Let Them Eat Cake! What to Expect from Your Baby's Cake Smash Session

This is a backdrop - no real props needed! I can order backdrops in any chosen theme for an additional fee.

Your baby’s first birthday is such a big milestone, and many families love marking the occasion with a cake smash photoshoot. These sessions are playful, messy, and full of joy—capturing your little one’s personality in a way that traditional portraits can’t.

Here’s a quick guide to what you can expect from a cake smash session:

Decorations and Setup

Every cake smash should feel just as special as your baby’s big day! I love when parents bring decorations that tie in with their party theme—whether it’s a favorite color, a beloved character, or something totally unique. These little details make the photos extra meaningful and really show off your baby’s personality. Don’t worry if you’re short on ideas—I’m always happy to help brainstorm, share inspiration, or suggest fun props. Together, we’ll create a setup that’s full of joy, magic, and a little birthday sparkle!

All of the decorations used in this setup were later used at this sweet baby’s party!

The Cake

The star of the show (besides your baby!) is the cake. A simple 6-inch cake is perfect for smashing, tasting, and making a big, happy mess. It doesn’t have to be fancy—Publix even has cute “naked” cakes for about $13, or you can go creative by making one yourself or with a fruit cake made of watermelon! Just keep it baby-friendly with light frosting and minimal dyes. Publix also has a gorgeous Chantilly option with fresh fruit and whipped cream as icing for $25. Whatever you bring, your little one will dive in, and I’ll be there to capture every sweet, silly, and frosting-covered moment.

The magic starts the moment your baby sees the cake. From wide-eyed curiosity to giggles, messy grins, and even a little “what is this?!”—every expression is priceless. I’ve even had kiddos who were scared of the cake! I’ll be ready to capture it all so you can look back on those fleeting moments forever.

Let the Smash Begin!

This is where the fun really kicks in. Once that cake is in front of them, babies usually can’t resist digging in—sometimes with hands, sometimes with feet, and often with their whole face. The messier it gets, the cuter the photos turn out. And no need to stress about cleanup—I always keep plenty of wipes and towels on hand so your little one won’t go home sticky.

Parents Welcome!

I always recommend doing some images BEFORE the cake smash begins - while baby is still clean!

Your little one is the star, but parents can absolutely jump in too. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines, helping guide those tiny hands, or sneaking in for a frosting-covered kiss, having you in the photos makes them even more special.

Memories That Last

Cake smash photos aren’t just about the mess—they capture the joy, personality, and love that surround your baby’s first birthday. These are the moments you’ll look back on years from now, remembering just how little (and silly!) they once were.

Ready to Celebrate?

If you’re planning a first birthday, a cake smash session is such a fun way to mark the occasion. Every giggle, grin, and crumb is worth remembering—and I’d love to help you capture it all.

FAQs

• What props will you provide?

  I have several cake stands, various seats, stools, and benches for baby, a pink felt happy birthday banner, and a few assorted props depending on theme. I also have several cake smash backdrops. For the most part, I ask parents to bring any balloons or props they’d like in their images, along with several outfit choices.

• Will my baby's outfit be ruined?

  No! Usually, all of the cake and icing come right out of clothing with a bit of soap and elbow grease. Still, you might want to have a backup outfit if you’re planning for baby to wear the same thing at their party.

• What size cake should I bring?

  The best sized cake for these sessions isn’t so big that it dwarfs your baby. A six inch round cake is usually optimal. A rectangular cake is not very photogenic for these types of sessions. A round, two-layer is best! Don’t worry about getting a super decorative one—remember, your baby will destroy it in seconds! A simple cake topper that says “one” works well.

Decorations don’t have to be difficult! This simple set included a garland and balloons on a classic white backdrop.