Viennese Hour: Should You Include It In Your Wedding Invite?

If you're a dessert lover, you might want to include a Viennese hour on your wedding day. But what is it, and do you include it on your wedding invites? The Viennese Hour, or Venetian Hour, is a wedding tradition with Italian roots. It involves a decadent display of desserts, often with an old-world feel, that takes place after dinner and the cutting of the cake. It's intended to treat guests to an ultimate dessert experience, with a variety of sweet treats such as petite cakes, tea cookies, chocolate truffles, and more.

When it comes to wedding invitations, the main goal is to provide guests with the information they need to know when and where the wedding will take place. While there are different ways to write out the date and time, it's less common to include specific details about the different parts of the wedding day. So, while you might want to mention the ceremony and reception times, it's not necessary to include every detail, such as the Viennese hour. However, if you feel it's important for guests to know about this part of the reception, you can include the information on your wedding website or inform your guests verbally.

What is a Viennese hour?

A Viennese hour is a dessert celebration held after dinner and the cutting of the wedding cake at a wedding reception. It is intended to be a decadent display of sweets, offering guests a plethora of dessert options to choose from. The tradition is said to have Italian roots, with the name deriving from the idea that parties in Vienna were known to be extravagant affairs, so a substantial dessert hour with Austrian sweets was seen as the height of eloquence.

The desserts served during a Viennese hour typically have an old-world feel, such as petite cakes, tea cookies, chocolate truffles, lace cookies, sweet pastries, candied nuts, and rich cheeses and fruits styled to look like cakes. It is meant to be a time of indulgence, with an abundance of options for guests to choose from.

The cost of a Viennese hour can vary depending on the number of guests and the intricacy of the desserts chosen. It is estimated that it can range from $10 to $50 per guest.

Some couples may choose to include a reference to the Viennese hour on their wedding invitations, to give guests an idea of what to expect at the reception. This is not necessary, but it can be a way to provide additional information to guests.

When should you have a Viennese hour?

A Viennese hour is a decadent celebration featuring a variety of desserts, intended to treat your wedding guests to the ultimate dessert experience. It is usually held after dinner and the cutting of the wedding cake, serving as an ongoing display of desserts throughout the reception.

The timing of the Viennese hour is important to ensure that your guests can fully enjoy the treats on offer. Here are some tips to help you decide when to host your Viennese hour:

• Traditionally, the Viennese hour takes place after the main course and the cutting of the wedding cake. This timing allows your guests to indulge in the decadent display of desserts without feeling too full from the previous course.
• Consider the duration of your reception. If you anticipate a longer celebration, you may want to host the Viennese hour a little later, allowing your guests to enjoy the treats at a more leisurely pace.
• Take into account the other activities and events during your reception. For example, if you plan to have a first dance or other special dances, you may want to schedule the Viennese hour before or after those events to avoid interrupting the flow of the celebration.
• Think about the time of year and the weather. If you're having an outdoor wedding in the summer, you may want to host the Viennese hour earlier, as desserts can melt or spoil in the heat.
• Pay attention to your guest's preferences. If you know your guests have a sweet tooth, you may want to start the Viennese hour earlier to give them more time to enjoy the treats.
• Finally, don't forget to consider your budget. The Viennese hour can be an additional expense, so if you're trying to save money, you may want to host it later in the evening, giving your guests less time to indulge.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your Viennese hour is a sweet success and your guests are treated to a delightful dessert experience at your wedding.

How much does a Viennese hour cost?

The cost of a Viennese hour can vary depending on the number of guests and the luxury of the wedding. It is estimated that a couple should budget between $10 to $50 per guest as the costs for creating this experience can range depending on the choices and quantities per guest. The intricacy of the desserts will also affect the overall cost, with simpler desserts being cheaper.

If you are able to bake some of the desserts yourself or have a friend or relative bake them, you can reduce the cost of putting together the display. Additionally, you can negotiate with your venue to see if they can include a Viennese hour in your package or offer a discount.

The Viennese hour is a decadent celebration that offers guests a variety of sweet treats and desserts. It is typically held after dinner and the cutting of the wedding cake, serving as an ongoing display of desserts throughout the reception. It is a great way to surprise and delight your guests, especially those with a sweet tooth.

What food should be served during a Viennese hour?

A Viennese hour is a decadent celebration of desserts, so it's important to serve treats that align with this theme. Here are some ideas for what food to serve during a Viennese hour:

Cakes and Pastries

Serve petite cakes, sweet pastries, and other baked goods such as:

• Sachertorte: a chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam and coated in dark chocolate icing.
• Gugelhupf: a marbled cake with a distinctive ring shape.
• Imperial Torte: a chocolate cake associated with Emperor Franz Joseph.
• Palatschinken: thin, French-style crêpes filled with jam and dusted with powdered sugar.
• Kaiserschmarrn: shredded pancakes with plum compote, often served with whipped cream.

Chocolates and Sweets

Offer an assortment of chocolates and sweets such as:

• Manner Wafers: hazelnut wafers with layers of cocoa cream.
• Punschkrapfen: a punch cake with a bright pink glaze, filled with jam and soaked in rum.
• Truffles
• Lace cookies

Fruits and Cheeses

Include some fresh and rich elements such as:

• Rich cheeses and fruits styled to look like cakes.
• Candied nuts

Traditional Viennese Desserts

Pay homage to the roots of the Viennese hour by including traditional Austrian desserts such as:

• Cream cheese strudel (Topfenstrudel)
• Apple strudel (Apfelstrudel)
• Dumplings with soft cheese, jam, apricots, or plums (Knödel)

How do you set up a Viennese hour?

Setting up a Viennese hour for your wedding is a great way to surprise your guests with a decadent display of desserts. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create a memorable Viennese hour:

• Timing: Traditionally, the Viennese hour is held after dinner and the cutting of the wedding cake. It is meant to be an ongoing display of desserts throughout the reception, providing a sweet treat for guests as the party continues into the evening.
• Dessert Selection: The Viennese hour is all about offering a wide variety of decadent desserts. Opt for treats with an old-world feel, such as petite cakes, tea cookies, chocolate truffles, lace cookies, sweet pastries, candied nuts, and even rich cheeses and fruits styled to look like cakes. Other options include napoleons, cream puffs, eclairs, cannoli, and madeleines.
• Table Setup: Choose a long rectangular table or multiple round tables to create a spacious display. Cover the tables with tablecloths and linens that complement your wedding colours or theme. Use various plates, platters, and stands to display the desserts attractively, filling the table to the edges.
• Self-Serve Setup: Since the Viennese hour is typically self-serve, ensure you provide all the necessary serving utensils. Offer bite-sized treats in paper wrappers or cups, and provide tongs, toothpicks, or small dessert forks for your guests' convenience.
• Drinks: Complement the desserts with a selection of drinks. Coffee and tea are classic choices, but you can also offer alcoholic beverages such as liqueurs or a glass of champagne for a more indulgent experience.
• Floral Arrangements: Enhance the elegance of your Viennese hour by incorporating lavish floral arrangements. Exquisite flowers not only add a touch of beauty but also create a romantic and sophisticated ambiance.
• Personalization: Consider adding a personal touch to your Viennese hour. You can theme it around your heritage, favourite family treats, or traditional Italian or Parisian fare. This makes the experience even more special and memorable for your guests.
• Budgeting: The cost of a Viennese hour can vary depending on the number of guests and the intricacy of the desserts. If you're on a tighter budget, consider baking some of the treats yourself or enlist the help of talented friends or family members.

By following these steps, you'll be able to create a stunning and indulgent Viennese hour that will leave your wedding guests impressed and satisfied.

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