A first birthday is a milestone wrapped in wonder — tiny hands, big curiosity, and a whole lot of frosting. A cake smash session captures this fleeting moment with equal parts celebration and storytelling. If you’re planning your little one’s session, this guide walks you through the entire experience so you know exactly what to expect, from preparation to the final splash in the tub.
What a Cake Smash Session Is All About
A cake smash is more than a cute photo opportunity. It’s a sensory adventure for your baby — textures, colours, tastes, and giggles — all unfolding at their own pace. My role is to create a calm, playful environment where your child feels safe to explore, while you relax and enjoy the moment. The heart of my approach is the importance of keeping the experience simple, baby-led, and joyful.
Before the Session: Preparing for the Magic
Choose the Right Time, Babies are happiest when they’re well-rested and fed. Mid-morning sessions tend to work beautifully — bright eyes, full tummies, and gentle energy.
Outfit Planning
Think soft, timeless, and comfortable.
- Neutrals and earthy tones photograph beautifully
- Avoid busy patterns
- Bring a backup outfit (cake is unpredictable!)
If you have a special heirloom piece or something meaningful, bring it along — I love weaving personal touches into your story.
We have a curated studio wardrobe you are welcome to use –
Our main sizes we stock are Size 0 and Size 1
you can view the studio wardrobe here https://onesweetcelebration.com.au/2025/10/22/come-step-inside
Cake Tips
- A soft, buttercream cake (no fondant — too firm for smashing)
- Pastel or neutral colours
- Avoid red or dark colours that can stain skin
If your child hasn’t tried cake before, offer a tiny taste at home so the texture isn’t a surprise. - WHITE vanilla/buttercream cakes are highly recommended for smashing
During the Session: What Actually Happens
- Warm-Up Portraits
We begin gently. A few simple portraits of your little one before the cake arrives — relaxed, natural, and full of personality. - The Cake Smash
This is where the fun begins. Some babies dive in with both hands. Others poke cautiously. Some need a little encouragement. All reactions are perfect.
I follow your child’s lead, capturing every expression — the curiosity, the delight, the “what is this sticky thing” moment. - The Splash Bath
A warm bubble bath at the end helps clean up and gives us some of the sweetest images of the whole session. Babies adore this part — it resets their mood and leaves them happy and relaxed. Occasionally If your child comes in and is very distressed I might suggest a warm bubble bath to reset the mood – most babies love a bath and is very calming.
After the Session: What You Need to Know
Cleanup
The mess stays with me. You simply bring your baby, a towel, and a change of clothes. Everything else — wipes, cloths, cleanup — is taken care of.
Gallery Delivery
Your final gallery will be lovingly curated, edited, and delivered within the agreed timeframe ( 2 WEEKS ) . Expect a mix of portraits, action shots, tiny details, and those irresistible frosting-covered smiles.
Final Thoughts
A cake smash session is a celebration of everything your baby has become in their first year — their curiosity, their quirks, their joy. It’s a chance to slow down, soak in the moment, and create keepsakes that will make your heart swell for years to come.
If you’re ready to begin this sweet adventure, I’d love to craft something beautiful with you.
