Cake Cutting Songs: Wedding Song Ideas

A few suggestions for songs to play during your cake cutting

A great song playing in the background during cake cutting is the key aspect in setting the mood.

“Huh? Really?”

That tends to be the response 87.6%** of the time I ask couples “what song would you like me to play during the cake cutting?”

You really do not need anything specific. I always suggest that this is a good time to play a song that didn’t make the other important moments (i.e. recessional/processional, first dance, parents dance, etc.). But a good song helps set the mood in the room. 

I typically schedule cake cuttings as a break during open dancing, so it's nice to have the music act as a buffer between all of the dance music that has been playing up until that point.

If you do not have anything in mind, here’s a look at what I’ve played in the past.

  • Colbie Callait - I Do
  • Def Leppard - Pour Some Sugar On Me
  • Dixie Cups - Going to the Chapel
  • Jagged Edge - Let’s Get Married
  • James Taylor - How Sweet It Is
  • John Legend - All of Me
  • Joe Satriani - Always With Me, Always With You
  • Louis Armstrong - Cheek to Cheek
  • Marvin Gaye - How Sweet It Is
  • Ronnie Liang - Ngiti
  • Sarah McLachlan - Ice Cream
  • She & Him - I Was Made for You
  • The Foundations - Build Me Up Buttercup
  • Train - Marry Me
  • U2 - Sweetest Thing

Each year Mobile Beat Magazine releases a comprehensive list of popular songs that are being played at weddings throughout the United States. Here is a copy of that guide for you to download for free.

I’ve also collected lists from a few websites:

**This is a made up number.

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Justin Kanoya is a wedding DJ based in San Diego. He has served as a DJ and host of more than 300 weddings over the past decade and is a recommended vendor at some of San Diego's finest wedding venues, including the Hotel del Coronado and the Lodge at Torrey Pines. 

Mother/Son Dance Songs: Wedding Song Ideas

What song will you pick for that special moment with your mom on your wedding day?

The mother/song dance is always a special moment for mom.

The mother/song dance is always a special moment for mom.

“Have you asked you mom what song she would like to dance to with you?”

When a groom tells me he doesn’t know what this Mother/Son Dance song is going to be, the above question is one I always ask.

If your reply to that question is, “no,” then I need you to stop reading, pick up your phone and text, call, Facebook message or Snapchat your mom and ask her.

First, she will love the fact you are connecting with her. Second, if you are Snapchatting her, your mom is awesome and so with the times.

If both of you are still perplexed, take a look at these songs I have played at past weddings.

  • Beatles - In My Life
  • Boyz II Men - Song for Mama
  • Celine Dion - Because You Loved Me
  • Dianne - Senora
  • Jennifer Lopez - Let’s Get Loud
  • Kenny Rogers - Through the Years
  • Louis Armstrong - What a Wonderful World
  • Minnie Rippington - Loving You
  • Neil Diamond - When You Wish Upon a Star
  • Rascal Flatts - My Wish

Each year Mobile Beat Magazine releases a comprehensive list of popular songs that are being played at weddings throughout the United States. Here is a copy of that guide for you to download for free.

Also, here are some websites that offer even more suggestions.

Other Posts You May Be Interested In

Justin Kanoya is a wedding DJ based in San Diego. He has served as a DJ and host of more than 300 weddings over the past decade and is a recommended vendor at some of San Diego's finest wedding venues, including the Hotel del Coronado and the Lodge at Torrey Pines. 

First Dance Songs: Wedding Song Ideas

Finding the perfect song for the first dance at your wedding

What will be your "perfect" song for the first dance at your wedding?

If you need a little help picking out your first dance song, here is one exercise I recommend to my clients.

Think about the special moments in your relationship. Was there a song playing in the background? Was there a song playing on the radio? What was the first song on the mix CD he made you -- or Spotify playlist he sent you?

Is there a particular memory that helps recollect a song?

