Planning a Cake Smash Session: What Parents Should Know Before Baby's First Birthday
Updated: 1 hour ago
Your baby's first birthday is such a fun milestone to celebrate, and a cake smash session gives us a chance to capture much more than just the moment they get their hands into the cake.
When parents first contact me about a cake smash, they sometimes aren't sure how the session works or how far ahead they should start planning. There are themes to choose from, a cake to coordinate, outfits to think about and, of course, a one-year-old whose mood and personality may ultimately determine how the session goes.
Over the years, I've learned that no two cake smash sessions are exactly alike. Some little ones can't wait to dig into the frosting, while others carefully touch the cake with one finger—or decide they would rather not get messy at all. Some smile from beginning to end, while others are much more serious once they're in a new environment. That's all part of photographing this age.
At my studio in Alamogordo, I plan cake smash sessions to capture more than just the cake. We create beautiful first-birthday portraits, fun bathtub photos and, of course, the messy cake smash itself. Each part of the session gives us something a little different and helps tell the story of this milestone.
In this guide, I'll walk you through how I plan cake smash sessions at Blessed Moments Photography, including when to book, choosing a theme, what to bring, what your baby should wear and what to expect if your little one isn't quite as excited about smashing the cake as you thought they might be.
When Should You Schedule a Cake Smash Session?
When planning a cake smash session, one of the first things to think about is when you want to have the finished photographs.
If you're hoping to use the photos for your baby's first birthday party, invitations, decorations or simply want to have them back before the actual birthday, I recommend scheduling the session about two to three weeks before the birthday. This gives me time to carefully edit your images and deliver the finished gallery without having to rush through the process.
I also recommend contacting me about a month before you'd like to have the session. Cake smash sessions take a little more planning than a typical portrait session. I coordinate the cake with Monicakes, and we need to make sure the date works with her schedule as well as mine. Planning ahead also gives me time to gather any additional props or materials we may need, especially if we're creating something different for your baby's theme.
Of course, there's nothing wrong with having the cake smash right around or even after the first birthday if you aren't trying to have the photographs ready for a particular date. The important thing is giving us enough time to plan the session you want rather than feeling like everything has to happen on your baby's actual birthday.
Once we have the date planned, the next fun part is deciding what kind of cake smash theme you want to create.
Choosing a Cake Smash Theme
Choosing the theme is one of the most fun parts of planning a cake smash session. Some parents already have an idea in mind because they're using the same theme for their baby's first birthday party, while others aren't quite sure what they want and would rather look through ideas first.
Over the years, I've created a large collection of cake smash themes, so there's a good chance I may already have a setup that fits what you're looking for. You can browse my existing Cake Smash themes to see some of the sets I've created and find inspiration for your baby's session.
If you choose one of my existing themes, it is included with my Signature Smash Cake Session. I provide the backdrop and props, cake stand, some balloons and the cake from Monicakes. Parents just need to plan the outfits they would like their little one to wear.
If you have something completely different in mind, I also offer custom cake smash sessions. Creating a new theme may require ordering a new backdrop, decorations or other props, so custom sessions cost a little more and are another reason why it's helpful to plan ahead.
You can also bring some of your own decorations if you'd like. I've had families use props they were already planning to have at the birthday party, which can help us personalize the cake smash while also keeping the cost of creating a completely new setup down.
Whether you choose one of my existing themes or we create something new, I want the setup to feel like it was chosen specifically to celebrate your little one turning one.
What Happens During a Cake Smash Session?
A cake smash session is about more than putting a cake in front of your baby and waiting to see what happens. I like to create several different types of portraits during the session so families have a variety of images to remember this stage.
We start with your baby's first-birthday portraits while they're still clean and wearing their nicer outfit. These are often the photographs Mom and Dad choose to print and display at home. Depending on the setup, we may also use simple birthday props such as the number 1 or the letters O-N-E.
If you've added family portraits to your session, we'll actually photograph those first. This gives us a chance to capture a few family images while your little one is fresh and also gives them some time to get comfortable with me and the studio while Mom, Dad, or siblings are right there with them. I've learned over the years that one-year-olds tend to have their own internal time limit for how long they want to participate, so I don't spend too much time on this portion of the session.
I also include fun bathtub portraits as part of the experience. I used to save these until after the cake smash, but I've learned that photographing them earlier keeps the session moving more smoothly. Your finished gallery can still tell the story of the birthday celebration without your baby going from completely covered in frosting straight into another set of photographs.
Then it's time for the part everyone has been waiting for—the cake smash. We'll change your baby into the outfit you don't mind getting messy, bring out the cake, and see what they think.
This is one of my favorite parts because there's no way to predict exactly what a one-year-old will do. Some babies dive right in, some carefully investigate the frosting, and others need a little encouragement before deciding whether this whole cake-smash idea is for them.
