CAKE SMASH PREP GUIDE


If you are wondering what it's like to have a Cake Smash Session with Little Loves, you're in the right place! These sessions celebrate your baby's First Birthday, and are a great way to celebrate and add a personal touch to your party decor!


WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY SESSION?

For this session, I recommend booking one to two months before the baby’s actual birthday  (or birthday party). There are a few reasons for this.

ONE: it’s so much easier to do a cake smash with a baby who is not walking/running yet!

TWO: I need to order a cake and sometimes I need to restock on decorations.

THREE: If you will be using the images for the party invitations, you will want to have them back in time to send out.

 

WHAT ABOUT AN OUTFIT?

Most of my clients find their cake smash outfits on Etsy or Amazon, although, it’s completely up to you. You are welcome to bring three outfits if you’d like. One for the simple portraits on a solid color backdrop (you can choose any color, and I love monochromatic looks, so choose an outfit accordingly). Another outfit for before the cake and one for the smashing part. You can also do the smash topless (be sure to bring a diaper cover if you choose this option!). Don’t forget to bring a clean outfit for baby to go home in!

 

HOW LONG DOES A SESSION TAKE?

Cake Smash sessions can be anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, it all depends on the baby! Some babies do not have a long attention span, so I try to move quickly to ensure I don't lose their patience. But don't worry, I always make sure to have an adequate amount of images for you to choose from! You will come in, get baby ready for a few simple portraits on a solid color backdrop, then we move on to pictures on your themed setup without the cake, then I will introduce the cake and let baby go to town. If you’ve chosen the smash and splash option, we will then bring in the tub, and let baby splash and play, while getting all clean, and some unforgettable pictures! 

 

THINGS TO KNOW

·      It’s best to bring baby after their morning nap (if possible) and feed them too. A full baby is a happy baby.

·      If the cake is not completely destroyed, there might be some left over for you to take home! (Yummy!)

·      Not every baby likes cake and not every baby likes being messy.  It is important to keep this in mind and roll with the punches. We will still get great photos even if baby is not interested in the cake.

·      It helps to bring puffs, cheerios, or another small snack to put in the cake if baby doesn’t like it.  Also make sure to bring water and/or a bottle. All that cake will make anyone thirsty!

·      Feel free to bring toys or anything that will make baby smile and more comfortable.  I often ask Mom or Dad to play a song or video on their phone that baby likes if they are not cooperating. 

·      Occasionally babies can have allergies or aversions to some of the ingredients in a cake. I recommend doing a practice round at home with a cupcake to get an idea of how baby will react.  At this time, allergy free cakes are not offered, so you will be given a $25 discount if you need to provide the cake.

·      If baby is teething or not feeling well, a dose of infant Tylenol before you get here will help things go more smoothly.

·      Babies are unpredictable at this age and react to stress, so try to relax and enjoy the session!