December 4, 2024
Today is National Cookie Day, so what better blog topic for today than the traditional wedding cookie table?
I have officiated weddings all over the country. Georgia, Florida, Nevada (Lake Tahoe), Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Western Pennsylvania, and Northeast Ohio. I have been to many beautiful venues and enjoyed many fabulous receptions and traditions.
Regarding desserts at the reception, you might think I would remember all the best wedding cakes I have had. But if you live in Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania, and thankfully some parts of Northeast Ohio, you know the focal point is not the wedding cake; it is the cookie table.
The cookie table is a staple for Pittsburgh weddings. Your wedding is not graded by the food or the décor; it is judged by the cookie table.
The cookie table has ethnic and cultural roots in Western and Eastern European immigrant communities that settled in the Western Pennsylvania area. Immigrant families from Italy, Poland, Slovakia, and other Eastern European countries brought a rich baking tradition. Cookies often reflected these heritages, featuring recipes handed down through generations, such as pizzelles, kolachkes, or biscotti.
The cookie table tradition is believed to have emerged during the Great Depression, when families pooled resources to make homemade cookies, offering an affordable way to celebrate. This collaborative effort ensured a plentiful and festive display despite financial constraints. A hallmark of the cookie table is its communal nature. Family members, friends, and neighbors contribute cookies, making it a labor of love and a shared expression of community spirit.
Keys to a Great Cookie Table
A Practical Guide to Incorporating a Cookie Table at Your Wedding
The cookie table is a cherished tradition for many couples, particularly those with roots in Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, and neighboring regions. Beyond its sweet treats, the cookie table symbolizes family, heritage, and community. Here’s how you can incorporate this delightful custom into your wedding.
First and foremost, you do not have to live in the Western PA area to have a cookie table. Pittsburgh's pride is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have fans worldwide. This tradition can be carried out anywhere, especially if you trace your family background to some of the ethnicities we mentioned. No matter where you live, it is a must if your family is from Pittsburgh.
The cookie table reflects family heritage and communal effort. Sharing this tradition’s significance with your guests will deepen their appreciation.
I encourage you to involve your families. Engage family members in planning and contributing cookies, emphasizing the tradition’s community spirit. Do not just buy big trays of cookies or hire a caterer. While that feels like an easy go-to, the goal is not just a table of cookies. Also, this is not an expense you should have to shoulder.
That leads me to logistics. First, set a budget: While homemade cookies save costs, consider expenses like platters, signage, and decorations. Second, choose a location: Decide where the table will be at your reception. Ideally, it should be visible but not disruptive to other activities. Third, assign a cookie coordinator: Designate someone (a friend, family member, or planner) to manage cookie setup and replenishment on your wedding day. Managing a cookie table is a big job and should not just be left to a venue or day of coordinator. Also, this is a great way to assign a job to someone to get them involved. I would look for someone who still needs a role in the day.
Ideas for the Cookie Coordinator:
Which Cookies?
The cookie coordinator works with the bride and groom first and then the families. What are their favorites? Traditional Favorites include regional or family recipes like pizzelles, kolachkes, biscotti, lady locks, or thumbprints. Modern options include macarons, gourmet cookies, or themed sugar cookies. There should be some choices to accommodate dietary needs. Include some gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free options to ensure everyone can enjoy.
Once the cookies are made, then it is time to create a display. Consider using tiered trays, decorative platters, and elegant signage to make the table visually appealing. Make sure you label the trays. Add cards naming the cookies and noting any allergens. You can also personalize the table by incorporating family photos, heirloom plates, or themed decorations to make it uniquely yours.
Make sure you offer To-Go Bags or Boxes: Provide small boxes or bags so guests can take cookies home as favors. If you don’t, you could be swimming in cookies after everyone leaves. The cookie table also makes the best wedding favors for your guests. A box of cookies is way better than printing your name on two hundred candles or glasses—just sayin.
Another way to create the table is to ask each guest to bring a dozen of their favorite cookies, and the table will appear on its own. Step 7: Preserve the Memories. You could also create a book or box to collect recipes for the couple into a keepsake cookbook as a memento of your wedding.
By thoughtfully incorporating a cookie table into your celebration, you honor tradition while adding a sweet and personal touch to your wedding. Whether filled with classic family recipes or creative modern treats, the cookie table will leave a lasting impression on your guests.