Once we've captured plenty of photos with the cake, we'll wrap up the session and get your little one cleaned up. That's where having a towel, baby wipes, and a clean change of clothes ready will come in handy.
What Should Your Baby Wear for a Cake Smash Session?
I recommend bringing two outfits for your baby's cake smash session because they serve two very different purposes.
The first should be the outfit you really want your baby photographed in. They'll wear this for their first-birthday portraits before we bring out the cake. It could be a special birthday outfit, a dress, jeans and a cute shirt, or simply something you love seeing your little one wear. These are often the photos parents choose to print and display, so I encourage you to pick something you really love.
The second outfit is for the actual cake smash—and this is the one you should be completely comfortable getting messy. Frosting has a way of ending up everywhere, so I wouldn't choose anything for this part of the session that you're worried about staining or getting dirty.
When choosing the cake smash outfit, it can also be helpful to think about the theme we've planned. The outfit doesn't have to match every color in the setup, but choosing something that works well with the backdrop and decorations can help everything come together in the finished photographs.
I don't provide outfits for cake smash sessions because I offer so many different themes and every baby's style and size is different. If you're unsure about what to bring, though, you're always welcome to show me what you're considering so we can make sure it works well with the setup.
And don't forget to pack one more clean outfit for the ride home. After all, we are intentionally giving a one-year-old a cake and permission to make a mess!
The Cake: What Parents Need to Know
Of course, we can't have a cake smash without the cake! I work with Monicakes to provide the cakes for my cake smash sessions, making it one less thing parents have to coordinate on their own.
Once we've chosen your theme, I show Monicakes an example of the setup I'm creating for your baby's session. She then designs the cake to coordinate with the theme, colors, and overall look of the set. I love having the cake feel like part of the entire setup rather than something added at the last minute.
A standard cake from Monicakes is included in the cake smash session price. If you have something more elaborate or different from the cakes I normally use, we can certainly discuss it. Depending on the request, there may be an additional charge for the cake, which would be added to the session price.
If your baby has food allergies or dietary restrictions, please let me know when you book. Because Monicakes prepares many different types of cakes in her bakery, she does not offer allergy-specific cakes for my cake smash sessions. If you have allergy concerns, you're welcome to provide your own cake so you can choose an option you feel comfortable giving your child.
And remember, your baby doesn't have to completely destroy the cake for us to get great photographs. Some babies dive right in, while others may only taste a little frosting or need some encouragement from Mom or Dad. How your little one reacts is part of what makes each cake smash session different.
Schedule Around Your Baby's Nap and Happiest Time of Day
One of the most important things to consider when scheduling a cake smash session is your baby's normal routine. At this age, a tired baby can quickly become an unhappy baby, so whenever possible, I recommend planning the session after your little one has napped rather than trying to squeeze it in right before they're due to sleep.
Every baby has a different schedule, so there isn't one perfect cake smash time that works for everyone. Think about when your baby is normally the happiest and most playful during the day. That's usually a much better time for photographs than choosing an appointment time simply because it's the most convenient.
Even with perfect timing, remember that the studio is a different environment from home. Your baby may need a little time to warm up, and that's completely normal. This is where Mom, Dad, grandparents, or siblings can help. Familiar faces making silly noises, playing peekaboo, or simply interacting with your little one can help them relax and have fun.
I also recommend having a favorite song ready on your phone. If there's a song that always gets your baby smiling, bouncing, or dancing at home, it may work its magic in the studio too. A favorite toy and a few familiar snacks can also help when you need to get their attention or give them a little break.
Most importantly, don't put too much pressure on your little one—or yourself—to perform for the camera. One-year-olds tend to have their own ideas about how long they're willing to participate. I've learned to work within that window, keep things moving, and capture their personality as it unfolds rather than expecting every baby to react the same way.
What If Your Baby Doesn't Smash the Cake—or Smile?
One of the biggest things I want parents to know before a cake smash session is that we can't predict how a one-year-old will react. Your baby may smile all day long at home and then arrive at the studio and become much more serious. They're in a different environment with lights, decorations, and a photographer watching them, so sometimes they simply need a little time to take everything in.
The same is true when we bring out the cake. Some babies immediately put both hands into the frosting, while others aren't quite sure what they're supposed to do with it. I've photographed little ones who love making a mess and others who don't like the feeling of frosting on their hands at all.
If your baby is hesitant, Mom or Dad can offer a little frosting on a finger so they can taste it. Sometimes that's all it takes for their expression to change once they realize there's something sweet in front of them! If they still don't want to use their hands, we can try a spoon or find other ways to encourage them without forcing the experience.
Before the session, it can also help to let your baby have some fun with messy foods they can touch with their hands. Something as simple as letting them play with spaghetti at home can make the idea of sticky or messy hands a little more familiar before cake-smash day.
And if your baby doesn't give us a huge smile or completely destroy the cake, that doesn't mean the session wasn't successful. Sometimes the cautious looks, tiny tastes, serious expressions, and funny reactions end up being some of the photographs parents love the most. The goal isn't to make every baby react the same way. It's to capture your little one exactly as they are at this stage.
