Discover Classic & Unique Themes to Make your Child's First Birthday Unforgettable

1. Floral Fantasy

Perfect for spring and summer babies, a floral-themed party can feature pastel decorations, flower crowns, and a garden-inspired cake. Set up a flower wall for a beautiful photo backdrop!  There are so many ways to imagine this theme, and I love to brainstorm creative directions!

A beautiful first birthday cake smash setup with pink flowers, rustic decor, and string lights creating a dreamy backdrop.
Pink and white balloon arch with roses and floral decorations creates an elegant first birthday cake smash setup.

2. Under the Sea Adventure

Dive into an oceanic wonderland with mermaids, sea creatures, and shades of blue and teal. Decorate with seashells, balloons shaped like bubbles, and an adorable ocean-themed cake. This is a theme that's perfect for boys or girls!

Dreamy first birthday photo setup with tutu dress, lanterns, lights and pastel underwater themed backdrop decorations.
Bath time photoshoot setup with underwater ocean backdrop featuring clownfish, coral reefs and a white clawfoot tub with cake.

3. The Big One (Surf/Beach Theme)

Bring the beach to your backyard with a surfboard setup, sand play areas, and tropical snacks. Dress your little one in a mini rash guard and sunglasses for the cutest photos!  There are several variations of this theme and they are all a real splash!

Decorative birthday setup with bathtub scene featuring blue and mint balloon arch, tropical leaves and party decorations.
A decorated cake smash photo setup with a beach theme featuring turquoise and coral colors.

4. First Trip Around the Sun

Celebrate your baby’s first year with a sun and space theme featuring celestial decorations, starry table settings, and a cake decorated with the sun, moon, and planets.  Or for a girly theme go a different direction!  There are a ton of different ways to imagine this theme.

First birthday celebration setup with blue and gold balloons, white stars, and festive decorations for a cake smash photo shoot.
Sweet cake smash photography setup with pink and yellow sunset backdrop, balloons, and stars for first birthday celebration.

5. Wild One

For an adventurous little one, go with a jungle or safari theme! Use animal prints, greenery, and plush jungle animals as décor.  Or stick with the classic "Where the Wild Things Are" children's book, which will never go out of style!

Toddler in beige outfit sits on wooden floor with safari themed backdrop and string lights decorating the scene.
Whimsical Where the Wild Things Are themed photo setup with cake display and magical forest backdrop with twinkling lights.

6. Sports Superstar

If your family loves sports, this is the perfect theme! Choose your favorite sport or go for a mix of all sports!  There is no shortage of sports themed party ideas, and matching Cake Smash pictures are always a great idea!

Sports themed baby photo with basketball hoop, baseball decor and vintage dark wood background.
A festive first birthday cake smash setup with patriotic decor featuring red star lights and blue boxing gloves.

7. Rainbow Magic

Brighten up the celebration with a rainbow theme! Use vibrant decorations, a rainbow balloon arch, and a multicolored cake. A DIY “pot of gold” party favor station is a fun touch.  This is a classic theme that will never go out of style, and there are so many different ways to imagine it!

Pastel balloon arch and illuminated 'ONE' sign create dreamy backdrop for cake smash photo session.
Colorful balloon arch backdrop with stars and rainbows creates magical birthday party scene with tulle dress and unicorn theme.

8. Woodlands/camping

Everyone's favorite boy theme!  I already have so many different setups for this adorable theme, and I'm always happy to add more!  You can really get creative with this theme for any party, especially for Fall Birthdays.

Rustic holiday photoshoot setup with glowing string lights, teepee tent, and small child sitting with cake on wooden floor.
A festive woodland camping scene with teepee, fairy lights, and green overalls by a frosted cake setup.

9. classic characters

From Mickey to Winnie, there are so many classic characters that will be relevant for years to come!  Whether your family are Disney lovers, or prefer something a little more obscure, the possibilities are endless, and I can find a theme to match anything you can dream up!

Festive Mickey Mouse themed party setup with black, red, yellow and polka dot balloons against a white backdrop.
Whimsical Winnie the Pooh themed photo setup with honey pot, stuffed animals, and glowing lanterns in enchanted forest scene.

I would love to be a part of your little one's big celebration!  If you are interested in booking a Cake Smash Session on Long Island, NY, please reach out!  I would be happy to discuss all the options and help bring your vision to a reality.  Cake Smash images make the perfect addition to any First Birthday Party.  If you would like to see more info regarding Cake Smash Sessions, please visit https://www.littlelovesphotographyny.com/long-island-cake-smash-photographer/