking the role of ring bearer.”

Cliona Roberts, 36, and David Dargie, 40, have entrusted the role of ring bearer at their wedding to their West Highland terrier. The couple will dress their dog Teaser, 5, in a white bow tie for the ceremony in Rotherhithe, east London.

When Katrina and Martin Thompson married at Barnstaple parish church in Devon in August, their labrador collie cross, Shannon, performed the role of ring bearer. The dog sat at the front of the church with the best man, with the wedding rings attached by ribbons to a cushion around her neck.

Retailers are cashing in on the fashion. PetLondon, a specialist outfitter for dogs, sells several wedding theme products including a tuxedo and a bridesmaid’s dress, and Velcro bow ties. The company sold 700 dog tuxedos last year and forecasts that sales will rise to 1,000 next year. A dog tuxedo costs £19.99 and includes a white shirt with a black overcoat, bow tie and top hat.

For female dogs there is a silk and lace bridesmaid’s dress costing £99.99. Melody Lewis, founder of the store, said she had sold 300 in the past six months.

Lewis said her customers treated their pets as if they were members of the family. “They think, ‘How can we leave him out of such an important event in our lives?’” she said.

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