Say “Cheese” When You Say “I Do”

Something old, something new, something borrowed something blue vein? If you love cheese as much as I do, are looking for a wedding cake with that ‘wow’ factor, or are simply not one for marzipan, fruit cake or ganache icing, look no further than an exquisite cheese wheel wedding cake.

To my surprise, cheese wheel wedding cakes are not new. Brides and grooms have been serving the delicious alternative to a traditional wedding cake for decades, particularly in the UK and throughout Europe. I have started to see and hear that more and more Australian couples are adopting the idea in recent years. And why not? Australia is home to many award winning cheese mongers and cheese makers that produce the finest, most delicious cheese. We are lucky to have the best produce at arm’s reach, you only have to visit your local farmers markets to find out why.

The cheese wheel wedding cake perfectly compliments the autumn or winter wedding, weddings set in a winery or those with a rustic, vintage or country theme. The ‘cake’ is made by stacking whole cheese wheels in assorted sizes, colours and textures, to resemble a tiered cake. The “cheese” cake can be decorated with flowers, fruit, toasted nuts, ribbon and served with crackers, fresh bread, fruit and of course a complimenting wine.

Go on a culinary adventure with your partner and take the time to select the different types of cheeses together. Why not book a ‘taste testing’ afternoon at your local cheese monger or cheese maker? Or purchase a cheese platter selection, pack a blanket, some wine and go for a picnic on a Sunday afternoon in the country.

For a successful ‘cake’, thought needs to go into the types of cheeses you use. It is recommended that firmer, more mature cheeses, such as crumbly Cheddar, be used as the bottom tiers, while the softer cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert, used as the top tiers. Choose different strengths and flavours, as you would a regular cheeseboard. Also choose different colours. There is a wider variety of colours in the firmer cheeses and don’t be afraid to select one with a rind, as the block colour will ‘lift’ the cake visually. Need some help selecting? The Smelly Cheese Club offers a comprehensive cheese glossary and some interesting cheesy facts or speak to your local cheese monger or delicatessen.

The price tag of cheese wheel wedding cakes depends on a number of things, the number of tiers, the types of cheeses and if the cheese is local or imported. The services of cheese wheel wedding cake suppliers also vary. They can range from simply assisting you in selecting the cheese and leaving it up to you to put together and decorate. While some suppliers offer a full wedding cake service. The full service may include a taste testing session, creating and decorating the cake, delivery, service of cheese to guests, break down and also salvage any leftover cheese for you to enjoy at your post-wedding party!

Choose your wedding cheese from a local cheese maker and your guests will appreciate your commitment to buying local. There are a number of fine cheese wheel wedding cake suppliers here in Australia. I contacted many Australian cheese mongers, cheese makers and delis, and found the following suppliers are more than happy to assist you with a cheese wheel wedding cake for your big day!

Black Pearl Epicure { Fortitude Valley, QLD }

Barossa Valley Cheese Company { Barossa Valley, SA } pictured bottom left

McIntosh & Bowman Cheesemongers { Potts Point, NSW }

Formaggi Ocello { Surry Hills, NSW } pictured top left and bottom right

Emerald Hill Deli {South Melbourne, VIC }

Cakes of Heavenly Indulgence { Hobart, TAS } pictured top right