Planning a 1st Birthday Cake Smash

It can seem a little daunting when planning your baby’s first birthday cake smash if you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into. Personally, it was one of my favorite celebrations and days to plan because it was the celebration of my baby boy’s first year in our lives.

I get it; a cake smash can sound a bit confusing. I mean, why would you purchase or make a delicious cake and then hire a photographer to document your baby smashing it? Not only are you in for a real mess, but you’re in for a sugar high on top of it. Let’s pause and reflect for a moment. Take a deep breath. Ok, now stop stressing about it. Not only are 1st Birthday Cake Smashes growing by the year, but they’re also tons of fun. Not just for your little bundle of joy, but for the family too, if you plan it right.

Cake smash photography has become so much more popular over the years. 10 years ago, you would’ve never heard the term, but it’s taken the world by storm and has even been mention on The Today Show and other news platforms lately. When you hire a professional photographer, they will guide and direct you towards what is best for you and your baby. Not everything you may be envisioning will necessarily work well. The photographs from your baby’s cake smash photography session can be used for wall decor to frame portraits of this milestone, for birthday party invitations, or a keepsake album to glance at with the child as the years come.

The Cake Smash is usually the first time your baby will taste the cake. This gives your baby a sense of excitement; not only is your baby allowed to make a mess, but he/she is allowed to dive right into beautiful food and enjoy a delectable treat!

When planning your baby’s first birthday and cake smash, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. If you’re doing the 1st birthday in your home, make sure to have something for the baby to sit on that’s easy to clean or can be hosed off.
2. Hire a professional photographer who has experience in a 1st birthday cake smash. When the baby is diving into his/her treat, it can be a little overwhelming for them. The experience a professional photographer can bring will come in handy.
3. Add a few decorations to your baby’s birthday theme for the cake smash.
4. You can purchase a cake or make your own.
5. Choose the perfect outfit for your little one. We did a diaper cover, and this allowed my baby to get messy without ruining his clothes.
6. For the cake, try an easy thin icing and try to avoid fondant. The fondant can be harder for your baby to break apart.
7. Create fun for everyone. We had a Wii dance (for the adults), bubbles, baby toys, music, and lots of food for my son’s birthday. This allowed the adults to have a good time, as well as our little ones.

Here are some fun things you can do with your images once you have them:

1. Wall Portraits – create some amazing wall decor in your home and your baby’s room that captures his/her essence of fun and excitement.
2. Party Invitations – most people, get the cake smash before the actual birthday party, so it is a perfect opportunity to get some invitations designed to send out for your little bundle’s first birthday party
3. Album – what a better way to tell the on-going story of your little one than through an album that documents.