🎵 20 Alternatives to the Wedding Cake-Cutting
Spice up your reception with unique & delicious alternatives to the traditional wedding cake-cutting ceremony.
Cue “Cut the Cake” 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 “First Pull”
Let the couple pull donuts off a decked-out wall.
Music Pairing: “Sugar” by Maroon 5 - upbeat, fun, and totally sweet. “Donuts, Donuts, Donuts” by LZ - funny.
2. Signature Sip Toast
The couple mixes and shares their own signature cocktails or mocktails.
Music Pairing: “Cheers (Drink to That)” 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. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup for me!
Music Pairing: “I Want Candy” by Bow Wow Wow - playful and cheeky. “Candy” 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: “Sweetest Thing” by U2 - romantic and heartfelt. “Cake by the Ocean” 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: “Ice Cream” by BLACKPINK & Selena Gomez - flirty and fun. “Ice Cream” 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: “Taco Grande” by “Weird Al” Yankovic - lighthearted and hilarious. “Raining Tacos” by Parry Gripp - another funny but hype song.
7. Pizza Slice Ceremony
Half-and-half pizza, pulled apart for the perfect photo op. It’s even okay for those who like pineapple on their pizza LOL.
Music Pairing: “That’s Amore” by Dean Martin - classic, kitschy, crowd-pleasing, and fits the Italian pizza vibe. “Pizza” 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: “The Coffee Song” by Frank Sinatra - smooth and jazzy. “Falling In Love At A Coffee Shop” by Landon Pigg - indie romantic vibe.
9. S’mores Campfire Exchange
Roast, stack, and share the gooey goodness.
Music Pairing: “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele - a theme of setting a fire. “Campfire” by Satellite Stories - upbeat indie rock track.
10. Popcorn Flavor Toss
Trade custom popcorn mixes (think cheddar caramel, matcha, truffle).
Music Pairing: “Popcorn” by Hot Butter - retro, quirky instrumental. “Popcorn” by Barenaked Ladies - another quirky offbeat pop-rock song.
11. Bubble Tea Cheers
Sip matching or mixed bubble teas with colorful straws.
Music Pairing: “Bubble Pop!” by HyunA - energetic and K-pop fabulous. “Bubble Tea” 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: “Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson - chill and romantic. “Pancakes & Butter” 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: “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” by Marvin Gaye -or- James Taylor - smooth and timeless. “Cheesecake” 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: “Chocolate” by The 1975 - mellow with a hint of groove. “Chocolate” by Snow Patrol - Alternative rock with a heartfelt tone.
15. Crepe Suzette Fire Show
Flambéed crepes or desserts prepared live.
Music Pairing: “Burn” by Ellie Goulding - dramatic and dazzling. “Fire” 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: “American Pie” by Don McLean - nostalgic and storytelling-rich. “Cherry Pie” 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: “Milkshake” by Kelis - cheeky and dance-worthy. “Cookie Jar” by Gym Class Heroes - a pop-rap hit.
18. Froyo Topping Ritual
Serve frozen yogurt with sweet toppings.
Music Pairing: “Cold as Ice” by Foreigner - a rock anthem with a biting message. “Let It Go” by Idina Menzel (from Frozen) - the ultimate cold-weather anthem.
19. Fruit Skewer Toast
Juicy, colorful fruit skewers are arranged and exchanged.
Music Pairing: “Peaches” by Justin Bieber - summery and mellow. “Strawberry Fields Forever” 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: “La Vie en Rose” by Édith Piaf - sweet, chic, and très romantique. “Je te Laisserai des Mots” 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.