You’ve picked out your processional song and your first dance song, but what about the piece you’ll cut your cake to?
Cake-cutting songs can be fun, silly, sweet, or romantic. What will you play while you and your partner wield a knife together?
Here are the best cake-cutting songs for weddings. Â
“How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) by James Taylor
Song year: 1975
There are a couple of ways you can go when it comes to cake-cutting songs. You can choose a romantic tune that echoes the sentiments you and your bride or groom feel about each other or one that mentions sweets, sugar, cake, or eating. We’ll start this list off with the latter.
Of course, some songs do both, and that’s exactly what “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” does. It is a sweet, yes, sweet song that most people are familiar with. It’s light and encourages smiles and singing along.
Originally recorded by Marvin Gaye, James Taylor’s version was its most successful cover.
“I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) by The Four Tops
Song year: 1965
For cake cutting or anything else, the best songs work on at least two levels. “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” is great because it is about a man hopelessly in love, which is how you want to be on your wedding day. It could also refer to the delicious, irresistible cake everyone is about to enjoy.
The Four Tops make this a fun and infectious song that will have your guests hopping and bopping while they watch to see either of you get a face full of cake.
“Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies
Song year: 1969
“Sugar, Sugar” is the ultimate in sunshiney 60s pop. If you choose to play this song while cutting your wedding cake, be warned that it might be in your and everyone else’s heads for the rest of the reception!
In many ways, this Archies song is the perfect cake-cutting song, though silly, sincere, sweet, and also secretly naughty. If you’re looking for a song with a bit of sexy innuendo but want to keep it kid-friendly, this is an excellent choice.
“Cake By the Ocean” by DNCE
Song year: 2015
DNCE’s “Cake By the Ocean” is a little less all-ages friendly. The innuendo is heavier, and there are “F” bombs. However, if you’re not worried about the kids’ or granny’s sensitive ears, it is a high-energy song that will get you and your guests dancing.
This would be great for adults-only, open-bar, ocean-themed, or beach weddings.
“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by The Eurythmics
Song year: 1982
For a cake-cutting song with a bit of a dark side and undeniable 80s vibes, you can’t get much better than The Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” This intoxicating song is about searching and finding what you’re looking for, no matter what. It’s a little more creepy than inspirational but is perfect for a couple who digs that vibe.
This would be an excellent choice for an 80s theme, a dark or goth theme, or to go along with a black or purple wedding cake.
“Sweetheart” by Thomas Rhett
Song year: 2017
If country is more your thing, check out Thoma Rhett’s “Sweetheart.” This is a cute, sentimental song that manages to be both silly and emotional. If you want your love to know that they are perfect and that you love them to pieces with a song that mentions food and is upbeat enough to sway to, this might be the perfect one for you.
“Sweet Thing” by Keith Urban
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgCdd0Db_fM
Song year: 2008
For a country song with a driving beat and a celebratory chorus, consider Keith Urban’s “Sweet Thing.” This is a love story of a song with guitars that won’t quit. It would be an excellent choice for an outdoor wedding or the wedding of high school sweethearts. It’s a song that’ll put stars in all your guests’ eyes.
“Sex and Candy” by Marcy Playground
Song year: 1997
For a sexy, surreal, and slightly more adult song to cut your wedding cake to, pick Marcy Playground’s “Sex and Candy.” This is an excellent choice for a couple who met by happenstance, for whom it was love at first sight. If you’re looking for a ’90s vibe and something romantic but a little aloof, not too obvious, this might be the one.
“Yummy Yummy Yummy” by The Ohio Express
Song year: 1968
For a smile-inducing earworm that’ll bring the silly innuendo of the ’60s, “Yummy Yummy Yummy” by the Ohio Express will have your guests rubbing their tummies. It’s a cute, sweet song that would also be a fun one to play if the bride or brides happened to be pregnant. That way, it not only celebrates the couple and the cake but the beginning of a whole sweet family.
“Sweetest Thing” by U2
Song year: 1987
For the couple that wants to acknowledge that love doesn’t just happen like magic, that life is hard, and that sometimes you end up together because you choose to belong together, and that it is beautiful, go with U2’s “Sweetest Thing.” This late 80s song straddles the sound of the 90s and is a perfect choice for a U2 fan or the couple who wants a full-sounding song stretching out and calling all guests over for the cake.
“Pour Some Sugar On Me” by Def Leppard
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UIB9Y4OFPs
Song year: 1987
If your wedding colors are leather and denim, and you spent a fraction of your budget on Aquanet hairspray, why would you choose anything but Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me.” This song is obviously sexual but innocuous enough that very young guests won’t understand what it’s talking about. This is for the couple that wants some serious, ridiculous 80s rock energy.
