FAQs
When did cakes of cheese become popular in Wisconsin?
The first cakes of cheese began popping up in Wisconsin about 5 years ago, but the trend has really come to light in the last 2 years and are only becoming more popular. Couples are able to see how they can feature cakes of cheese at their own wedding while still giving it their own personal style.
Do cakes of cheese tend to replace traditional dessert cakes, or are they typically served during cocktail hour?
It depends! Many couples don’t supplement the cake of cheese with additional desserts, but do supplement with dried fruits and crackers, etc.
Some couples also opt to create more of a grazing table, and they tend to have additional desserts of varying types (such as brownies, donuts, etc.).
What resources should planners seek out to help their clients nail serving a "cake of cheese" at their wedding?
We recommend working with a cheesemonger to help you cut and serve your cake of cheese properly and to enhance the guest experience. Some venues are not fully equipped to cut large wheels of cheese, and may not feel comfortable serving the cake to your guests, so be sure to check ahead and get a plan for your big day.
What are some challenges these cakes can bring to the planning process?
The biggest question to think through when planning for a cake of cheese is deciding how it will be displayed: Will the cake be placed on a stand? Does it need additional dessert plates and forks?
Also be sure to think through your plan for how to serve and cut the cake. Again, this is where a cheesemonger is a great resource-we highly recommend reaching out to a local cheese shop for help formulating a game plan!
What are some ways brides can incorporate a cake of cheese into their wedding aesthetic or use one to leverage current wedding trends?
Try coming up with a fun or unique way to display your cake of cheese, as well as a fun way to serve it. For example, try having mini cheese boards with directional tags at each place setting upon guests arrival, or building a beautiful grazing table during cocktail hour where you could pair different cheeses with different wines or signature drinks.
How should brides approach their wedding planners with this idea, what is the first step in bringing this idea to life?
The earlier you let your planner know that you’re interested in a cake of cheese design the better! Planners will be a great resource to help incorporate into the wedding design and even the entire guest experience.
What are some other trendy ways brides can incorporate Wisconsin Cheese into their big day?
Grazing tables served during cocktail hours are another popular wedding trend, and are a great way to make a cheese-centric statement. Lay artisan cheeses out on craft paper rolls with calligraphed names on the paper, and surround the cheeses with pairings of dried fruits, nuts, and meats to create a beautiful display for guests to have as a talking (and eating) point during cocktail hour.
FAQ answers provided by Sarah Sarbacker and Andrea VandeBerg of Cherry Blossom Events.