The 20 Best Cake Cutting Songs for Your Wedding Day

One of the most important details to consider when planning your wedding is undoubtedly your wedding playlist!

You’ve probably thought about what song you’d like to walk down the aisle to, or even the tune you’d like playing when your guests are taking their seats – but you may not have thought about which music you’d like to set the scene of your cake cutting ceremony.

The cake-cutting tradition is a lighthearted one and can get hilariously messy (smashed icing in the groom’s beard, anyone?). So, you’ll probably want a song that reflects this upbeat mood!

To help you decide on a soundtrack for one of the most memorable moments of your life, we’ve gathered a list of the best cake cutting songs for you to choose from.

From Top-40 pop to R&B, then reaching all the way back to Motown, you’re sure to find something on the list that suits your tastes – just as you found the right cake flavors. 

Keep reading to find out why these are our favorites! 

Cake Cutting Songs Wedding

“How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” – James Taylor

This classic tune is a crowd-pleaser no matter where it’s played. “How sweet it is to be loved by you,” he sings, “It’s like sugar sometimes.”

The beloved singer/songwriter also references jelly and honey for a song with a nice thematic touch for your cake cutting. (Hint: If you’re not crazy about the 70s sound of James Taylor, peek further down the list for this same song covered by Michael Bublé.)

Why we like it: This song is a favorite across multiple generations, so your cousins and your grandparents alike will be nodding their heads to the easy rock style. 

“Cake By the Ocean” – DNCE

One of the newer songs on our list, this tune is hip and groovy with a forward-driving momentum in the beat.

We think this is the right choice if your ceremony takes place in the summertime – or for a beach wedding. But regardless of the location, it’s contagious and fun and will be a hit at any reception. 

Why we like it: The chorus is easy for your guests to sing along to. They may even match the whistling and clapping of the DNCE band members.

“Sugar” – Maroon 5

This one will be a favorite of the younger generations at your wedding.

Featuring a bouncy beat, as well as Adam Levine’s signature high vocals, it lifts the energy in the room as you and your new spouse dive into that cake. 

Check out Maroon 5’s music video for this song, where the band members show up to perform at a wedding and really get the party started. 

Why we like it: The lyrics, “Need a little sweetness in my life/Your sugar/Yes please/Won’t you come and put it down on me?” 

“Candyman” – Zedd, Aloe Blacc

This song is all about the fullness of life and starting a new chapter with someone you love. What better theme for a wedding reception?

The dance-pop sound will have your guests busting a move and smiling along with you as you agree that “love makes the world feel good.” 

Why we like it: This choice is somewhat more obscure, so if you want a unique option that your guests haven’t already heard at other weddings, this may be the right one for your cake cutting. 

“Sugar, Sugar” – The Archies 

Cute, fun, and old-fashioned, you can’t go wrong with this classic tune.

The Archies were a cartoon band featured on a TV show based on comics of the same name. This song originally aired in 1969 but has endured to this day due to its popular vocal hooks that make it a fun sing-along. 

Why we like it: The alternative rendition options! If you’re not crazy about the ‘60s sound, there are other versions of this song out there, re-recorded by artists such as Wilson Pickett, Tina Turner, and Bob Marley. 

“I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” – The Four Tops

Bring the flavor of Motown to your cake cutting with this tune; another timeless classic.

The recognizable melody is ornamented with background vocals, strings, and brass accents, not to mention a driving beat that will have your guests boogie-ing as you sink the knife into your wedding cake. 

Why we like it: The lyrics are so simple that even your guests who have never heard it (if those exist) will be singing along by the second time they hear the chorus. 

“Love On Top” – Beyonce 

If you want to give your cake cutting an R&B vibe, look no further than this tune.

With a funky swing rhythm and Bey’s masterful vocals, we can forgive the lyrics for lacking a specific reference to anything sweet. 

Why we like it: this song is hip and sexy; we can just imagine you both dancing your way over to the cake table.

“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” – Natalie Cole 

This track’s sparkling, fresh feel is perfect for any part of a wedding, especially if you’re planning to put away the cake in the freezer for another taste on your anniversary. Everlasting flavor, perhaps not, but your love will endure just as the song states.  

“This Will Be” has been featured in several movies, like Taxi, The Parent Trap, and While You Were Sleeping, so your guests will probably recognize it and sing along.  

Why we like it: It’s plain infectious energy. 

“Adore You” – Harry Styles

Another one for the young people! This song has only been around since 2019, but its pervasive reach in Top-40 radio means most of your guests will have heard it before.

The message of devotion fits perfectly with your wedding vows, and the hook of Harry’s bubble-gum beat is so contagious that the video was nominated for a Grammy for Best Music Video last year. 

Why we like it: It’s modern and fresh, just like your love. 

“Better Together” – Jack Johnson

If you plan on a tropical destination wedding, there’s no better artist than Jack Johnson for that island vibe.