“Sugar Mountain” by Neil Young
Song year: 1969
Neil Young’s “Sugar Mountain” is a subtle, fantastical, folky song about youth. While it is about growing up and the things you have to give up, it’s also about enjoying youth and would be an excellent cake-cutting song either for a young couple or for a much older one who’s realized that you’re always at least a little bit young.
“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
Song year: 1969
This swinging, celebratory song would be the perfect cake-cutting song for a bride named Caroline. However, if you or your bride is not named Caroline, don’t worry because Neil Diamond wrote “Sweet Caroline” for his second wife, Marcia. Her name just didn’t have enough syllables for the song!
“Yummy” by Justin Bieber
Song year: 2020
If you want to let, your spouse and all your guests know that they, like your cake, are “Yummy,” choose this song Justin Bieber wrote for his wife. It’s a low-key R&B song that adds a nice vibe to the background while you, your love, and your cake take center stage.
“Eat It” by “Weird Al” Yankovic
Song year: 1984
For a couple that doesn’t want to take anything seriously, especially something like cutting a cake, have fun with “Weird Al” Yankovic’s “Eat It.” This parody of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” is goofy and ridiculous, perfect for a goofy and ridiculous newlywed couple. This would also work well for an 80s theme or for any couple who has fielded any unsavory comments about their cake choice.
“That’s Amore” by Dean Martin
Song year: 1953
As we transition from metaphors about food and sweetness to more heartfelt love songs, no song could get us there better than Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore.” This song is both fun and romantic and will work just as well for an unconventional wedding as a formal one.
This song would be perfect for an Italian-themed wedding or one that features Italian food and wine.
“Today Was a Fairytale” by Taylor Swift
Song year: 2010
For country-loving princes and princesses, who want to get lost in each other’s eyes while they cut the cake, Taylor Swift’s “Today Was a Fairytale” is the perfect song. This song celebrates the magic of the entire wedding day. This is the one that will make your loved one’s eyes mist over.
“Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen
Song year: 1979
Even though “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” is a late 70s song, it feels like the 1950s all over the place. This is a fun, dancey song to cut your wedding cake to, and it will have everyone tapping their feet and swinging their hips. This is a swinging, hand-clapping song for a couple who loves to have fun but still wants to celebrate their fortune in love.
“La La Love You” by the Pixies
Song year: 1989
For a song you can guarantee you’re friends won’t have at their wedding a couple of weeks after yours, check out “La La Love You” by the Pixies. Although the Pixies are an alternative indie band with an edge, this is a really sweet song. It’s a bit goofy but mostly sincere and would work well as a song that can settle into the background, serving as a backdrop for your cake-cutting without calling too much attention to itself.
“When I’m 64” by The Beatles
Song year: 1967
If the Beatles could do one thing, they could write a charming love song. “When I’m 64” is an adorable, fun song, both musically and lyrically. It would be an excellent song for a young couple thinking about all their years ahead. But it would also be a fantastic choice for an older couple, especially if one or both of them are 64!
If you love this song and want to work it into your wedding, playing it during the cake cutting, which is a lighter moment in the day, is a perfect time!
“Love You Madly” by Cake
Song year: 2001
This one isn’t a song about cake, but it is one recorded by the band Cake, so it still works perfectly as a cake-cutting song! “Love You Madly” has a funky beat and a ska vibe that makes you want to twist your hips, and the sentiment is there. It is a song that is all in on love and passion.
“Happy Together” by The Turtles
Song year: 1967
The funny thing about love songs is that sometimes there is more going on in the lyrics than it seems. While “Happy Together” was actually written about unrequited love, it has been a song used to celebrate weddings and married couples for decades upon decades.
Whatever the inspiration for the song, this is one your guests will know and one you’ll have fun cutting your cake to.
“Hotel Yorba” by The White Stripes
Song year: 2001
If you’re looking for a quirky, heartfelt, vaguely sexy, upbeat rocker wedding cake-cutting song, go for “Hotel Yorba” by The White Stripes. It is unconventional but sincere, rollicking but not raucous. If you love The White Stripes or rock, or your wedding’s colors are black, white, and red, this would be the perfect song for you. Plus, it also has counting in it, and who doesn’t love a song with counting in it?
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers
Song year: 1988
If you are looking for music that calls people over, wait until you see what happens when the guitar riff intro to this song hits your guests’ eardrums. “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by the Proclaimers is a fun, infectious song that is the perfect song to pledge your undying love, commitment, and energy to your partner. This beloved one-hit wonder will definitely make everyone happy.
“Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship
Song year: 1987
Written as a wedding song for the 80s classic movie, “Mannequin” Starship’s “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” is a fun and inspirational song to play while cutting your wedding cake.
