Cake Cutting Songs: 75 Sweet Ideas

Timing is everything when it comes to your cake cutting ceremony. Most couples choose to do it during the reception's final hour, which creates a natural transition into the evening's conclusion. For those curious about the timing of other key events, read through our detailed post on a traditional wedding reception timeline. The cake cutting, in general, is also a cue to guests that it’s okay to leave soon, so don’t schedule dessert too early or the reception could start wrapping up before you’re ready. Also, since you’ll already have guests’ attention, dessert is also a good time to grab the mic and thank your guests for coming to the wedding.

There are several traditions surrounding wedding cakes, all of which have different origins and interpretations:

• The joint cutting of the cake, with both members of the wedding couple holding the knife, could be interpreted to symbolize the couple’s commitment to teamwork and alignment on goals as they start their future together.
• If the wedding cake has multiple layers, traditionally the bottom layer will be cut into first by the married couple. This plays to the concept that love is built with a good foundation.
• Another well-known tradition is to save a slice of wedding cake, or the top tier, to be enjoyed during the couple’s first-year anniversary.

For a deeper dive into traditions, we encourage you to read our full summary of popular wedding traditions and their origins.

James Taylor's remake of this Marvin Gaye classic gets a lot of wedding airplay but we're partial to the original. Fun fact: Taylor's version also features his then-wife Carly Simon on vocals.
Sweetest lyric: "How sweet it is to be loved by you (well, it's like sugar to my soul) / How sweet it is to be loved by you (oh yes it is)."

This 1965 Motown favorite is perfect for your cake-cutting moment, with sweet, apropos lyrics ("Sugar pie, honey bunch / You know that I love you") and a catchy, toe-tapping tempo.
Sweetest lyric: "Every time I see your face / I get all choked up inside."

This joyful, upbeat song by Natalie Cole is a rom-com staple, which is why it's the perfect soundtrack to your own happily ever after.
Sweetest lyric:"You've brought a lot of sunshine into my life / You've filled me with happiness I never knew / You gave me more joy than I ever dreamed of / And no one, no one can take the place of you."

With its playful charm and bouncy melody, this upbeat tune perfectly captures the spontaneous joy of saying "I do." An irresistibly fun choice that will have your guests dancing and singing along!
Sweetest lyric: "Is it the look in your eyes, or is it this dancing juice? / Who cares, baby? I think I wanna marry you"

Another Ed Sheeran masterpiece that's earned its place in wedding history. This soulful ballad captures every couple's dream of growing old together, still falling in love every day.
Sweetest lyric: "And darling I will be loving you 'til we're 70 / And baby my heart could still fall as hard at 23"

If you're looking for a dramatic backdrop for your cake cutting moment, this romantic ballad delivers with its gentle verses and rising chorus. Goulding's distinctive voice adds just the right touch of magic to this sweet tradition.
Sweetest lyric: "Let me take you past our satellites / You can see the world you brought to life, to life"

Fun fact: Originally written for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, this song transcended its vampire romance origins to become one of the most popular wedding songs of the decade.
Sweetest lyric: "And all along I believed I would find you / Time has brought your heart to me / I have loved you for a thousand years / I'll love you for a thousand more"

This upbeat anthem says exactly what you're feeling on your wedding day. The hand-clapping rhythm and infectious chorus will have everyone celebrating your best day ever while you cut into that cake.
Sweetest lyric: "This is gonna be the best day of my life / My li-i-i-i-i-ife"

Planning a beach wedding? The summery, sweet theme and joyful beat of this chartbuster make it a surprisingly perfect fit for your cake-cutting celebration.
Sweetest lyric: “Strawberries on a summer evenin' / Baby, you're the end of June”

When you're feeling like you're floating on cloud nine, this cheerful number matches your mood perfectly. With its buoyant melody and optimistic spirit, it's just right for that sweet celebratory moment.
Sweetest lyric: "I'm on top of the world, hey / Been waiting on this for a while now / Paying my dues to the dirt"

Planning an evening reception under the stars? This Coldplay hit creates the perfect atmosphere for cutting your cake as the sun sets and the night sky appears. The song's build from delicate piano to full dance beats mirrors the transition from your sweet cake-cutting moment to the party ahead.
Sweetest lyric:"'Cause you're a sky full of stars / I'm gonna give you my heart."

