Most couples cut their cake immediately before or after dinner – before dancing is in full swing. Playing some background music during the cake-cutting serves two purposes: 1) It lets your guests know that something is happening that they should pay attention to and 2) It provides a segue into the dancing portion of the reception. Without further ado, here are our top cake-cutting song picks:

 

1. “Sugar, Sugar”  – The Archies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9nE2spOw_o

 

This sweet song was originally recorded by The Archies, a fiction band in the “Archie” universe. It reached No. 1 in the United States on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1969 and remained there for four weeks. 

 

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

 

Are you noticing a theme here? Any song that mentions sugar is sure to please during the cake-cutting. We love this classic written and produced by Motown’s main production team: Holland-Dozier-Holland. It is one of the most well-known Motown recordings of the 1960s and among the decade’s biggest hits.

 

3. “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)”– Marvin Gaye

 

Originally recorded by Marvin Gaye in 1964, this song was also popularly covered by James Taylor in 1975. Lyrics include: “I needed the shelter of someone’s arms and there you were/I needed someone to understand my ups and downs and there you were/With sweet love and devotion/Deeply touching my emotion/I want to stop and thank you baby/I wanna stop and thank you baby, yes I do.”

 

4. “Sugar”  – Maroon 5

 

The first song on our list recorded in this decade (2015), “Sugar” is a must-have at any wedding. The music video even features the band “crashing” several weddings (as if anyone would be upset about Adam Levine showing up on their special day!). 

 

5. “Cake by the Ocean”  – DNCE

 

Yes, this song came about because of a misuse of the phrase “sex on the beach,” but it specifically mentions cake so it’s a shoo-in for a cake-cutting song. Bonus points if your wedding is oceanside! 

 

6. “A Moment Like This”  – Kelly Clarkson

 

This 2002 song is especially perfect for a memorable moment such as your cake-cutting, which while only a small part of your reception is something you’ll remember forever. Lyrics include: “A moment like this/Some people wait a lifetime/For a moment like this/Some people search forever/For that one special kiss/Oh, I can’t believe it’s happening to me/Some people wait a lifetime/For a moment like this.”

 

7. “I Want Candy” – The Strangeloves

 

Written and originally recorded by The Strangeloves in 1965, this song reached No. 11 in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Looking for a segue into dessert (especially a candy bar?)? This song is it.  

 

8. “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” – Pat Benetar

 

Some couples gently feed each other a piece of their wedding cake while others go for the smash. If you fall into the latter category, consider this playful hit from 1980. But be careful what you wish for! 

 

9. “Honey Bee” – Blake Shelton

 

Is there anything sweeter than a Blake Shelton song? The highly talented “The Voice” star will always be one of our favorites, especially for all the sweet references in this 2011 hit: “You’ll be my soft and sweet/I’ll be your strong and steady/You’ll be my glass of wine/I’ll be your shot of whiskey/You’ll be my sunny day/I’ll be your shade tree/You’ll be my honeysuckle/I’ll be your honey bee.” 

 

10. “Today Was a Fairy Tale” – Taylor Swift

 

Written and recorded by T. Swift, “Today Was a Fairy Tale” is a perfect summary of your wedding day. Enjoy your fairy tale – and a piece of cake!