"Unique Experiences: 9 Original Alternatives to Cake Cutting for Guests"
2021.03.17 published
Do You Want to Have a Cake Cutting Ceremony?
There is a common image that when the wedding cake appears at the reception, the cake cutting and the first bite will take place...
However, it is not uncommon for couples nowadays to choose not to perform a cake cutting ceremony.
They may feel somewhat embarrassed, not fully resonate with the meaning of the first bite, or think it doesn't feel like "them."
It seems that more and more couples are looking to do a different "first joint activity" instead of cutting the cake.
There is no rule that says you must have a cake cutting just because you have a wedding cake! Since it's your wedding, you should create a ceremony that you genuinely want to do.
What Are Some Alternatives to the Cake Cutting Ceremony?
Over the years, many alternative ideas have emerged from couples who want to do a "first joint activity" that is not the cake cutting.
In recent years, "color drip," where syrup is poured over a wedding cake to complete it, has been particularly popular.
There are also ideas for cutting into food other than cake, like tuna or meat, and feeding it to each other.
In this article, we will introduce some alternative performance ideas for cake cutting that you can confidently present, as they are likely something your guests have never seen before!
Brides who plan to skip the cake cutting ceremony may find this useful.
Unusual Alternative Performance Idea 1
The first idea is perfect for a summer wedding.
Instead of a wedding cake, the couple pours syrup over a large shaved ice!
The large shaved ice makes a fantastic entrance, and the excitement peaks at the moment when they pour the syrup together.
Using a watermelon rind as a bowl is also unique.
Unusual Alternative Performance Idea 2
This couple decided to sprinkle sugar over a cupcake tower together.
The groom’s last name is "Sato."
They had the guests chant "Sa-to-u! Sa-to-u! Sa-to-u!" to cheer on Sato (sugar).
It's a fun collaborative activity unique to them, perfect for anyone with the last name Sato to want to replicate!
Unusual Alternative Performance Idea 3
A popular joint activity for couples having a traditional Japanese wedding or changing into kimono during the event is "mitarashi drip."
The couple pours sauce over dumplings to create mitarashi dango.
While we've mentioned this in previous posts, it's quite a rare event nationwide (indeed, there's a bride who was told this was the first time ever at that venue).
This performance is sure to surprise and delight the guests.
Unusual Alternative Performance Idea 4
This bride and groom met while working part-time at a noodle shop and chose to do "udon cutting"!
They knead and cut udon noodles and then serve them as a mini udon buffet for the guests.
Initially, they didn’t want any flashy performances, but upon realizing it could mean sharing their happiness with those who celebrate their marriage, they changed their minds and opted for something.
Making it a joint activity relevant to their story gives it a more meaningful touch.
Unusual Alternative Performance Idea 5
An idea is to take a big donut larger than an adult's face and bite into it together!
The big donut was specially ordered for this occasion.
Biting into oversized foods like donuts, cookies, or bread can also serve as an alternative to the first bite.
Interestingly, the wedding cake is not just a regular cake, but a donut tower at the bottom. I wonder if the guests will get to enjoy donuts after this!
Unusual Alternative Performance Idea 6
This couple's joint activity is quite unique!
Instead of a cake, a wooden barrel makes an appearance.
They team up to break open the lid of the barrel with a mallet. It’s reminiscent of a sake barrel opening ceremony. Encouragement from guests will surely heighten the atmosphere!
What comes out is not alcohol... but rather, they pull out miso!
Perhaps the couple has a connection to one of their hometowns or their occupations?
Regardless, guests will definitely be surprised.
And what do they plan to do with this miso?
They dip fresh vegetables into it and eat!
We might even call it a "miso bite" instead of a first bite.
Everything about this is a truly unique performance.
Unusual Alternative Performance Idea 7
There are other couples who also chose to feed each other vegetables.
This bride and groom are particular about their vegetables, with the groom’s father running a produce shop.
Instead of cake, they arranged to have a hollowed-out pumpkin filled with lots of vegetables.
In front of the guests, they stuff vegetables into the pumpkin and pour pickling liquid together.
This becomes their joint activity replacing the cake cutting, known as "making pickles"!
For their first bite, they prepared a bagna cauda sauce to feed each other vegetables.
The MC announced, "Choose what to feed from inside the pumpkin," and the crowd burst into cheers like, "Onion! Bell pepper! Garlic!" creating a lively atmosphere.
Unusual Alternative Performance Idea 8
A couple prepared a giant pudding instead of a wedding cake.
However, the surprise doesn’t end there.
They likened the pudding to Sakurajima and ignited fireworks to represent an eruption! Additionally, they sprinkled sesame powder to resemble volcanic ash, completing their Sakurajima pudding.
(Swipe to check it out! The impact is incredible...!)
Incorporating ideas related to the couple's hometown will surely delight the guests.
Unusual Alternative Performance Idea 9
The final idea is performing a collaborative activity by decorating a pure white wedding cake together.
They prepare a simple cylindrical cake and drizzle chocolate sauce over it, followed by piping whipped cream.
While the color drip simply completes with the sauce, this unique process has an additional step that's interesting!
They place strawberries on top of the whipped cream, completing it!
The snowy white cake becomes an elegant wedding cake through the couple's hands.
It’s a rare opportunity to see a couple decorating their wedding cake, which is bound to be enjoyable for the guests.
A Unique First Joint Activity That Represents You
We have shared various first collaborative activity performance ideas for couples who won’t be doing a cake cutting at their reception.
Many are enhancing their receptions with performances that are meaningful to them, reflecting their hometowns, encounters, and commonalities.