How to Plan for Your Cake Smash Session
So your little one was just born and you are already thinking about them turning one and then moving away to college, right? No? That’s just me? Weird…
Time definitely goes by faster than we realize though and planning ahead for your milestone photoshoots is essential to getting the best out of the experience and in turn, creating photos you will cherish forever.
Here I will break down the steps to booking and executing your cake smash milestone session to ease your mind and help you feel prepared.
@akreafle little girl Evelyn making turning one look so fun!
When to Book?
Around 9 months of age is when you should be reaching out to your family photographer to book a spot on their calendar. This way they can help you pick out colors and decor for your session as well as allow time to order any specialty props you may discuss a need for. This also allows you to make sure you secure a spot if your photographer is in a particularly busy season, or must rent a studio, etc. This also gives you time to work out any type of payment plan if your photographer offers installments.
It is best to book your birthday or cake smash session 2-4 weeks before your child’s actual birthday depending on your photographers delivery time. Always check how long you should expect to have your photos back and let them know which date you absolutely need them by so you can both find a date that works for both parties.
Eating cake is a very serious business!
What kind of decorations do I need?
Simple is best when it comes to a session like this. You want the focus to be on your little one most of all and don’t want them to just blend into a busy background. I like to choose from a semi-neutral color pallet and start from there. Then, usually a simple colored balloon setup with a small boho stool and a few lights with greenery will be chefs kiss! Ask your photographer what decor they already have in their collection and you may be able to combine decor!
In the photos used in this blog, we stuck with a white pallet adorned with muted yellow and eucalyptus to keep it simple, yet elegant, drawing all the attention on the sweet birthday girl.
These sessions are about capturing your little’s personality. Don’t put too much pressure on them to be 100% about the cake. :)
What to wear?
Solid, neutral colors photograph the best. I like whites, creams, browns, and rusts, but it all depends on what your color pallet is! If you have a nautical theme, who’s to say your little can’t don a cute sailor costume. You don’t have to overthink the outfit but I would definitely suggest no logos or bright distracting prints.
I usually tell parents to bring two outfits and a change of outfit for when the session is over.
Parents may want to consider wearing light, breathable clothing especially if the session is in a studio. With extra lighting, etc, it can tend to be pretty warm, and your photographer may put you to work keeping your little’s attention during the session.
What Should I bring?
Depending on what your photographer already has on hand, plan on bringing the following items to your session:
Child (most importantly)
Cake: Ask your photographer if they have any local vendors they recommend! Keep the cake simple and use fun toppers to add a pop
Cake stand
Additional props.
Childs favorite toy or rattle to help grab attention.
Little puffs or snacks that might help your child gain interest in the cake.
LOTS of wipes and or towels to clean up afterwards
Change of clothes for after
Let’s Recap!
Book: Inquire about 3 months out to book your session 2-4 weeks before first birthday.
Decorate: Keep the setup simple!
Wear: Solid neutral colors and bring multiple outfits. Parents dress light.
Bring: Snacks, props, special toy, wipes, cake, cake stand, your kiddo!
Order: Be sure to plan a print order with your photographer. This is such a special time to remember and more times than not, if you don’t order printed copies at the time of the shoot, life will help you forget! These are the types of photos that make great gifts for family and to drape your walls with!