After thinking through all that, if you still need help, then keep reading.
Below is a list of many of the first dance songs I have played over the years at various weddings. Keep in mind, this is an important part of the wedding reception. It’s the one time, everyone you have invited to your wedding is in the room. Its right at the beginning, just after the grand entrance and before dinner. So everyone is there and it’s a magic moment

Here's a collection of some of the songs I've played for the first dance:

  • Andrea Bocelli - Besame Mucho
  • Angels and Airwaves - Breathe
  • Beach Boys - Forever
  • Beatles - In My Life
  • Ben Harper/Michael Buble - Forever/Hold On
  • Beyonce - At Last
  • Bon Jovi - Thank You for Loving Me
  • Brian McKnight - The Only One for Me
  • Carlos Gardel - Por una Cabeza (True Lies Tango)
  • George Strait - Cross My Heart
  • Goo Goo Dolls - Come To Me
  • Jack Johnson - Better Together
  • Jimmy Eat World - For Me This is Heaven
  • John Legend & Meghan Trainor - Like I'm Gonna Lose You
  • Josh Turner - Why Don’t We Just Dance
  • Katie Melua - Just Like Heaven
  • Keith Urban - Only You Can Love Me This Way
  • Michael Buble - Everything
  • Paper Tongues - Love Like You
  • Quiet Storm - Smokey Robinson
  • Sade - By Your Side
  • Shania Twain - From This Moment
  • Tim McMorris - Overwhelmed
  • Train - Marry Me     
  • Van Morrison - Have I Told You Lately
  • Van Morrison - Someone Like You

Each year Mobile Beat Magazine releases a comprehensive list of popular songs that are being played at weddings throughout the United States. Here is a copy of that guide for you to download for free.

And here are some links to some wedding websites with their own First Dance suggestions:

Other Posts You May Be Interested In

Justin Kanoya is a wedding DJ based in San Diego. He has served as a DJ and host of more than 300 weddings over the past decade and is a recommended vendor at some of San Diego's finest wedding venues, including the Hotel del Coronado and the Lodge at Torrey Pines. 
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Father/Daughter Dance Songs: Wedding Song Ideas

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What song will be played for this special moment with your dad?

Picking the right song for the father/daughter dance is key to creating a memorable moment

“Have you asked you dad what song he would like to dance to with you?”

When a bride tells me she doesn’t know what her Father/Daughter Dance song is going to be, the above question is one I always ask.

If your reply to that question is, “no,” then I need you to stop reading, pick up your phone and text, call, Facebook message or Snapchat your dad and ask him -- well never mind about Snapchat, you Dad probably isn’t on it.

Either way, he will love the fact you are connecting with him and you never know, he may have had song in mind ever since you two danced for the first time in your childhood home living room.

If both of you are still perplexed, take a look at these songs I have played at past weddings.

  • Bob Carlisle - Butterfly Kisses
  • Brandon Heath - Love Never Fails
  • Celine Dion/Josh Groban - The Prayer
  • Darius Rucker - It Won't Be Like This For Long
  • Edwin Mcain - Walk With You
  • Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight
  • George Strait - Love Without End
  • Kenny Chesney - There Goes My Life
  • LeAnne Womack - I Hope You Dance
  • Lionel Ritchie - Three Times a Lady
  • Louis Armstrong - What a Wonderful World
  • Michael Buble - The Way You Look Tonight
  • Nat King Cole/Natalie Cole - Unforgettable
  • Temptations - My Girl
  • Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl
  • Van McCoy - The Hustle
  • Heartland - I Loved Her First

Each year Mobile Beat Magazine releases a comprehensive list of popular songs that are being played at weddings throughout the United States. Here is a copy of that guide for you to download for free.

