Tips & Inspiration for Planning Your Chicago Cake Smash Session

A cake smash session is a fun and memorable way to celebrate your little one’s first birthday. It’s my absolute favorite way to wrap up a milestone birthday session! If you’re planning on doing a cake smash session, here are some tips and ideas to help make it an unforgettable experience.

What to Expect in a Chicago Cake Smash Session

A full Signature Cake Smash Session includes:

• One outfit for “clean” portraits: Capture those sweet, clean moments before the cake comes out.

• Cake smash on a custom-designed set: We’ll create a set tailored to your theme.

• Optional matching bath splash: Clean up with a fun splash session afterward!

What To Bring To Your Session

We can style the cake smash set to match your baby’s birthday party theme, or you can choose any color scheme or theme you’d like. Booking a couple of months in advance allows me to plan your theme and order any necessary items for your custom set. Once you’ve booked, we’ll discuss all the details to ensure your Chicago cake smash session is uniquely yours!

What I Provide:

✮ Background: A backdrop that complements your chosen theme.

✮ Cake stand and wooden spoon: Essential for the smash!

✮ Decor: Small pieces like florals, decorative boxes, props, and balloons to dress up the set.

What You Provide:

✩The cake: I recommend ordering from one of Chicago’s top bakeries (more on that below).

✩ Baby’s outfit and headpiece: I can provide recommendations on where to buy these.

✩ Puffs or snacks: Snacks that your baby loves to keep them engaged.

✩ Water cup: A must for those thirsty moments.

Tips To Help You Plan Your Chicago Cake Smash Session 🎂

Scheduling

If you plan to display the portraits at your baby’s birthday party, I recommend scheduling the session when your little one is 11 months old. This gives you time to make prints and order any products you want to showcase.

Bring Snacks

Bring some puffs or small snacks your baby likes. We have puffs at the studio, but if your baby is picky, it’s best to bring their favorites. This trick can help us get great images, even if your baby isn’t initially interested in smashing the cake. We simply tuck the snacks into the back of the cake! Also, having a sippy cup or bottle on hand in case your baby gets thirsty or needs a break is a must.

Avoid Chocolate Cake

While chocolate cake might be delicious, it doesn’t photograph well —it can look unappealing in pictures (think 💩). Additionally, avoid cakes with too much red icing.

Cake Prep

If you pick up the cake the day before your session, remember to take it out of the refrigerator a few hours before the session. Softening the icing ensures your baby can easily smash it, making the experience more enjoyable.

Be Prepared to Participate

Sometimes babies need a little encouragement to start smashing. Be ready to get your hands in the cake to help them get the hang of it!

Practice Makes Perfect

Consider giving your baby a cupcake a few days before the session to let them taste the icing and cake. This way, they won’t be surprised by the texture or flavor during the session.

Leave Siblings at Home

If possible, leave siblings, especially those under four, at home. This session is all about your baby, and we want to keep the focus on them without distractions.

Prepare for the Mess

Cake smash sessions are messy! Bring an extra outfit for your baby and maybe one for yourself too.

Clean-Up

I provide soaps, wipes, and towels at the studio to help clean your little one after the smash. However, if you prefer a specific soap for your baby, feel free to bring it along. Icing can be greasy, so soap is often necessary!

Where To Get A Chicago Smash Cake 🎂

Since food allergies are a concern these days, I always ask my clients to provide the cake. This way, you have full control over what’s in it. I highly recommend getting a smash cake from a professional bakery in Chicago. Homemade cakes, while lovely, can be dry, and the icing might be too hard for smashing. A simple “naked cake” with soft, white icing is always a great choice for any theme.

For size, a 6-inch cake with 2-3 tiers is ideal. If the cake is too big, it won’t fit on a cake stand or between your baby’s legs. Ensure the cardboard base isn’t significantly larger than the cake itself—just an inch wider should do the trick.

Remember to let the cake sit out for a few hours before the session to soften. And, as always, no chocolate cake or red icing! Also, be cautious with fondant, as it can be difficult for babies to chew and may pose a choking hazard. Keep an eye on any decorative details, such as toothpicks or wooden dowels.

Some of my local favorites are:

Are you ready to capture these special moments? Let’s chat and plan a session that celebrates your baby’s first trip around the sun!

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FILED UNDER:

Cake Smash, KIds, Milestone, Studio Sessions

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