Cake Smash Ideas

Jul 19

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Deciding on the cake smash theme can be fun or it can be stressful depending on your personality! Usually, this process starts with hours of Pinterest scrolling!! Before you get to scrolling, here are a few pro tips for creating timeless memories of your little one as they turn One! Scroll to the bottom for some of my favorite sessions this year!

1. Pick a "theme" or color scheme

Before you start scrolling and get overwhelmed with possibilities, what is your overall vision for the session? Are you wanting to send the picture as part of the birthday party invitation? What is the theme for the party?

2. Contact your photographer

Before you start ordering all the things, get in touch with your photographer and see how they can help make your Pinterest dreams a reality! Meeting with your photographer will help with overall concepts and create the vision for the session. They will also be able to help you with when to schedule, bakers, and they may even have several of the props and things you may need. Talk to your photographer about some simple, non-themed pictures too! These are essential as they are likely the ones you are most apt to display in your home. I typically start my session with the simple white backdrop to capture those images, then start the "birthday theme" portion of the session.

3. Order the cake

Here are some pro tips on the cake! Be sure the cake itself is a white cake (not chocolate). When a baby smashes into a chocolate cake it gets all in their teeth and may result in some pictures you don't love! Keep the color fairly neutral, for the same reason mentioned before about the chocolate. When it comes to icing, limit the fondant to a minimum, it's harder for littles to mash into! Cake toppers are great but don't stress about it as it will likely only last the first few seconds and then your baby will probably pull it out.

4. Plan the outfits

I recommend two outfits, one for the simple setup pictures and another for the birthday theme! For boys, the cake smash portion is easy, just pants, suspenders & pants, or diaper only, nothing too complicated! When it comes to girls, I am more modest and recommend no bare chest! Typically the icing is a lighter color and washes out of clothes easily, so don't let that scare you when it comes to picking out something to wear! My recent session, see below 'Simple Floral Cake Smash', went with a cute overall without a shirt under and it was so adorable!