Why Bring a Piece of Pittsburgh to Your Destination Wedding?
Destination weddings are stunning, full of sunshine and sea breezes—but they can also feel a bit removed from the traditions, places, and people that shaped your love story. That’s where bringing a touch of Pittsburgh into your celebration comes in. Whether it’s where you met, fell in love, or simply call home, weaving in pieces of the Steel City can make your wedding feel warmer, more personal, and uniquely you.
Here’s how to sprinkle some Pittsburgh pride into your big day, no matter how far you roam.
A Taste of the ‘Burgh: Food and Drink
Nothing transports people like food, and Pittsburgh’s iconic eats are perfect for infusing your wedding with hometown flavor.
Welcome Bags with Pittsburgh Treats
Greet guests with goodies that bring a smile (literally):
- Individually wrapped Eat’n Park Smiley Cookies
- Sarris Chocolates
- Pittsburgh Popcorn Company flavors
- Clark Bars or other nostalgic confections
- Heinz ketchup packets—because nothing says Pittsburgh quite like it
- If able to hire a caterer to bake cookies, bring the bridge for the cookie table
Signature Cocktails with Local Flair
Work with your venue to craft drinks inspired by the ‘Burgh:
- The Steel City Mule – especially if you can bring some Wigle Whiskey along
- The Three Rivers – a layered blue cocktail nodding to Pittsburgh’s iconic waterways
- The Incline – a dramatic, elevated presentation for your cocktail hour
Late-Night Snacks
Surprise guests with a late-night spread:
- Mini Primanti-style sandwiches (yes, fries included!)
- Pierogi bar with different fillings
- Pittsburgh-style steak salad bites
Pro-Tip: If traveling internationally, you will want to give welcome gifts before. Depending on the destinaiton, you could be taxed for bringing any item in bulk.
Decor & Design with Steel City Soul
Even small details can bring big Pittsburgh energy without overwhelming your destination vibe.
Table Names Instead of Numbers
Swap numbers for names of iconic spots:
- Squirrel Hill
- Mount Washington
- Point State Park
- The Andy Warhol Museum
- Phipps Conservatory
A Subtle Pittsburgh Color Scheme
Incorporate black and gold in low-key ways:
- Napkins, table runners, or chair ties
- Groomsmen’s socks or ties
- Yellow gemstone accents in bridesmaid jewelry
Custom Artwork
Commission a Pittsburgh artist to design:
- A wedding logo with the skyline
- Illustrated table cards featuring local landmarks
- Welcome signs with Steel City elements woven in
Meaningful Traditions with a Pittsburgh Twist
Your ceremony is the heart of the day. Let it reflect your roots.
Unity Ceremony Ideas
- Use sand from Point State Park for a sand ceremony
- Water from the three rivers for a symbolic water ceremony
- A Terrible Towel incorporated into the ceremony for die-hard fans
Readings and Quotes
- Include a quote from Mr. Rogers (the ultimate hometown hero)
- Share how Pittsburgh shaped your relationship
- Use lines from Pittsburgh-based poets or authors
Pittsburgh Sounds and Celebration Vibes
Let your love for the city come through the music and moments.
Curate a Pittsburgh Playlist
Include tracks like:
- “Pittsburgh, PA” by The Vogues
- “Black and Yellow” by Wiz Khalifa (maybe the instrumental during dinner?)
- Music from Pittsburgh-born artists like Mac Miller or Christina Aguilera
Make a Grand Entrance
- March in to the Steelers’ “Here We Go” fight song
- Get guests waving Terrible Towels
- Kick off the party with the Pittsburgh Polka
Send Guests Home with a Piece of the ‘Burgh
Your favors are the perfect opportunity to leave a lasting impression.
Creative Favor Ideas
- Mini bottles of Wigle Whiskey or specialty sauces
- Skyline-shaped cookies or keepsake tins
- Mountain laurel seed packets (PA’s state flower)
- Custom photo books with Pittsburgh landmarks + your love story
Make a Meaningful Donation
Skip the stuff and donate to a Pittsburgh nonprofit you love. Include a note about why it matters to you.
Capture the Pittsburgh Vibe in Photos
Even in the tropics, your photographer can nod to your hometown roots.
Bring Packable Props
- A vintage “Greetings from Pittsburgh” sign
- A mini incline model or bridge silhouette
- Pittsburgh postcards for flat lays or group shots
Photo Requests
- Recreate iconic Pittsburgh views in your destination setting
- Snap side-by-side pairs to match with Pittsburgh engagement photos
Go Digital with Pittsburgh Details
Let your tech tell the story too.
Wedding Website Ideas
- Share your Pittsburgh love story
- Include a ‘Burgh-themed wedding countdown
- Offer recommendations for guests visiting Pittsburgh before/after
Livestream from the 412
Set up a viewing party at a Pittsburgh venue so loved ones back home can celebrate with you in real time.
Real Couples, Real Inspiration
Sarah & James | Tuscany
This couple used black and gold throughout their Italian villa wedding, with table numbers featuring vintage photos at Pittsburgh landmarks. Their drink? A limoncello + Iron City Beer cocktail called “The Immigrant.”
Michelle & David | Mexico
They brought a large print of the Pittsburgh skyline as their guestbook. Guests signed around the border, and their welcome party featured mini food stations inspired by their favorite PGH neighborhoods.
Pro Tips for Blending Pittsburgh with Paradise
- Be selective. Choose 2-3 elements that matter most.
- Think logistics. Work with vendors who can replicate items onsite.
- Add context. Include a note about the meaning behind certain traditions.
- Blend thoughtfully. Honor both your destination and your hometown.
- Lean into the contrast. The blend of PGH grit and island glam? Iconic.
Bringing It All Together
A destination wedding doesn’t mean leaving home behind. When you bring a piece of Pittsburgh with you, your celebration becomes a love letter to where you’ve been and where you’re headed.
Because let’s be honest: you can take the couple out of Pittsburgh, but you can never take the Pittsburgh out of the couple. And honestly, why would you want to?
Planning a wedding with Pittsburgh details? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!
