A bride-to-be ignited a family feud by opting to have her beloved dog and cat serve as flower girl and ring bearer, much to the chagrin of her sister-in-law, who envisioned her twin children in those roles. The bride, posting anonymously on Reddit as IntrepidOffering, explained that her sister-in-law's twins are considered "rainbow babies" after a series of miscarriages, and the entire family, particularly the sister-in-law, showers them with immense attention. The bride, living across the country, hasn't been deeply involved in this family dynamic.

The conflict arose during wedding planning when the bride suggested her pets, Mika the dog and Tibby the cat, fulfill the traditional children's roles. While her fiancé supported the idea, her sister-in-law confronted her, arguing that it would be "good for the family" for the twins to participate and that having animals in the wedding goes "against tradition." She even presented a photo of her daughter in a flower girl dress to sway the bride's decision.

The bride explained that Mika and Tibby are like children to her and her fiancé, providing emotional support during challenging times, including the fiancé's chemotherapy treatment. She emphasized their deep love for their pets and considers them family. The fiancé, though willing to compromise, also prefers their pets in the roles.

The Reddit community overwhelmingly sided with the bride, emphasizing that it's her wedding and her choice. Many pointed out the sister-in-law's apparent desire to make the wedding about her children. Some questioned whether the sister-in-law had already envisioned her daughter as a flower girl, given the readily available photo of her in a dress.

The bride clarified her plans for a backyard wedding, assuring that both animals would be leashed with handlers and treats to guide them down the aisle. She expressed concerns about entrusting the twins with the leashes, citing their young age and distractibility.

However, not all Reddit users agreed with her decision. Some argued that involving pets could be distressing for the animals, especially the cat, and might create unnecessary discussion among guests. Others suggested that young children in formal attire bring joy to ceremonies, while pets might not be universally appreciated.

The increasing trend of including pets in weddings was also noted, citing a Rover survey that found a majority of engaged pet owners would prioritize pet-friendly venues and even consider excluding guests in favor of their pets. The survey also revealed that many pet owners are willing to spend significant amounts to incorporate their furry companions into their wedding day.