Man's best friend to best man

Dogs are being entrusted with a ceremonial role in their owners' weddings, with some pampered pets wearing outfits matching the bride and groom.

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."

Retailers are cashing in on the fashion. PetLondon, a specialist outfitter for dogs, sells 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 1000 next year. A dog tuxedo costs about 20 pounds ($50) 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 around 100 pounds. Melody Lewis, founder of the store, said she had sold 300 in the past six months.