How to Choose the Right Wedding Collar Size for Your Dog

You've measured your dog's neck. Now comes the next important question:

Which wedding collar size should you actually order?

Choosing the right size matters for any dog collar, but it becomes especially important for wedding accessories.

A wedding collar may support a bow tie, flowers, lace details, decorative charms, or even a ring bearer attachment. If the collar is too loose, those details can rotate away from the front. If it's too tight, your dog may be uncomfortable during a day that's already filled with unfamiliar people, sounds, and activity.

The goal is simple:

A wedding collar should be secure enough to stay properly positioned but comfortable enough for your dog to move naturally.

Here's how to choose the right size.

Start with Your Dog's Actual Neck Measurement

Before selecting XS, S, M, L, XL, or XXL, you need your dog's neck circumference.

Use a flexible measuring tape around the area where the collar normally sits.

Don't choose a size based only on:

• Breed
• Weight
• Age
• Your dog's current collar size
• A size used by another brand

Two dogs of the same breed and similar weight can still have different neck measurements.

And collar sizing isn't universal. A Medium from one brand may cover a completely different measurement range from a Medium somewhere else.

The actual neck measurement should always be your starting point.

LA Dog Store Wedding Collar Size Chart

Once you know your dog's neck measurement, compare it directly with the LA Dog Store sizing chart:

XS: 6–8" (15–20 cm) | Collar Width: 3/8" (1.0 cm)

S: 8–11" (20–28 cm) | Collar Width: 3/4" (2.0 cm)

M: 11–14" (28–36 cm) | Collar Width: 1" (2.5 cm)

L: 14–18" (36–46 cm) | Collar Width: 1" (2.5 cm)

XL: 18–22" (46–56 cm) | Collar Width: 1" (2.5 cm)

XXL: 22–26" (56–66 cm) | Collar Width: 1.5" (3.8 cm)

The size range tells you which collar can accommodate your dog's neck, while the collar width helps keep the overall design proportional to different dog sizes.

What If Your Dog Is Between Sizes?

This is one of the most common questions when choosing a wedding collar.

If your dog's neck measurement falls between sizes or right at the upper end of one size, the safest general approach is:

Size up.

For example, if your dog's measurement leaves very little adjustment room in the smaller size, choosing the next size provides more flexibility.

This can be particularly helpful for wedding accessories because your dog may be wearing the collar for photographs, the ceremony, and other parts of the celebration.

A little adjustment flexibility is much better than a collar that feels restrictive.

Don't Automatically Choose the Smallest Size That Fits

Suppose your dog's neck technically falls within a particular size range.

That doesn't always mean you should choose the collar at its absolute maximum adjustment.

Ideally, you want some flexibility.

This is useful because:

• Coat thickness can change
• Grooming can change the fit
• Your dog may gain or lose a little weight
• Puppies may still be growing
• Decorative accessories can affect how the collar sits

A collar that fits comfortably within its adjustment range is generally preferable to one that must be extended completely to its limit.

Collar Width Matters Too

When people shop for dog collars, they often focus entirely on neck circumference.

But collar width also affects the fit and appearance.

LA Dog Store collar widths vary by size:

XS: 3/8" (1.0 cm)
S: 3/4" (2.0 cm)
M: 1" (2.5 cm)
L: 1" (2.5 cm)
XL: 1" (2.5 cm)
XXL: 1.5" (3.8 cm)

Why does this matter?

A collar that's proportionally too wide can visually overwhelm a tiny dog's neck, while an extremely narrow collar may look undersized on a large dog.

The graduated widths help create a more balanced appearance across different dog sizes.

And for a wedding, proportion matters because the collar will likely appear prominently in photographs.

Choosing the Right Size for a Wedding Bow Tie Collar

A bow tie adds weight and structure to the front of the collar.

That makes correct sizing especially important.

If the collar is too loose, the bow tie may:

• Rotate toward the side
• Sit crooked
• Move while your dog walks
• Disappear under long fur
• Need frequent repositioning during photographs

A properly fitted collar helps keep the bow tie centered.

LA Dog Store wedding bow ties are approximately:

5" × 2.5"

The bow tie creates a noticeable formal detail, while the adjustable collar provides the fit around your dog's neck.