This feel-good collaboration brings together catchy beats and relatable lyrics about finding real love. An effortless choice that'll keep your guests swaying as you cut into your wedding cake.
Sweetest lyric: "I'm not looking for somebody with some superhuman gifts / Just something I can turn to, somebody I can kiss."

For a bit of nostalgia, bring it back to 1969 with this bubblegum-pop tune by The Archies, the band formed by a group of teens in the cartoon TV series “The Archie Show.”
Sweetest lyric: "I just can't believe the loveliness of loving you (I just can't believe it's true) / I just can't believe the wonder of this feeling, too (I just can't believe it's true)."

If you're looking for a sweet and romantic first dance song that also works for cake cutting, this is it.
Sweetest lyric: "Sweet creature, sweet creature / Wherever I go, you bring me home"

This high-energy pop anthem brings pure fun to your cake-cutting moment. Perfect for couples who want to keep their reception lively and upbeat, even during the traditional moments.
Sweetest lyric: "Maybe it's the way she walked (wow) / Straight into my heart and stole it / Through the doors and past the guards (wow) / Just like she already owned it"

If your wedding has a playful and vibrant vibe, this song could be a fun and unexpected choice for your cake cutting. Just be prepared for everyone to start singing along!
Sweetest lyric: "In the mornin' or the late / Say the word, on my way”

Yes, it's another Bieber song (but we're still not admitting to being Beliebers). This heartfelt ballad shows a different side of Justin Bieber. The emotional vocals and sincere lyrics make it a perfect choice for this special moment.
Sweetest lyric: "If it's not you, it's not anyone."

This modern love song has become a wedding favorite for good reason. Its gentle acoustic opening builds into a heartfelt promise of forever — perfect for that moment when you're sharing your first piece of cake as a married couple.
Sweetest lyric: “But I wanna stay with you until we're grey and old / Just say you won't let go”

Did you know? Both members of Dan + Shay played this song at their own weddings, proving it's just as romantic in real life as it sounds. Its blend of country heart and pop polish makes it an ideal soundtrack for your cake-cutting moment.
Sweetest lyric: “After all this time I'm just as nervous / Every time you walk into the room / I'm speechless”

If you're a Swiftie, you already know this dreamy track belongs on your cake-cutting playlist. Its starry-eyed melody captures that magical feeling when your wedding day really does feel like a fairytale come true.
Sweetest lyric: “Fell in love when I saw you standing there / It must have been the way / Today was a fairytale”

Having an intimate reception? This cozy love song captures the magic of life's simple moments, making it the perfect choice for when you're feeding each other that first bite of cake away from all the grandeur.
Sweetest lyric: “I find myself runnin' home to your sweet nothings”

Play this ultra-romantic ballad if you're planning to go right into a couple’s spotlight slow dance after the wedding cake-cutting ceremony.
Sweetest lyric: "And years from now, when I look back / I'm still under your spell somehow / You're the sweetest thing that I ever did see."

Having an outdoor reception? This breezy love song creates the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed cake-cutting moment under the stars.
Sweetest lyric: “Eyes closed, we're gonna spin through the stars / Our arms wide as the sky”

This feel-good tune puts a modern spin on the classic love song. Its genuine warmth makes it a perfect choice for sharing that first slice together.
Sweetest lyric: “Tell the world that we finally got it all right / I choose you / I will become yours and you will become mine / I choose you”

The warm, brassy sound and old-school vibe of this number bring just the right mix of old-school romance and modern energy to your cake-cutting celebration.
Sweetest lyric: “We've come a long way, baby / You know, I hope and I pray that you believe me / When I say this love will never fade away”

Before you roll your eyes, think of just how perfect it would be to blast this headbanger as you and your new spouse take a bite out of your newly married life together.
Sweetest lyric: "Pour some sugar on me / C'mon, fire me up / Pour your sugar on me / I can't get enough."