This tune’s laid-back acoustic feel will have you swaying with the beat as you get that first delicious taste of your wedding cake. 

Why we like it: Jack Johnson is a romantic choice for any part of your wedding, but particularly cute for those adorable vibes of your cake cutting. Make sure to flash your biggest smiles for the photographer! 

“Make It Sweet” – Old Dominion

Whether your ceremony takes place in a neighbor’s barn or your entire wedding party is wearing cowboy boots, this song is perfect for a country wedding! 

Words in the lyrics like “sugar,” “honey,” and “tangerine” mean you can keep the sweet factor while indulging in that first bite of cake. 

Why we like it: It’s a song that’s not so common, giving you a unique sound for that special moment. Even guests who aren’t country fans can appreciate this crossover country-pop tune for how fun it is. 

“How Sweet It Is” – Michael Bublé 

Ultra-smooth, and with that old-Hollywood vibe, you can always rely on the crooners to class up your wedding.

Consider this tune for a black-tie ceremony or to simply elevate the mood in the room. Evocative of tuxes, gowns, and champagne, it will have your guests of every generation tapping their feet to the big-band rhythm. 

Why we like it: It’s a fresh spin on James Taylor’s classic for an updated option that keeps the timeless lyrics. 

“Lover” – Taylor Swift 

You don’t have to be a ‘Swiftie’ to appreciate this song.

It’s got a gentle and romantic lilt that will make you want to slow dance as you enjoy the first bite of your wedding cake.

With strings in the background and delightful background harmonies, we don’t think music gets much prettier than this. 

Why we like it: It’s got a soft and fluffy vibe, just like the icing on your cake. 

“Watermelon Sugar” – Harry Styles

Our second inclusion from Mr. Styles is full of all the sweet lyrics that are a perfect match for your cake cutting.

Like “strawberries on a summer evening,” this tune is juicy and sweet, with the fizzy pop sound that will get your celebration vibes up. 

Why we like it: It’s easy for your guests to sing along with while they watch you cut the cake. 

“Candyman” – Christina Aguilera 

This song has all the references to the sweetness you could possibly want for your cake cutting, wrapped up in a New Orleans big-band sound.

The brass instrumentation and rhythmic swing are irresistible, keeping the energy high as you sink the edge of the knife into your wedding cake. 

Why we like it: The lyrics are a bit risqué, which will give a sexy touch to the moment. Who needs to stay G-rated, anyway? 

“Marshmallow World” – Dean Martin 

Another crooner makes the list!

Usually heard as a Christmas tune, this old-fashioned tune pairs nicely with a winter wedding.

Cute and classic, your guests will enjoy this touch of style.

Why we like it: The line, “It’s a yum-yummy world made for sweethearts.” 

“Sweet Creature” – Harry Styles 

Our third inclusion from Harry has a more intimate feel.

Just the voice and the guitar feature here, as he sings about youthful innocence and the lifesaving effect of true love.

If your wedding is on the small side, or you want to bring something personal to your cake cutting, this song just might be the one. Enjoy its simplicity and sweetness as you dive into the cake for the first time! 

Why we like it: Who knew just a guitar and voice could be so poignant? In contrast to some of the other bombastic, high-energy songs on our list, this one speaks of confidential love.

We think you and your honey will enjoy your inner circle of love even more with this soft tune playing in the background. 

“La Vie En Rose” – Louis Armstrong 

Originally sung by Edith Piaf in 1945, this tune has become a wedding classic over the past eight decades!

It works just as well for a first dance number as it does a cake-cutting selection, but we like it for the cake if you want to keep a classic feel at your reception. Your grandparents might even dance along to it!

The phrase “la vie en rose” directly translates to “life in pink,” or seeing the world through rose-colored glasses; a lovely indication of how you view life with your new spouse by your side. 

Why we like it: The original song is beautiful, but we’re suckers for Louis Armstrong’s throaty growl as he gives it his signature vocal twist. 

“Yummy” – Justin Bieber 

What better-themed lyrics to cut your cake to?

Justin Bieber provides the perfect soundtrack for you to enjoy each delicious bite in this R&B-tinged pop song.

If you eschew the classics for a hip wedding with a modern playlist, then this is a great choice. 

Why we like it: With a title like that, we’re surprised Mr. Bieber didn’t write this song specifically for cake cutting at weddings.

“Better When I’m Dancin’” – Meghan Trainor

This upbeat tune first heard in The Peanuts Movie in 2015, has an exotic island flair with its percussion and ukulele.

Whether you’re getting married on the beach or just want a taste of Jamaica along with your cake tasting, the positive energy of this song will put you in the mindset of paradise as you celebrate. 

Why we like it:  Ms. Trainor is no newbie to writing songs that lift everyone’s spirits, and the infectious beat of this song virtually guarantees none of your guests will be standing still – we bet you’ll be grooving along with it, too. 

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