Also, here are some websites that offer even more suggestions:

Other Posts You May Be Interested In

Justin Kanoya is a wedding DJ based in San Diego. He has served as a DJ and host of more than 300 weddings over the past decade and is a recommended vendor at some of San Diego's finest wedding venues, including the Hotel del Coronado and the Lodge at Torrey Pines. 
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Yoga 4 Homeless Fundraiser Kick Off Event - Bird's Surf Shed - San Diego

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Yoga 4 Homeless kicked off their fundraising campaign at Bird's Surf Shed in San Diego. Justin Kanoya, San Diego DJ, provided music for the yoga and dance sessions. 

Yoga 4 Homeless in San Diego was formed to mission to bring yoga to homeless people worldwide. In partnering with yoga teachers, yoga studios, shelters and community centers to the hope is to provide  the homeless community access to yoga classes and equipment.  

This mission kicked off on December 20, 2015 with a fundraising event on Bird’s Surf Shed in San Diego. It was a mix of yoga, meditation and dancing, while beginning the Yoga 4 Homeless challenge. Fox 5 San Diego previewed the event on its morning news program. 

To learn more about how you can volunteer or take part in the challenge, visit the organization GoFundMe page.

Here’s the setlist from the night:

Arrivals

  • COMA - Lora (Robag's Fandara Qualv NB)
  • Daughter - Get Lucky (Daft Punk Cover) (Holtoug Deep House House Edit) (Extended)
  • Don Bravo - My Love
  • Janet Jackson - No Sleeep (Strobe Insomnia Bootleg)
  • Disclosure ft Lion Babe - Hourglass
  • Justin Jay - Rain Dance
  • Ed Sheeran - Photograph (Westphal & Whyman Remix)
  • Duke Dumont - Need U 100% (KREAM Remix) (Clean) (Short Edit)
  • Music P & Marque Aurel - The Feel Good Funk
  • Hudson Mohawke ft Irfane - Very First Breath (Wide Awake Remix)
  • Major Lazer & DJ Snake ft MO - Lean On (Fabian Arche bootleg)
  • Angelo Ferreri - Friendly Gang
  • S.W.V. - Right Here (Human Nature Duet) [Select Mix Remix]
  • Marvin Gaye - What's Going On
  • De La Soul - Ring Ring Ring
  • Ben Harper - Steal My Kisses (remix)
  • TLC - No Scrubs (gLAdiator & Brazzabelle Remix) (Extended)
  • Justin Timberlake ft Jay-Z vs Biggie & Next - Suit & Tie (Too Juicy Blend)
  • Ed Sheeran, Passenger - No Diggity/Thrift Shop (Kygo Remix)


Yoga flow with Jon Old Rowe

  • Alex Morais - Love & Music (Original Mix)
  • Sunlounger - Balearic Breakfast (Chill Version)
  • Ed Sheeran - I See Fire (Kygo Remix)
  • Alpha / Blx - Try to Relax (Original Mix)
  • Taylor Swift - Wildest Dreams (Dj Mike D Remix)
  • P.M. Dawn - I'd Die Without You (Intro Clean)


Parnter Yoga with Chad Scott Nellis

  • Bob Marley - Three Little Birds
  • Jason Mraz - Anything You Want
  • Stevie Wonder - Signed, Sealed, Delivered
  • Sunlounger - Another Day On The Terrace (Chill Mix)


Open Dancing

  • A-Ha - Take On Me (Kygo Remix)
  • Naughty By Nature - Jamboree (Intro Clean)
  • TLC - Baby, Baby, Baby
  • Justin Bieber - Love Yourself (Alan V Redrum)
  • V.I.C. - Wobble
  • Mark Morrison - Return Of The Mack (Select Mix Remix)
  • Mariah Carey - Dreamlover
  • Party Break - Montel Party Break
  • Usher - Yeah (Wedding Crasherz Break) (Extended)
  • Rob Base, DJ E-Z Rock - Joy & Pain (Select Mix Remix)
  • Bell Biv Devoe - Poison
  • Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Downtown (Promo Only Intro Edit)
  • Tupac - California Love (Original Version)
  • Dr. Dre - Next Episode