Did you know? Slash came up with the famous guitar intro while just messing around at practice — and now it's become one of rock's most beloved love songs. Between that iconic riff and lyrics about sweet love and gentle eyes, it's the perfect way to add some edge to your cake-cutting moment.
Sweetest lyric: “Now and then when I see her face / She takes me away to that special place / And if I stared too long, I'd probably break down and cry”

Want to give your cake-cutting some serious rock cred? This classic Aerosmith hit brings the perfect mix of edge and energy. The driving bass line and rich vocals turn your traditional cake-cutting moment into an instant party starter.
Sweetest lyric: “I'll talk about something you can sure understand / 'Cause a month on the road and I'll be eating from your hand”

Give your cake-cutting moment some '80s new-wave cool with the original song by Echo & the Bunnymen, or go for a more mellow, reggae vibe with Seal's 2004 cover.
Sweetest lyric: "She glides across the water / She calls for you tonight / To share this moonlight."

If your musical taste skews more indie, then you'll love this dreamy tune by the Australian indie rock band The Temper Trap. It's melodic and ethereal, and would be a lovely soundtrack as you slice into your wedding cake together.
Sweetest lyric: "A moment, a love / A dream aloud."

Want to add some new wave romance to your cake-cutting moment? This beloved Cure classic creates the perfect dreamy atmosphere with its sparkling guitar and ethereal sound.
Sweetest lyric: “Strange as angels / Dancing in the deepest oceans / Twisting in the water /You're just like a dream”

Here's an unexpected '80s twist for your cake-cutting moment. While most people know it as a synth-pop anthem, its title makes it a cleverly literal choice for that sweet moment when wedding dreams come true.
Sweetest lyric: “Sweet dreams are made of this / Who am I to disagree?”

A song by CAKE for your cake cutting? Sometimes the universe just hands you the perfect musical pun. Its bouncy rhythm and brass section make this clever choice even sweeter.
Sweetest lyric: “I want to love you madly /I want to love you now (I want to love you)”

Country crooner Thomas Rhett's "Sweetheart" may have debuted in 2017 but the catchy doo-wop beats sound like an oldies throwback to yesteryear.
Sweetest lyric: "Yeah, you're sweet like chocolate / Hot like sriracha."

Planning a country-inspired reception? This crossover hit brings the perfect blend of Nashville heart and pop polish to your cake-cutting tradition.
Sweetest lyric: "I give my hand to you with all my heart / I can't wait to live my life with you, I can't wait to start"

This one's an end-of-the-night classic but if you're not saving it for your last song, then we suggest you play it while you feed each other forkfuls of tasty cake. Major bonus points if one of you is actually named Caroline!
Sweetest lyric: "Sweet Caroline / Good times never seemed so good / I'd be inclined / To believe they never would."

This boot-stomping love song turns your cake-cutting moment into an instant party starter. Its playful energy will have your guests ready to hit the dance floor, dessert in hand.
Sweetest lyric: “Maybe one day we can make it a thing / Test time and grow old together / Rock in our chairs and talk about the weather, yeah”

Planning to smash some cake? This cheeky country hit practically dares you to get a little messy with that first slice. Perfect for couples who don’t take themselves too seriously.
Sweetest lyric: “I think you know I love you a lot / I think we've got a real good shot / Are you gonna kiss me or not?"

This number’s upbeat rhythm and infectious melody create the perfect backdrop for couples who want to keep their reception lively, even during the traditional moments.
Sweetest lyric: “Standing here feeling like a love struck Romeo / All I wanna do is hold you close and steal a little / More time, is that such a crime?”