Choosing the Right Size for a Flower Bow Tie

Flower bow ties create a larger decorative focal point.

LA Dog Store flower bow ties are approximately:

5.5" × 4"

Because the decorative piece is larger, collar stability becomes even more important.

If the underlying collar is excessively loose, the flower bow tie may shift as your dog walks or turns their head.

Choose the collar according to your dog's neck measurement rather than selecting a larger collar simply because the decorative piece is larger.

Choosing the Right Size for a Floral Collar

Floral wedding collars can have more volume around the neck than a simple everyday collar.

The underlying collar should still fit normally.

Flowers shouldn't require you to choose a tighter size to keep them in place.

Instead, the correct collar should provide a secure foundation while allowing the floral arrangement to sit naturally.

Once your dog is wearing the complete accessory, check that the flowers don't interfere with:

• Head movement
• The jaw
• Drinking
• Leash attachment
• Normal walking
• Sitting or lying down

Wedding styling should never compromise comfortable movement.

Choosing the Right Size for a Ring Bearer Collar

A ring bearer dog often wears more than a simple collar.

The complete accessory may include:

• Bow tie
• Ribbon
• Ring holder
• Decorative rings
• Charm
• Floral details

This makes fit especially important.

If the collar is too loose, the ring bearer details may rotate or bounce excessively as your dog walks down the aisle.

If it's too tight, your dog may become uncomfortable before reaching the ceremony.

After choosing the appropriate size, test the complete ring bearer setup before the wedding.

Don't test only the collar.

How Should a Wedding Collar Fit?

A properly fitted wedding collar should feel secure without pressing tightly against your dog's neck.

A commonly used guideline is the two-finger rule.

You should generally be able to slide approximately two fingers between your dog's neck and the collar.

The collar shouldn't:

• Dig into the neck
• Restrict breathing
• Prevent normal head movement
• Slide easily over the head
• Rotate constantly
• Hang excessively loose

Remember that the two-finger rule is a practical guideline rather than a replacement for observing your dog's comfort and the actual fit.

Signs the Wedding Collar May Be Too Tight

After putting the collar on your dog, watch their behavior.

Potential signs of an overly tight or uncomfortable fit can include:

• Persistent scratching at the collar
• Reluctance to move the head normally
• Visible pressure around the neck
• Difficulty fitting fingers beneath the collar
• Restlessness after the collar is put on

If the collar appears restrictive, adjust it or reconsider the size.

Don't accept discomfort simply because the accessory looks good in photographs.

Signs the Wedding Collar May Be Too Loose

A loose collar creates different problems.

Watch for:

• Bow tie rotating toward the side
• Flowers continually shifting
• Collar hanging significantly away from the neck
• Decorative charms moving excessively
• Ring bearer attachment moving out of position
• Collar appearing capable of slipping over the dog's head

If you're constantly repositioning the accessory, the fit may need adjustment.

Consider Your Dog's Coat

Fur can change how a collar fits and looks.

Long-Haired Dogs

A thick coat can make the neck appear larger and may hide part of the collar.

The collar should sit securely beneath or within the coat without being tightened excessively.

Also consider whether the bow tie or flowers are large enough to remain visible.

Short-Haired Dogs

The collar sits more directly against the neck, so fit is easier to see.

Be careful not to tighten the collar excessively simply because there is less fur underneath it.

Think About Grooming Before Choosing the Final Fit

Will your dog be groomed shortly before the wedding?

If your dog has a thick or long coat and will receive a significant trim, the collar may fit differently afterward.

This is particularly important when ordering months before the ceremony.

If grooming will substantially change the amount of fur around your dog's neck, consider what their coat will actually look like on the wedding day.

Puppies May Need Another Size Check

If your wedding is months away and your dog is still growing, today's perfect size may not be the right size by the ceremony.

For puppies and young dogs:

1. Measure before ordering.
2. Consider expected growth.
3. Check the fit again closer to the wedding.

Don't assume the original adjustment will still be correct.

Don't Use Your Everyday Collar Size Without Checking

You may already know that your dog wears a "Medium."

But that doesn't necessarily mean Medium is the correct LA Dog Store size.

Size labels aren't standardized across brands.

