In lieu of boxed gifts, we ask you to participate in our cookie table.

For many generations, the cookie table has been a staple at weddings throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. To many people who are not native to Pittsburgh, the idea of having a cookie table at a wedding may be baffling. However, “The Cookie Table” is a time honored tradition.

It is believed this tradition started during the Great Depression when many families could not afford a wedding cake, instead substituting homemade cookies. Traditionally the bride’s immediate family, including mother, grandmothers, aunt, cousins and closest friend spent the months before the wedding dutifully baking cookies from scratch.

Now, the baking is done by both sides of the family with every cookie made with love in hope that the married couple will share in as many happy years as there are dozens of cookies at the wedding.

This tradition has long been practiced by the various cultures which have migrated to Pittsburgh over the decades, including the Italian, German, Irish, Slovak, and other Eastern European cultures. At the traditional Pittsburgh Cookie Table you will see Pizzelles from Italy, Shortbread cookies from Ireland, Lebkuchen from Germany, Dobosh Torte from Hungary, and Buckeyes and Lady Locks (Clothespin Cookies) from the USA just to name a few.

Neither Chris nor Kristin are from Pittsburgh, but they loved this time-honored tradition when they read about it. Instead of a wedding cake, we are going to follow in the footsteps of this historical wedding dessert table.

Instead of boxed gifts, we are asking guests to participate in baking cookies for the wedding, please contact Kristin via email at dominywedding2025@gmail.com, and let her know what types of cookies you would like to provide. Kristin or her designated contact, will confirm with you so we don't end up with dozens of the same kind of cookie, mini pies, petit fours, or macarons.

We would like 2-3 dozen of your favorite cookies. They should be smaller in size than the typical cookie (that way you can eat more). Please use a container that we do not have to worry about returning and please mark on the container, your name, what kind of cookie, and if it has any nuts, is gluten free and/or vegan. We will be making small signs to identify certain cookies due to allergies.

We would like to have all cookies given to Kristin by Thursday, May 29, 2025, if possible. If that does not work, please plan accordingly via email.