This sparkling country-pop favorite captures all the butterflies and joy of that sweet celebration.Its bubbly energy and sparkling melody turns your cake-cutting moment into a mini celebration.
Sweetest lyric: “It's the way you love me / It's a feeling like this / It's centrifugal motion / It's perpetual bliss / It's that pivotal moment”

Looking for something playful for your cake-cutting moment? This peppy Sugarland favorite brings just the right amount of sweet, silly fun to the tradition.
Sweetest lyric: “You do that thing that makes me laugh / And just like that / There you go making my heart beat again”

If you want an upbeat song that keeps guests on the dance floor, this high-energy, dancey track will 100% do the trick. Also, how could a song titled “Cake” not make our top cake-cutting songs list!
Sweetest lyric: "I didn't come here to party / I didn't come here to stay / I came to leave with somebody / I only came for the cake."

If your wedding crowd loves '90s R&B, this one's a slam dunk. The familiar-sounding strings-and-piano intro will perk up everyone's ears, and by the time the chorus comes around, the dance floor will be packed with guests singing along.
Sweetest lyric: "All my life I've prayed for someone like you / And I hope that you feel the same way too."

Planning an evening reception with classic vibes? This timeless R&B gem creates just the right sophisticated atmosphere for your cake-cutting celebration.
Sweetest lyric: “I'm in love, sweet love / Don't you ever go away / It'll always be this way”

This funky soul classic brings some serious groove to your cake-cutting moment. Its sultry vocals and iconic baseline set just the right mood for sharing that first slice.
Sweetest lyric: “Oh, sweet thang / Don't you know you're my everything / Yes you are / Yes you are, everything”

This Grammy-nominated song became one of Beyoncé's most beloved wedding favorites — add it to your playlist to bring that same timeless romance to your cake-cutting moment.
Sweetest lyric: “You know you're my savin' grace / You're everything I need and more / It's written all over your face”

Romantic and nostalgic, this classic song is the perfect choice for vintage-inspired weddings and will definitely please your older guests in attendance.
Sweetest lyric: "Give me a kiss to build on / and my imagination will thrive upon that kiss."

This one's an oldie but goodie, and we predict this song's catchy beat will lure you and your boo right back to the dance floor after you're finished feeding each other cake.
Sweetest lyric: "What I got / full stock of thoughts and dreams that scatter / And you pull them all together / And how? I can't explain, oh yeah."

This charming track showcases Connick Jr.'s signature blend of traditional jazz and playful romance. With its clever culinary metaphors and playful piano, it's deliciously appropriate for that moment when you're sharing your first slice as newlyweds.
Sweetest lyric: “It doesn't need sugar 'cause it's already sweet / It doesn't need an oven 'cause it's got a lot of heat / Just add a dash of kisses to make it all complete / And that's a recipe for making love”

Want your cake cutting to kick off the party? This electronic love song starts soft and builds into a dance-worthy moment that'll have your guests ready to celebrate.
Sweetest lyric: "You bring me back to life / And it's all in the name of love”

If your cake-cutting moment is going to transition straight into evening festivities, then this is the song for you. Cherry on the top: Did you know that this club anthem was secretly co-written by Taylor Swift under a pseudonym?
Sweetest lyric: "And everybody's watching her / But she's looking at you."

Having an intimate backyard reception? This heartfelt duet creates the perfect cozy atmosphere for sharing that first slice together.
Sweetest lyric: "I will be the rock that holds you up / And lifts you high so you stand tall”

Beachy reggae rhythms blend with rock energy in this creative mashup. Perfect for couples who want their cake cutting to feel like a carefree celebration
Sweetest lyric: “Baby, let's go outside, I can feel the air is warm / Let's go for a long ride”

This iconic track showcases why Jah Cure is known as one of reggae's most powerful voices. Add it to your playlist for a cake-cutting moment filled with authentic Caribbean spirit.
Sweetest lyric: “Love is the answer for every question / Just ask yourself why, why?”

