Smash Photos: Planning a Fun and Messy Milestone Celebration
Your little one is growing so fast! It's been months of first smiles, first crawl, baby giggles (not to mention sleepless nights) and now you're at another first- first birthday and baby's first cake! This is an incredible milestone, and you want to remember this forever without all the extra stress - that's where I come in. I take care of the planning and details and provide you tips on what to know, so we can create fun and gorgeous (and definitely messy!) photos and keepsakes that last a lifetime. So let's plan a cake smash session to remember
1-3 Months - Before Your Cake Smash Session
Schedule Your Baby's 1st Birthday Photo Session:
- Just click, call, or text! We will setup a 30min consultation, where we go over all the details, confirm your dates, and talk about next steps
- To ensure you have time to get your photos back before your baby's 1st birthday party, I recommend scheduling your consultation and session for between 10 to 11.5 months
- Schedules fill up quick, so be sure to reach out soon so we can get started!
During Our Consultation We Will:
- Pick Your Cake Smash Theme - Your little one is getting their own personality- what is their favorite book or show? Do they have a favorite song or character? Select a theme that speaks to who your little one is! Not sure? Here's 35 unique cake smash ideas to get you started
- Select Your Picture-Perfect Outfit - Now that you have your theme, it's time to select 1-2 outfits to compliment your smash cake theme. I have a client closet to choose from, or you're welcome to provide your own!
- Plan a Matching Smash Cake - We will talk about matching color and themes and any special requests you have including any allergies, then I take care of all other details, so your smash cake will be waiting at your photo session! (You or your little one not a fan of Cake? Here's 15 Smash Session alternatives you'll love!)
- Discuss How You'd like to Preserve Your Memories- Whether you want a large photo display, 1st birthday invitations, or a keepsake box or album, we'll start talking about how you want to cherish and display your memories
1-3 Days - Before Your Cake Smash Photos
It's almost here! Here's a few tips to get you ready for your smash cake session!
- Stick to Your Schedule - Babies sense parents stress, and they struggle with changes in their sleep schedule, so keep it simple! Stick to your schedule. A rested baby is a happy baby!
- High Protein Meal - A Smash Cake all to themselves means a lot of sugar, so I always recommend feeding your little one a high protein diet before and after the session. While you want them hungry for the session, protein can help offset sugar rushes
- Pack Any Extras - If you're bringing mementos or photos, be sure to pack these ahead of time so you don't forget them!
- Include Spare, Clean Outfits and wipes- Smash Cakes are messy! While I provide the outfit for the session and baby wipes for after, you'll want to be sure to have a clean outfit for both baby AND you, along with any specialty products or wipes you may need
- Don't forget snacks and water! - We're going to ask your baby to sit and be the center of attention, some love this- some don't. Treats like puffs or cheerios are small and barely noticed but help us keep babies in place. Water helps them wash down all that delicious smash cake!
It's Time For Your Baby's First Birthday Photos!
It's finally here! Here's what to expect at your fun and messy session:
- The first 20-30 minutes of the session, we'll take photos of your little one in the 2 designer outfits. This is where they will explore their custom created world and we'll have fun dancing to music
- The rest of the time, we'll have some smashing fun! Be ready, babies are all different. Some get excited and go face-first, some are slow and just like a taste. Whichever way your baby smashes, we will just be patient and let them have fun exploring. However, if you're hoping for a big smash, try introducing a little cake a week or so before, so they recognize it and get excited
- I recommend limiting visitors to parents only. Your baby is going to feel overwhelmed being the center of attention, and lots of people calling, waving, and dancing can be a lot. Siblings are often excited but struggle with understanding why they aren't able to eat cake and join in. So the fewer included the better.
Be ready to listen to music, dance, and laugh with your little one, and of course make a giant mess!
