Planning a wedding in Pittsburgh comes with its own special set of traditions that can make your big day uniquely “yinzer.” Incorporating these Pittsburgh wedding customs will not only charm your local guests but also give out-of-towners a memorable taste of the Steel City’s culture. From the famed cookie table to the joyful polka dances, here are some beloved Pittsburgh wedding traditions to consider:
The Famous Cookie Table
One tradition you’ll encounter at almost every Pittsburgh wedding is the cookie table. This is a massive spread of homemade cookies brought by the families of the bride and groom, laid out for guests to enjoy in addition to (or sometimes instead of) a wedding cake
. The cookie table is such a cherished custom that many Pittsburghers insist it’s a must-have at any wedding reception. Families often start baking weeks in advance to prepare dozens of family-recipe cookies – everything from lady locks and buckeyes to pizzelles and peanut butter blossoms. The result is an abundant dessert display that often wows guests (and gives everyone a to-go box of treats for later). It’s not unusual for hundreds or even thousands of cookies to appear on these tables!positivelypittsburgh.com
This sweet tradition originated in the region’s immigrant communities and has become a point of pride for Pittsburgh weddings.P
A traditional Pittsburgh wedding “cookie table” loaded with homemade cookies
. The cookie table is a beloved local tradition where families of the couple prepare an assortment of cookies for guests to enjoy. It’s a unique Pittsburgh touch that often leaves out-of-town guests in awe, with a sweet takeaway bag for later.Tips: If you’re planning to include a cookie table, recruit family and friends who love to bake. Embrace the variety – part of the fun is showcasing different cultures and family specialties. Provide bags or boxes so guests can take cookies home as a favor. And don’t forget to announce the opening of the cookie table during the reception – it’s often an event in itself!
The Pittsburgh Polka and Special Dances
With all that sugar from the cookies, Pittsburgh wedding guests are usually eager to hit the dance floor. Certain dances are customary at Pittsburgh weddings, and you might want to include them for a true local feel. One crowd-pleaser is The Chicken Dance, which surprisingly has been a staple at Pittsburgh weddings since the late 1970s
. This goofy group dance – involving flapping arms and clapping – is beloved because everyone, young or old, can join in without needing any real dance skills. It always gets a laugh and fills the dance floor.Another must-have is a good old-fashioned Polka. Owing to the region’s Eastern European heritage, no Pittsburgh wedding is complete without at least one lively polka number. If you’re lucky, you might even get to hear the famous “Steelers Polka,” a Pittsburgh Steelers-themed polka song that fans love. (It’s said that you get bonus points from Cupid if the DJ plays the Steelers Polka at your wedding!
) Don’t worry if you’ve never polka-ed before – Pittsburghers will gladly show you the steps, and enthusiastic polka dancers often let out joyful yelps while twirling aroundpositivelypittsburgh.com
. It’s an upbeat way to get everyone celebrating together.The Bridal Money Dance
Many Pittsburgh receptions also feature the Bridal Money Dance, sometimes called the dollar dance. This is another tradition with roots in Eastern European cultures that Pittsburgh has embraced. Here’s how it works: during a special dance, guests line up to pay for a brief dance with the bride (and sometimes the groom as well). An attendant (often the best man or maid of honor) holds a decorated bag to collect cash from each guest in line. In exchange, the guest gets a quick dance with the bride and, in some versions, a shot of whiskey together as a toast
. Some couples provide shots or a fun drink to those who join the dance, which keeps the party spirit high. The money collected can help the newlyweds start their new life (or fund the honeymoon), and it’s a light-hearted way for everyone to share a personal moment on the dance floor.Not everyone chooses to do the money dance – some love it for the festive and interactive element, while others skip it if they’re not comfortable essentially “charging” for dances. In Pittsburgh, it’s entirely up to you; guests will know the custom and participate happily if you include it. If you do opt for a money dance, prepare a pretty bag or apron for collections and have lively music (often a polka or popular dance tune) to keep things moving.
Other Pittsburgh-Style Touches
Beyond these main traditions, there are plenty of little Pittsburgh touches that can make your wedding special. Sports are huge in the Burgh, so couples often find creative ways to include their love of the Steelers, Penguins, or Pirates. For example, you might have the DJ play “Here We Go Steelers” or the Penguins victory song at some point, or some brides and grooms have waved Terrible Towels during the reception as a send-off. Including Pittsburgh sports memorabilia in your photo booth props or decor (think black-and-gold accents) can be a fun nod to the city, especially if you and your partner are big fans.
Also, take advantage of the city’s iconic locations – it’s become a mini-tradition for Pittsburgh couples to take photos at spots like the Roberto Clemente Bridge, Mt. Washington overlook, or with a backdrop of the Cathedral of Learningif they met at Pitt. These photo traditions aren’t written in any rule book, but they are popular ways to infuse local flavor into your wedding album.