What Should You Bring When Planning a Cake Smash Session?
A little preparation can make cleanup easier and also give us a few extra tricks to keep your baby happy during the session. You don't need to bring a huge bag of supplies, but there are a few things I recommend having with you.
Bring baby wipes and a small towel so we can clean your little one once the cake smash is finished. You'll also want a fresh diaper and a clean outfit for the ride home. Even when we clean baby up well, frosting has a way of finding places we didn't expect!
I also recommend bringing a few favorite snacks. The cake may be the star of the session, but not every baby is interested in eating it. Having something familiar nearby can be helpful if your little one needs a quick break.
A favorite toy can also help get their attention, especially something that makes a sound or reliably gets a reaction. And as I mentioned earlier, have your phone ready with a favorite song or two. Sometimes hearing a familiar song is exactly what we need to bring out a smile—or a few adorable dance moves.
Most importantly, bring your patience and a willingness to follow your baby's lead. Cake smash sessions don't have to go perfectly according to plan to give us photographs you'll love. Sometimes the unexpected reactions are what make the session memorable.
Cake Smash Session Options and Add-Ons
Every family has a slightly different idea of what they want from their baby's first-birthday session, so I offer a few options to help you personalize the experience.
My Signature Smash Cake Session is $250 + tax and uses one of my existing cake smash themes. It includes the themed setup, a coordinating cake from Monicakes, up to two outfits, and 15 edited digital images.
If you have a completely new idea in mind, I also offer a Custom Smash Cake Session. These sessions allow me to create a new setup specifically for your baby's theme. Because I may need to purchase a new backdrop, props or other materials, custom sessions cost more than my Signature Session, and the final price can vary depending on what's needed.
You can also add family portraits for $50 + tax. I photograph these on a separate, non-themed backdrop at the beginning of the session, and they include 5 additional edited digital images. I keep this portion fairly short so we can capture your family together without using up too much of your little one's attention before their birthday portraits and cake smash.
If you'd like even more variety for your baby's portraits, you can add a second non-themed backdrop for $50 + tax. This gives us another look for your little one, another outfit opportunity, and 5 additional edited digital images.
You don't have to add anything to have a complete cake smash experience. The add-ons are there for families who want family photographs or a little more variety while we're already together celebrating this milestone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cake Smash Sessions
What age is best for a cake smash session?
Cake smash sessions are typically planned around your baby's first birthday. If you'd like the finished photographs back before the birthday or to use them for the party, I recommend scheduling the session about two to three weeks beforehand.
How far in advance should I book a cake smash session?
I recommend contacting me about a month before you'd like to have your session. This gives us time to choose or plan the theme, coordinate the cake with Monicakes, and order any additional props or materials I may need.
Do I need to bring the cake?
No. I work with Monicakes to provide a cake designed to coordinate with your cake smash setup, and a standard cake is included with the session. If your baby has food allergies or dietary restrictions, you're welcome to provide your own cake so you can choose an option you feel comfortable giving your child.
What if my baby doesn't like the cake?
That's completely okay! Some babies dive right in, while others don't like getting frosting on their hands or simply aren't interested in eating the cake. We can let Mom or Dad offer them a little frosting, try a spoon or give them some time to explore it in their own way. The goal isn't to force a particular reaction.
Does my baby need to know how to walk for a cake smash?
No. Your baby doesn't need to be walking for a cake smash session. We can photograph them sitting, crawling, standing with support or whatever they're comfortably doing at this stage.
Can we take family pictures during the cake smash session?
Yes. A family portrait add-on is available for $50 + tax and includes 5 additional edited digital images. I photograph these at the beginning of the session on a separate, non-themed backdrop so we can capture your family together while your little one is still fresh and getting comfortable in the studio.
What should I bring to the session?
I recommend bringing two outfits for your baby, plus a clean outfit for the ride home. You'll also want baby wipes, a small towel, a fresh diaper, favorite snacks and a favorite toy. Having a favorite song ready on your phone can also be surprisingly helpful when we need to get your little one's attention or bring out a smile.
Ready to Plan Your Baby's Cake Smash?
Your baby's first birthday only happens once, and a cake smash session is such a fun way to remember this stage. Whether your little one dives into the cake, carefully tastes the frosting or decides they'd rather keep their hands clean, we'll create photographs that capture their personality and celebrate this milestone.
If you're ready to start planning, take a look at my Cake Smash Sessions to see package options and browse the themes I've already created. If you have something completely different in mind, we can talk about creating a custom setup for your little one.
I recommend reaching out about a month ahead so we'll have plenty of time to plan the theme, coordinate the cake with Monicakes and get everything ready for your baby's session.
Ready to celebrate your little one's first birthday? Contact me to start planning their cake smash session.
Comments