Instead of saying:

"My dog always wears Medium."

use the actual measurement:

"My dog's neck is 13 inches."

Then compare that number directly with the size chart.

This small step can prevent many sizing problems.

Try the Collar with the Complete Wedding Accessory

Once your order arrives, assemble the complete wedding look.

If your dog will wear:

Collar + bow tie + ring holder

test all three together.

If they'll wear:

Collar + floral arrangement

test the flowers too.

Then let your dog:

• Walk
• Sit
• Lie down
• Turn their head
• Drink water
• Walk on leash

Watch how the accessory behaves.

A collar that seems perfectly fitted while your dog is standing still may rotate once they start moving.

Take Test Photos Before the Wedding

This is one of the easiest ways to check both sizing and styling.

Photograph your dog from:

• Front
• Side
• Sitting position
• Standing position
• Walking position

Then look at the pictures.

Is the bow tie centered?

Does the floral collar sit naturally?

Is the collar visible?

Does it look proportional?

Does long fur cover the accessory?

Wedding photographs often reveal fit issues that aren't immediately obvious when you're looking down at your dog.

Size and Color Should Work Together

Once you've found the correct size, you can focus on the fun part: choosing the wedding color.

LA Dog Store collar colors include:

Apricot Orange, Black, Blue Light, Blush, Champagne, Citrus, Copper, Dusty Blue, Dusty Olive, Emerald Green, Gold, Gray, Green, Ivory, Lilac, Mint, Navy, Purple, Raspberry Rose, Red, River Blue, Rose Gold, Royal Blue, Sage Green, Silver, Soft Pink, Tan, Teal Blue, White (Crystal Buckle), and White (Plain Buckle).

Choose a shade that complements both your wedding palette and your dog's coat.

But always choose size first, color second.

The most beautiful wedding color won't help if the collar doesn't fit properly.

A Quick Wedding Collar Size Checklist

Before placing your order, check the following:

✓ Did I measure my dog's actual neck?

✓ Did I compare that measurement with the LA Dog Store size chart?

✓ Is my dog between sizes? If so, did I size up?

✓ Did I consider collar width?

✓ Will my dog's coat change after grooming?

✓ Is my dog still growing?

✓ Will the collar support a bow tie, floral arrangement, or ring bearer accessory?

✓ Will I have time to test the complete accessory before the wedding?

If you've answered these questions, you're in a much better position to choose the right wedding collar size.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wedding collar size is about more than deciding whether your dog is an S, M, L, or XL.

Start with an accurate neck measurement and compare it directly with the LA Dog Store XS–XXL size chart.

Then consider the collar width, your dog's coat, grooming plans, growth, and the type of wedding accessory that will be attached.

If your dog falls between sizes, size up.

Once the collar arrives, test the complete wedding look while your dog walks, sits, turns, and relaxes.

The ideal wedding collar should keep bow ties, flowers, and ring bearer details beautifully positioned while allowing your dog to move comfortably.

Because on your wedding day, the perfect fit isn't just about looking good in photographs.

It's about making sure your dog feels good being part of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what size wedding collar my dog needs?

Measure your dog's neck where the collar normally sits and compare the measurement directly with the LA Dog Store size chart. Don't choose based only on breed, weight, or another brand's size.

What should I do if my dog is between collar sizes?

Size up. The larger adjustable size generally provides more flexibility than choosing a collar that's close to being too tight.

How tight should a wedding dog collar be?

It should be secure but comfortable. As a general guideline, you should usually be able to fit approximately two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck.

Does collar width change with LA Dog Store sizes?

Yes. XS is 3/8" wide, S is 3/4", M through XL are 1", and XXL is 1.5" wide.

Does a bow tie affect which collar size I should choose?

Choose the collar size based on your dog's neck measurement. However, correct fit becomes especially important with a bow tie because an overly loose collar may allow the bow tie to rotate away from the front.

Should I choose a bigger collar for a long-haired dog?

Not automatically. Measure the neck correctly while accounting for the coat and choose the appropriate size from the chart. Don't simply add a size because your dog has long fur.

When should I check my dog's wedding collar fit?

Check it when the collar arrives and again shortly before the wedding, especially if your dog is growing, has changed weight, or has recently been groomed.