How to Create an Eco-Friendly Pittsburgh Cookie Table: Ideas for Your Green Wedding
Hi, I’m Angela! I’m an eco-friendly wedding planner in Pittsburgh, PA who helps couples plan more sustainable weddings in a way that reflects themselves and their values.
Who doesn’t enjoy a good Pittsburgh cookie table? It’s a unique Pittsburgh wedding tradition that celebrates love and family. But as we strive to design sustainable, eco-conscious weddings, it’s important to think about how we can make this sweet tradition a little greener and avoid unnecessary waste. With thoughtful planning, your cookie table can honor the past while respecting the future.
Below are some tips and product ideas to help you create a Pittsburgh cookie table for your sustainable wedding that’s as kind to the environment as it is delicious. But first, you may be wondering…
What is a Pittsburgh Cookie Table?
If you’re planning a wedding in Pittsburgh, chances are you’ve heard of the iconic cookie table. This beloved Steel City tradition involves a massive display of homemade cookies, often contributed by family members and friends, for guests to enjoy during the wedding reception. It’s more than just dessert—it’s a symbol of community, love, and a nod to Pittsburgh’s rich cultural heritage.
Couples often include recipes passed down for generations, showcasing unique flavors that reflect their family’s heritage. Whether it’s pizzelles, lady locks, or buckeyes, no cookie table is complete without dozens (or hundreds!) of sweet treats for guests to savor.
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Why an Eco-Friendly Cookie Table Matters
The cookie table tradition brings families and friends together in a uniquely Pittsburgh way. However, after seeing cookie table after cookie table as a wedding planner, I can attest to the fact that they can create a lot of waste and a larger environmental footprint than they need to. And we all know how having a negative environmental impact can add up! However, there are small and easy tweaks you can make to be more mindful of the earth while still honoring this tradition.
How to Organize a Pittsburgh Cookie Table
Organizing a cookie table can be a daunting task, but with thoughtful planning, you can create one that is as sustainable as it is delightful:
Plan the Cookie Menu Thoughtfully to Avoid Excessive Waste
Decide how many cookie varieties and quantities you’ll need (A general rule is 5-8 cookies per guest) before reaching out to family and friends who may want to contribute their favorite recipes. While having a wide selection is part of the cookie table charm, try to limit the number of varieties to prevent over-baking and excess waste. Choose a few crowd-favorites that everyone will enjoy.
If purchasing cookies from a baker, support local Pittsburgh bakeries that use organic, locally-sourced ingredients. (I love me some Butterwood Bake Consortium!)
Consider including vegan or plant-based cookies in the mix. These use fewer resources to produce and are a great option for guests with dietary restrictions. Recipes like almond flour thumbprints, coconut macaroons, or vegan chocolate chip cookies are crowd-pleasers.
Incorporate Sustainable Table Décor into Your Cookie Display
Serverware
Use reusable platters, trays, or tiered stands for displaying cookies.
Borrow or rent these items instead of purchasing new ones.
Check out Facebook Marketplace, local thrift stores, and the Pittsburgh Wedding Flea Market Facebook Group for plenty of pre-used options.
If you want to go with disposable trays, consider ones made from palm leaves.
Providing china plates for your guests and metal or bamboo serving utensils for your cookie table, whether through the caterer, rental company, or by purchasing pre-used, is ideal.
If you want to supply disposable plates, go with BPI-certified compostables when possible. Here are some options:
Plates:
Related Post: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Wedding Décor
Signage and Labels
Print any of these cute cookie table signs from Etsy onto 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper.
Label your cookies with plantable seed paper cards from Etsy, or create custom eco-friendly cookie labels from this sustainable stationery company.
For more eco-friendly stationery ideas, check out my post on Eco-Friendly Wedding Stationery.
Decorations
Check out Pittsburgh Wedding Flea Market Facebook Group and Facebook Marketplace for pre-used décor items, including frames and table runners. These are also great places to look if you want the trending Pittsburgh bridge trays and cookie table signs for your display!
Consider potted plants or herbs as decorations for the table. These can double as wedding favors for guests to take home and grow.
Photo Credit: Weddings by Ryan and Kate
Rethink the Cookie Table Setup Process
Keeping Cookies Fresh
Avoid plastic wrap and single-use plastics whenever possible. Keep cookies fresh with products like:
Pre-used, reusable air-tight cookie containers
Gloves
Consider providing eco-friendlier glove options to whoever will be setting up your cookie table. Check out these options:
Reduce Leftover Waste
Cookie Containers or Bags
Avoid single-use plastic! Provide take-home containers or bags made of recycled paper or biodegradable materials so guests can enjoy the cookies later. Here are some ideas to consider:
Small plantable seed paper favor boxes (better for small portions/items)
If your budget allows, these reusable silicone Stasher bags can double as a favor that will encourage guests to avoid plastic bag usage beyond the wedding.
Have a Plan for Excessive Leftovers
Reduce waste by donating leftover cookies to local shelters or food banks. Have a family member call 412 Food Rescue after the wedding night to arrange for pickup at the venue the following day if allowed.
For cookies that can’t be donated, freeze some for later and/or compost the scraps. Many Pittsburgh neighborhoods offer composting programs you can utilize.
More Tips for Making Your Cookie Table Eco-Friendly
Consider skipping the following items:
Paper doilies to line the cookie trays
Guest favors - Many couples let the cookie table act as their wedding favor and include a little “Thank you” sign to indicate this
The large wedding cake! - When there’s a Pittsburgh cookie table around, many guests tend to skip the cake, so consider doing a small cutting cake or personal dessert for the two of you instead.
Sustainability isn’t about perfection—it’s about thoughtful decisions that add up. With just a few simple swaps, your Pittsburgh cookie table can honor tradition while being kinder to the planet.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of going green for your wedding, know that it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed when planning any kind of wedding, let alone a more sustainable one.
If you could use a little guidance or someone to help take some tasks off your plate, learn why you should consider working with an eco-friendly wedding planner here!
Please note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links. However, this comes at no extra cost to you, and I only recommend products I believe in.
Hi, I’m Angela!
I’m an eco-friendly wedding planner in Pittsburgh who loves a good cookie and helping couples plan and design their weddings more sustainably. Get in touch to learn more!