A lovely bridal trend in recent years has been the Viennese time. This event takes place at the reception after dinner and is essentially a display of all the delicious desserts anyone can imagine. Here’s what you need to know to plan a fabulous Viennese hour for your wedding reception.

Let’s face it: everyone remembers a wedding that had really great food. My first encounter with a Viennese hour was at a Winter Wonderland wedding. The bride wore a beautiful beaded gown and dazzling crystal bridal jewelry. Her bouquet and centerpieces were filled with Swarovski crystals to match her bridal jewelry. The band was amazing. But what I really remember about that wedding was the moment after dinner when the doors to an adjoining room were opened to reveal the most spectacular dessert display I’d ever seen in one place: Viennese time.

What should you present in your Viennese hour? Everything! The goal is to give your guests that kid-like feel at a candy store. Wherever they look, they should discover another of their favorite sweets. Dessert time should leave your guests a bit in awe, as they look around in awe, thinking, “Where should I start?”

The staples of a dessert bar or Viennese wedding hour are cookies, bars like brownies and blondies, cakes, tarts, and mini cakes. Regional specialties should definitely be on the menu; think New York cheesecake in Manhattan or donuts in New Orleans. Individual servings of your favorite desserts like flan and chocolate pudding should also be on the menu. And this is just the beginning!

Chocolate and candies are another part of Viennese time. The most impressive way to serve chocolate is a chocolate fountain. Guests find them irresistible and love the opportunity to dip fresh fruit, pretzels, and gourmet marshmallows in the flowing chocolate. Another option is to feature chocolate-dipped fruits like strawberries instead of having the platter. A variety of fruits dipped in white, milk, and dark chocolate would be especially nice. Be sure to order the chocolate-dipped treats in bulk, because your guests will go crazy for them!

Once you’ve decided on the basics of your Viennese wedding time, it’s time to choose your “wow” factor. Remember that a Viennese hour should be elaborate and indulgent, so this is the time to do your best. Any number of specialized stations will work as your “wow” feature. Choose one, or if space allows, include them all to surprise your guests. An ice cream bar is an idea for the main function. A personalized crepe station with an assistant to do whatever your guests want is a stylish addition. Or go for a nostalgic carnival theme with cotton candy and funnel cake carts.

Finally, plan to have a special area for drinks. A coffee bar with an assistant to make cappuccinos and espresso is a must. For a wedding with kids on the guest list, cocoa would be a nice addition to the menu. It is also good to have a mini-bar to serve spirits and cordials. If there’s room in the budget, champagne or sparkling wine glasses would be the perfect complement to chocolate-dipped strawberries. With all the elements in place, you can be sure that your guests will remember the Viennese time of your wedding reception for years to come.