If you’re getting married in the ‘Burgh, it’s likely you want to incorporate Pittsburgh into your wedding day. But you probably don’t want it to SCREAM “I’m a Yinzer,” right? You’re in luck! Today’s we’re sharing our favorite subtle ways to toss in some nods to the best city on the planet without it being too much. Here are our suggestions on how you can weave the 412 into your big day without going over the top!
Have a cookie table.
Obvi, right? Whether you’re down with having an all-you-can-eat sugar buffet at your reception or not, you have to admit that the easiest and most guest-pleasing way to let Pittsburgh play a part in your wedding day is to have a cookie table. Make your grandmothers and aunts happy and give in to this tradition. Or don’t. It’s entirely up to you. But if there is mutiny among the guests, don’t say we didn’t warn you. However, if you do opt for one, check out our tips for making your Pittsburgh cookie table extra sweet! 😉
Host your rehearsal dinner at PNC Park or Heinz Field.
What better way to infuse black and gold into your big day than by spending some time where those colors are everywhere? Each venue provides a nice view of the city skyline – one of Pittsburgh’s best features – and it’ll start your wedding weekend off on the most perfectly colored foot. Your Steelers or Buccos loving friends and family will thank you!
Greet your guests with Pittsburgh-themed hotel welcome bags.
Upon check in, make sure each guest is well-equipped with the best treats this city has to offer. Snacks from Pittsburgh-based restaurants and shops or even a few bottles of IC Light will keep your guests full and happy. Check out of full list of ideas for Pittsburgh-themed hotel welcome bags!
Take photos at the city’s best spots.
One of our very first posts was about the best locations for Pittsburgh wedding photos. While we published that piece a long time ago, these locales are still as hot as ever. The Cathedral of Learning, the Roberto Clemente Bridge, Mt. Washington, or Point State Park are just a few of the spots that offer the best views of the skyline and other Pittsburgh staples. Work with your photographer to plan some portraits at one or more of these locations for a Steel City vibe that will live on long after your wedding day.
Arrange for a tour of the city.
Whether it’s a walking tour of one of the many great neighborhoods (offered by lots of companies) or even a seat on the Pittsburgh Party Pedaler, make sure your guests see all of what makes Pittsburgh so great. Many of your out-of-town visitors will make a weekend trip out of your wedding, so be sure to offer them entertainment ideas, including this one!
Give your tables meaningful names.
Rather than boring numbers, name your reception tables after your favorite places, streets, or neighborhoods in the city. Bonus points if those places also correspond to important milestones, like your first date, your first kiss, or where your fiance popped the question. This is a super easy way to incorporate Pittsburgh while also serving as a conversation starter for guests!
Choose a black and gold color palette.
Ok, we know what you might be thinking but hang on. Hear us out. Leave the Steelers gold in the locker room where it belongs. Instead, choose METALLIC gold to keep it sophisticated. Throw in an accent color like magenta or emerald green to break up the shades of Pittsburgh and keep your reception from looking like a Superbowl party. For more black and gold wedding ideas, check out our Inspiration page where you can sort by color!
Show off the skyline on your stationery.
For your save the date, select an engagement photo that shows off the cityscape, but don’t let the Pittsburgh vibes stop there. Many local designers also offer invitation suites or even simple wax seals that highlight this very thing that makes Pittsburgh so pretty. You can meet our favorite Pittsburgh wedding stationery designers in our Vendor Guide!
Treat your guests to some Pittsburgh late night snacks!
Before the party is over, curb your guests’ late night munchies with Primanti’s sandwiches, Mineo’s pizza, or surprise them with a stop from one of the city’s great food trucks. Because nothing sops up the effects of a night of partying quite like a cap, egg, and cheese or a slice of ‘za!
A word to the wise…while we love us some Pittsburgh and we love when couples incorporate it into their wedding day even more, trying to use ALL of these ideas could be overkill. Pick two or three favorites and let the city be a subtle – but not overwhelming – theme to your big day!
How will you incorporate Pittsburgh (or even another city!) into your wedding? Comment below or upload a photo and tag @burghbrides and use #burghbrides so we can see how you paid homage to whatever place you call home!
