How to Choose a Cake Cutting Song (Without Overthinking It)

When it comes to planning your wedding reception, there are a few moments that couples often imagine in big, romantic, slow-motion detail—cutting the cake is one of them. But here’s the truth from someone who's been behind the scenes of hundreds of weddings: the cake cutting is usually a blink-and-you-miss-it kind of moment.

That’s not to say it doesn’t deserve a great soundtrack—it absolutely does! But it’s also one of those parts of the day where it’s okay to have fun, keep it simple, and not stress too much.

A smiling couple cuts the cake at their rustic barn wedding while a wedding DJ plays the perfect son

The happy bride and groom feed each other cake after their cake cutting while their DJ plays their s

Bride and groom dancing into their wedding reception as wedding DJ plays their selected song

Photos by Aleisha Edwards Photography

Why We Don’t Recommend a Live Song for This Moment

At The Famos, we work with incredible wedding singers and live musicians across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast. But when it comes to the cake cutting, we always opt for an MP3 rather than a live performance. Why?

Because the moment is short. Really short.

More often than not, the MC will need to jump on the mic partway through to announce what’s happening, or transition into the next formal event. With a pre-recorded track, we have full control—we can fade it in, drop the volume when the MC speaks, and fade it out when it’s time to move on. A live performance just doesn’t offer that same flexibility.

A Quick Reality Check: It’s Not a Showstopper (And That’s Okay)

A lot of couples assume that the cake cutting is going to be a big cinematic moment. The truth? It often happens in the middle of other reception formalities, takes less than a minute, and sometimes the guests don’t even realise it’s happening until it’s halfway done.

So don’t overthink it. Choose a song that makes you smile, fits your vibe, or just feels like a sweet little moment between the two of you.

Fun Song Ideas for Your Cake Cutting

If you’re stuck on what to choose, here are a few styles and suggestions to get your wheels turning:

“Sweet” Themed Songs

Lean into the cake puns! These playful, light-hearted tunes are always crowd-pleasers:

• “Sugar, Sugar” – The Archies

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

• “Sugar” – Maroon 5

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

Romantic & Upbeat Anthems

If you want something that’s both celebratory and full of love:

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

• “You Make My Dreams” – Hall & Oates

• “For Once In My Life” – Stevie Wonder

• “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” – Stevie Wonder

• “Can’t Stop the Feeling” – Justin Timberlake

• “Best Day of My Life” – American Authors

• “We Found Love” – Rihanna

Relaxed and Feel-Good

Perfect for couples who want something low-key, folky, or a bit more sentimental:

• “You Are the Best Thing” – Ray LaMontagne

• “Crazy Love” – Van Morrison

• “Real Love Baby” – Father John Misty

• “Love You For A Long Time” – Maggie Rogers

• “I’m In Love With You” – The 1975

• “Give Myself to You” – The Dreggs

  
  

Whether you go playful, heartfelt, or a bit quirky, the cake cutting song is more of a sweet sprinkle than the whole dessert. So have fun with it!

Smiling bride and groom cut 3 layer cake for their guests at Maleny wedding reception

Wedding cake before the couple cuts into it at their wedding reception

Newlywed couple kissing as guests cheer while live wedding music plays in the background

Photos by Luke Middlemiss Photography

Alternatives if You're Looking for Something Different

Of course, not every couple does a traditional cake cutting anymore. Some are opting for fun alternatives like a champagne tower, breaking open a cake-shaped piñata, or even slicing into a cheese wheel instead! Whatever moment you choose to mark the celebration, having the right song ready helps set the tone—and adds to the fun.

Photo by Graeme Passmore Photography

Making Your Reception Run Smoothly with the Right Music Team

The cake cutting might not be the main event, but it’s one more opportunity to make your wedding day feel like “you.” Choosing experienced wedding entertainment professionals—whether that's a wedding DJ, live music band, or solo wedding singers—can make all the difference in how your reception flows.

At The Famos, we help couples across Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, and Gold Coast find the perfect live wedding music and DJs to bring their big day to life. Want more help planning your music moments? Reach out—we’d love to help!