Just Desserts: Let Them Eat Much More Than Cake

Have a sweet tooth? One of the most indulgent trends in wedding celebrations is an extended dessert offering known as “the Viennese Hour.“

It’s a lavish presentation that typically takes place directly after the new couple cuts their cake to provide complementary offerings.

The Viennese are renowned for their variety of desserts and sweets, so it’s no wonder that the tradition takes its name from them. Treat guests to traditional pastry like napoleons, petit fours, tarts and cream puffs, or include a carnival favorite like cotton candy or candied apples. Go Italian with classics like tiramisu, cannoli, biscotti or zeppole. Get your dairy on with chocolate mousse, creme brulee, flan or gelato. Or go all out with the ever-extravagant chocolate fountain or a chef playing with alcohol and fire for Bananas Foster.

You can salute the tradition’s provenance by incorporating some traditional Austrian treats. Classic examples include apple strudel or Sachertorte — a dense chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam and dark chocolate icing; the imperial delicacy Kaiserschmarrn might also be a crowd-pleaser. This light, caramelized shredded pancake — served with a jam of your choice — was first prepared for Austrian Emperor Francis Joseph I and his wife Elisabeth of Bavaria.

For a grand finale, consider an International Coffee Bar, featuring java fortified with a little something stronger. Choices might include Irish (with whiskey), French (with Grand Marnier), English (with gin), Spanish (with rum and coffee liquer) or Mexican (with tequila and coffee liquer).