A couple’s wedding day is usually something they’ve been looking forward to for years. And once the planning process began, there’s a good chance that the bride and groom tried to do everything in their power to make sure that the big day ran smoothly.
It’s impossible to predict every potential surprise that could present itself during the wedding, but the last thing anyone would expect is for the bride or groom to ruin the event themselves. One man recently posted a story on Reddit detailing how he could tell a marriage was doomed from the start after watching how the groom treated his wife during their reception. Below, you’ll find the full story, as well as a conversation with wedding expert Megan, the voice behind Modern MOH.
Sharing the first bites of their wedding cake with one another is a tradition that many couples follow
Image credits: anatoliycherkas / envatoelements (not the actual photo)
But this guest immediately knew that something was off when he watched a groom aggressively smash cake onto his bride’s face
Image credits: MBWill8809
“Most modern couples are skipping [the cake smash] in favor of something a little more… respectful”
Image credits: gail / flickr (not the actual photo)
To find out more about how this tradition is seen today, we got in touch with Megan, the voice behind Modern MOH. The wedding expert was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and discuss how common cake smashes really are.
“The cake smash thing used to be fairly common, especially in the early 2000s when people thought it was peak comedy. But these days, it’s thankfully fading out,” Megan shared. “Most modern couples are skipping it in favor of something a little more… respectful.”
The expert noted that she’s actually never seen a cake smash in person, but she’s definitely heard about them. “And let’s just say the reported aftermath was not cute,” Megan noted. “More often than not, it turns into a moment of discomfort rather than a fun surprise. It might seem like a playful idea, but when you mix expensive hair, makeup, and months of wedding planning with an unexpected frosting facial, the vibe can shift pretty fast.”
She also added that she and her husband are all for fun, just in the right setting. “To celebrate our first anniversary, we did a ‘trash the dress’ photo session and had a full-on cake smash,” Megan shared. “It was hilarious, messy, and totally on our terms. No pressure, no surprise, no crowd watching—just us being silly and marking our first year of marriage in a way that felt like us. It was fun without a hint of disrespect or embarrassment, and honestly, that’s the way to do it if you’re into the cake chaos!”
And if a groom is considering going for a cake smash on his wedding day, the expert says he absolutely needs to have that conversation with his bride ahead of time. “Even if it’s meant as a joke, doing it without consent is a major breach of trust, and in front of an audience, it can feel more humiliating than playful,” she noted.
“There’s also the very real risk of someone getting hurt, such as in this case. Plus, many wedding cakes have internal supports—like wooden dowels or skewers—to keep the layers stable. If someone gets shoved face-first into a cake, they could end up hitting one of those hidden structures with disastrous results,” Megan continued. “Not exactly the kind of memory anyone wants from their wedding day.”
“Playfulness is great, but not at the cost of comfort or safety. Always talk it through first,” the expert told Bored Panda. “A surprise that ends in embarrassment—or worse, injury—isn’t a joke, it’s a red flag.”
“There are plenty of other playful, sweet ways to add fun to the wedding without triggering a meltdown”
Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)
So what are some harmless alternatives that couples can opt for rather than a cake smash? “There are plenty of other playful, sweet ways to add fun to the wedding without triggering a meltdown,” Megan shared.
“If a groom wants to surprise his bride in a cute, silly way, one of my absolute favorites is a funny, personalized song. Picture the groom grabbing a mic and performing a cheeky little number about how lucky he is, how he plans to always load the dishwasher right, or how her true love language is ‘coffee and Amazon Prime,'” she continued. “Bonus points if he has the groomsmen as backup dancers or if he attempts choreography—it’s charming, goofy, and guaranteed to get laughs without ruining anyone’s evening (or lipstick).”
Some other ideas Megan shared that won’t ruin the marriage or the bride’s makeup include: “A choreographed dance with the groomsmen. (Always a crowd-pleaser, and way more entertaining than a frosting ambush.) A sweet, unexpected toast—something genuine with a funny twist. [And] custom socks, boxers, or cufflinks with her face on them (hilarious and harmless).”
“Bottom line? The best surprises are the ones that make both people laugh, not just one,” Megan added.
Finally, the expert says, “Weddings are meant to be joyful, but also mutual. If you’re going to share your life with someone, you should also be able to read the room and respect their comfort zone. Humor is great. Surprises can be fun. But respect is everything.”
“And if you’re not sure whether smashing cake in her face is a good idea? It’s probably not,” Megan warns. “Stick to the kind of memories you’ll both want to laugh about for years, not regret the next morning.”
We would love to hear your thoughts on this story in the comments below, pandas. Would you have been happy if your spouse smashed a cake onto your face at your wedding? Feel free to weigh in, and then you can find another Bored Panda article discussing similar wedding drama right here!
Readers were quick to share their thoughts on cake smashes, and the author chimed in to share more details
Many agreed that witnessing a cake smash at the wedding is usually a bad sign for the future of the marriage
