đ” 20 Alternatives to the Wedding Cake-Cutting
Spice up your reception with unique & delicious alternatives to the traditional wedding cake-cutting ceremony.
Cue âCut the Cakeâ by Average White Band! (record scratch)
I believe every tradition deserves a new take, and the wedding cake-cutting ceremony is no exception.
Whether you're not a cake couple, want a more interactive moment, or just looking to surprise your guests with something unexpected (and delicious), these music-paired alternatives hit all the right notes (pun intended).
From pizza slices to pancake flips, each idea brings its own flavor and a soundtrack to match.
20 Alternatives to the Wedding Cake Cutting
1. Donut Wall âFirst Pullâ
Let the couple pull donuts off a decked-out wall.
Music Pairing: âSugarâ by Maroon 5 - upbeat, fun, and totally sweet. âDonuts, Donuts, Donutsâ by LZ - funny.
2. Signature Sip Toast
The couple mixes and shares their own signature cocktails or mocktails.
Music Pairing: âCheers (Drink to That)â by Rihanna - a party-starting toast anthem. "Raise Your Glass" by P!nk - another themed toast hype song.
3. Candy Bar Love Swap
Exchange your favorite candy bars in a cute, nostalgic twist. Reeseâs Peanut Butter Cup for me!
Music Pairing: âI Want Candyâ by Bow Wow Wow - playful and cheeky. âCandyâ by Cameo - for a more risque but themed song.
4. Mini Bundt Cake Tower
Cut personal bundts, each with a unique flavor. Each guest can select their own flavor too. Nothing Bundt Cakes is the perfect supplier of these desserts.
Music Pairing: âSweetest Thingâ by U2 - romantic and heartfelt. âCake by the Oceanâ by DNCE for a more upbeat selection.
5. Ice Cream Unity Scoop
Share scoops from a vintage cart or artisan vendor. It can even be gelato. Think Ben & Jerry's to Baskin-Robbins.
Music Pairing: âIce Creamâ by BLACKPINK & Selena Gomez - flirty and fun. âIce Creamâ by Sarah McLachlan - romantic touch.
6. Taco Bar Toast
They build tacos for each other and share a bite. Your wedding does not have to be on a Tuesday to make this happen!
Music Pairing: âTaco Grandeâ by âWeird Alâ Yankovic - lighthearted and hilarious. âRaining Tacosâ by Parry Gripp - another funny but hype song.
7. Pizza Slice Ceremony
Half-and-half pizza, pulled apart for the perfect photo op. Itâs even okay for those who like pineapple on their pizza LOL.
Music Pairing: âThatâs Amoreâ by Dean Martin - classic, kitschy, crowd-pleasing, and fits the Italian pizza vibe. âPizzaâ by Martin Garrix - An EDM instrumental anthem.
8. Coffee Pour-Over Unity
Brew and sip their favorite roast together. Be sure to include their favorite sugar and creamers too - just the way they like it.
Music Pairing: âThe Coffee Songâ by Frank Sinatra - smooth and jazzy. âFalling In Love At A Coffee Shopâ by Landon Pigg - indie romantic vibe.
9. Sâmores Campfire Exchange
Roast, stack, and share the gooey goodness.
Music Pairing: âSet Fire to the Rainâ by Adele - a theme of setting a fire. âCampfireâ by Satellite Stories - upbeat indie rock track.
10. Popcorn Flavor Toss
Trade custom popcorn mixes (think cheddar caramel, matcha, truffle).
Music Pairing: âPopcornâ by Hot Butter - retro, quirky instrumental. âPopcornâ by Barenaked Ladies - another quirky offbeat pop-rock song.
11. Bubble Tea Cheers
Sip matching or mixed bubble teas with colorful straws.
Music Pairing: âBubble Pop!â by HyunA - energetic and K-pop fabulous. âBubble Teaâ by sonyo - an indie rock with a perfect smooth vibe.
12. Pancake Stack Flip
Cook or stack mini pancakes, add toppings, and feed each other.
Music Pairing: âBanana Pancakesâ by Jack Johnson - chill and romantic. âPancakes & Butterâ by Jason Mraz - a romantic pop track.
13. Cheesecake Dip Platter
Dip into bite-sized cheesecake cubes with sauces and toppings. Think fondue love!
Music Pairing: âHow Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)â by Marvin Gaye -or- James Taylor - smooth and timeless. âCheesecakeâ by Louis Armstrong - a fun and classic jazz tune.
14. Chocolate Fountain First Dip
Dip marshmallows, fruit, or even pretzels. Whatever suits your fancy, as they say.
Music Pairing: âChocolateâ by The 1975 - mellow with a hint of groove. âChocolateâ by Snow Patrol - Alternative rock with a heartfelt tone.
15. Crepe Suzette Fire Show
Flambéed crepes or desserts prepared live.
Music Pairing: âBurnâ by Ellie Goulding - dramatic and dazzling. âFireâ by The Pointer Sisters - a flirty R&B classic.
16. Pie Cutting & Sharing
Rustic pies (think bourbon pecan, strawberry rhubarb). You can even keep it simple with apple and cherry.
Music Pairing: âAmerican Pieâ by Don McLean - nostalgic and storytelling-rich. âCherry Pieâ by Warrant - classic rock hits the spot.
17. Cookie Dunk Off
A milk and cookies exchange. You can even have a dunking challenge.
Music Pairing: âMilkshakeâ by Kelis - cheeky and dance-worthy. âCookie Jarâ by Gym Class Heroes - a pop-rap hit.
18. Froyo Topping Ritual
Serve frozen yogurt with sweet toppings.
Music Pairing: âCold as Iceâ by Foreigner - a rock anthem with a biting message. âLet It Goâ by Idina Menzel (from Frozen) - the ultimate cold-weather anthem.
19. Fruit Skewer Toast
Juicy, colorful fruit skewers are arranged and exchanged.
Music Pairing: âPeachesâ by Justin Bieber - summery and mellow. âStrawberry Fields Foreverâ by The Beatles - a classic inspired by a real place.
20. Macaron Tower Moment
Choose a colored macaron and feed each other from a dazzling tower.
Music Pairing: âLa Vie en Roseâ by Ădith Piaf - sweet, chic, and trĂšs romantique. âJe te Laisserai des Motsâ by Patrick Watson - tender and poetic.
Do you have an idea to add to the list? Please share in an email reply.
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Thanks for reading!
Matthew Campbell
Wedding MusicLetter
P.S. Check out my wedding music planning bookstore for printed books and digital downloads.