This song is full of the hallmarks of 80s music, straight down to the wet drums, but it’s a romantic, idealistic “us against the world” song. It’s a little cheesy but oh-so-fun and will work for an 80s theme or just for a couple who loves that vibe.
“It’s Oh So Quiet” by Bjork
Song year: 1995
Bjork’s “It’s Oh So Quiet” is a quiet song with a loud and sudden explosion of jazz and screaming joy. It’s a playful song that will catch your guests’ attention, and there are some built-in moments when the surprise of a cake smash would fit right in.
Bjork’s singing in this remade 1948 song is adorable and passionate, and it would be great for a cute couple who want to make a great cake-cutting scene!
“Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benetar
Song year: 1980
Smashing the wedding cake on your spouse’s face can be a controversial issue. Some say this time-honored tradition signals a power imbalance and a lack of respect in the relationship and that it will end in divorce. Others just think it’s a fun way to let loose and drop the seriousness of the day.
Whatever you decide, it’s probably best to make sure it’s not a deal breaker for your spouse. If it’s not, then it’s on, and you might as well play Pat Benetar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and see who can do the most cake-smashing damage.
“Something Just Like This” by Coldplay & The Chainsmokers
Song year: 2017
If you’re looking for a cake-cutting song that sets a whole mood, a cake-cutting song that makes it feel like your wedding is a scene straight out of Grey’s Anatomy, you need to hear “Something Just Like This.”
This heartfelt, epic of a song is all about what’s important in love and is a gorgeous one that will fill any size room.
“Get the Party Started” by Pink
Song year: 2001
Your wedding is all about you, so get your party started with Pink’s “Get the Party Started.” This is a fun, energetic song that will bring the beats and the party vibes to your cake-cutting.
While not about love specifically, this song is about celebrating and being celebrated and would be an excellent choice for brides and grooms who want to thank their family and friends for being there on their special day.
“Happy” by Pharrell Williams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbZSe6N_BXs
Song year: 2013
Your wedding day will be full of emotions. Most of those will be love and happiness. If you’re happy, your cake cutting is the best time to express it with “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. This song will have people dancing, clapping, and smiling.
“Happy” isn’t directly about love either, but what is the love of another person but happiness incarnate? Also, cake always makes everyone happy!
“Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley
Song year: 1961
We’re taking a turn now into some of the most romantic songs for your cake cutting. While some of these could be chosen as processional or first dance songs, they’ll also fit beautifully with a sweet, sincere, love-filled cake cutting.
Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” may have your new spouse forgetting there’s anyone else in the room. Look into their eyes, cut the cake, and don’t pay attention to anything else. Your guests will be in tears.
“Your Song” by Elton John
Song year: 1970
For a tender moment in front of all your friends and family gathered around the cake, consider Elton John’s “Your Song.” It is one of the most touching, romantic songs, and your love for each other will shine through as you gently join forces to slice into your cake and take your first bit out of life together.
“A Kiss to Build a Dream On” by Louis Armstrong
Song year: 1964
A classy, jazzy number by Louis Armstrong, “A Kiss to Build a Dream On,” will make you and your love feel like you’re cutting your cake in a candlelit cafe during a rainy night. It will make you feel like two soul mates in an old movie.
This song is a great choice for a couple who wants a cake-cutting song to accompany their elegant cake and wedding.
“I Got You Babe” by Sonny & Cher
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKGjCPBSG38
Song year: 1965
What’s better than playing a love song while cutting your wedding cake? Try playing a love duet! Sonny & Cher’s “I Got You Babe” is about a couple pledging their love and commitment to each other. It is a song about overcoming obstacles and focusing on love, focusing on the one person who loves you and who always has your back.
“I Got You Babe” is a very recognizable song, even generations since it first hit the airwaves. Your older guests will know it, and your younger guests will have a great time learning it. It is a song for you, but it’s also one with the power to reconnect the other couples in the room, those who remember their own wedding days, and those whose big day is still to come.
Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys
Song year: 1966
Finally, It is probably impossible for people to hear “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys without being affected. It’s a song that makes you move and smile and would be a great one to call everyone over for cake cutting.
This is a song that is up for anything, and the surfer vibe of The Beach Boys would be perfect for a summer, outdoor, or beach wedding.
Top Cake Cutting Songs For Weddings, Final Thoughts
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of some of the best wedding cake-cutting songs and that it’s given you some ideas.
The truth is, of course, the possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to cake-cutting songs. Like everything else on your wedding day, it’s about what will make you and the one you are marrying the happiest. The song you see yourselves in. The long that makes you two laugh together or sigh together.