This 1975 hit literally tells you what to do — making it perhaps the most on-theme choice possible for your cake-cutting celebration.
Sweetest lyric: "Just a little taste of your sweet love / Cut the cake / Don't you know that I can't get enough?”

This heartfelt country ballad adds authentic Appalachian soul to your cake-cutting moment. Its genuine emotion and warm acoustic sound create an atmosphere of honest, unfiltered love.
Sweetest lyric: "I'll love you till my lungs give out. / I ain't lying / I'm all your'n and you're all mine"

A song that celebrates finding joy in life's small moments. What could be more perfect for a sweet slice of your wedding traditions?
Sweetest lyric: "It's the little things that make me love you."

Looking for something contemporary? The sultry groove and sweet theme of this track make it the go-to choice for dessert time.
Sweetest lyric: “I came to find, my fire was fate with you”

Want to capture that fairy-tale feeling? This emotional powerhouse creates the perfect atmosphere for your picture-perfect moment.
Sweetest lyric: "Some people wait a lifetime / For a moment like this."

This '70s favorite adds retro joy to your cake-cutting celebration. Its infectious "ooga-chaka" intro and upbeat energy guarantee smiles all around.
Sweetest lyric: "Girl, you just don't realize / What you do to me."

This modern take on the Marvin Gaye classic adds smooth sophistication to your cake-cutting moment. Bublé's warm vocals and the song's jazzy arrangement create an atmosphere of timeless romance.
Sweetest lyric: "I just want to stop - and thank you baby... woawoa yeah / How sweet it is to be loved by you."

Want to keep things upbeat? This cheerful pop tune brings British charm to your cake-cutting celebration.
Sweetest lyric: “If this is love, then love completes me / 'Cause it feels like I've been missing you”

Add some Jim-and-Pam energy to your cake-cutting. This viral wedding sensation is the ideal choice for couples who want to keep the party going.
Sweetest lyric: "It's you and me moving at the speed of light into eternity."

This breakthrough hit tells a complete love story in just a few minutes. Have a legendary story of your own? Play this number as you share your first slice of cake together.
Sweetest lyric: ”What did I get right to deserve somebody like you? / I wasn't expecting that”

Add eternal romance to your cake-cutting moment with this timeless classic. The King's velvet voice and the song's gentle sway create an atmosphere of enduring love.
Sweetest lyric: "Like a river flows / Surely to the sea / Darling so it goes / Some things are meant to be”

This feel-good hit has sparked joy since 1981. The infectious piano riff and happy energy make it impossible not to smile while sharing that first slice.
Sweetest lyric: ”'Cause I, I ain't the way you found me and I'll never be the same”

What better way to kick off married life together than slicing into the wedding cake with this power ballad as your soundtrack?
Sweetest lyric: "You're my sunshine and I want you to know / That my feelings are true / I really love you / Oh, you're my best friend."

If you're anticipating some wedding cake in your face, "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" is a must-play for the epic cake smash. Be careful picking this song, because you are definitely tempting fate!
Sweetest lyric: "Hit me with your best shot / Fire away."

If you're not saving this 1967 classic love song for your ceremony recessional, then we're all for using it as your cake-cutting song at the end of the night. The original version by The Turtles is always welcome, or you could mix things up with one of the many great covers, including versions by Weezer, The Nylons, and even Miley Cyrus.
Sweetest lyric: "I can't see me lovin' nobody but you / For all my life / When you're with me, baby the skies'll be blue / For all my life."

This charming Beatles tune adds whimsical romance to your cake-cutting moment. Its playful vision of growing old together creates the perfect mood for starting your sweet future.
Sweetest lyric: "Will you still need me, will you still feed me / When I'm sixty-four?"