Top Five Cake Smash Tips | Reno Family Photography

Cake smash sessions are a fun and joyful way to commemorate the milestone of your little one’s first birthday. However, we know that these sessions can be a little stressful for mom. So, we have put together our top 5 tips for a successful cake smash session.

#1

Outfits: Most babies are photographed in two outfits - a first birthday outfit and cake smash attire. Cake smash attire is typically a diaper cover, bloomers, cloth diaper or tutu. Our Cake Smash sessions are generally split up into two parts. We do a 1/2 hour session of baby in their special 1st Birthday outfit. This can include family photos if mom wants. The second 1/2 hour session will be the cake smash.

#2

Decor: You are welcome to bring along first birthday decorations to the photo session, such as a banner, balloons, etc. We have a cake stand, wood crate, various colored clothes, and “O-N-E” wooden letters. We also have a metal “ONE” sign and small pink and blue chairs . Most parents prefer the less is more approach.

#3

Cake: Safety first! As with all new foods, it is a good idea to start slowly to make sure your child doesn’t have an allergy. I always like when the cake smash is the little one’s first cake experience. However, if there is an ingredient in the cake or icing that your little one hasn’t had before, it is best to give them a little taste a couple of weeks prior to rule out any reactions before you let them dive in. Be sure to bring the cake at room temperature. Avoid chocolate, fondant and toothpicks. Most smash cakes measure around 6 inches. Light colored icing and sprinkles generally look very cute in portraits. Buttercream icing will create the perfect messy fun you’re after, but pick your color carefully - red icing can leaver your baby looking like a vampire :) and brown can look like…. well, I am sure you can guess. We typically allow for 15-20 minutes of cake smash photos, but we will follow your baby’s pace. I personally recommend Awe Sugar B cakes for cake smash cakes :)

#4

Clean up: Get ready for a mess! There will be icing everywhere and I don’t just mean on the baby :) Be prepared to get icing on you as well. Please bring an outfit change for baby, wipes and a couple towels.

#5

Enjoy it: More than anything, this is about celebrating your baby’s birthday! Don’t stress if the details aren’t perfect. Make sure you baby is well-rested and fed before the session. With that said, sometimes children have a mind of their owns, but don’t sweat it. Don’t be too sad if your baby absolutely hates the cake and won’t touch it. We will be sure to capture cute portraits of your sweet baby!