How to Choose and Theme for your Cake Smash Birthday Session

There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing your babies first birthday theme. It can be overwhelming for parents. I’m here to give you a little guidance and help you to narrow down your focus to pick out the perfect theme for your little ones big day. What you may notice is a big difference between going down that Pinterest rabbit hole and the sets below is that they are baby sized vs party room sized so they will fit your little one as the main focus.

Browse the Gallery

Let’s get started!!! Start by browsing the gallery previous sets.  Most of these are available with what you see, though some are customized with items brought in by parents to give each that unique look special to their little one.  Some you see are printed backdrops that can not be changed and some are custom sets that allow color scheme changes to be customized.  No two sets ever come out exactly the same as previously designed set, little changes are made to make it unique.

Scroll to the bottom of the page for the updated list of DREAM LIST sessions.  These are sets that are brand new, never have been brought to life and live in my imagination.

Ask Yourself Some Questions

• Am I going to display these images in my home? What color scheme do I prefer?
• Have you found a perfect outfit?
• Am I matching my birthday party theme?
• Do any words or themes have special meaning in your baby’s life?

Does your little one have a favorite book?   Do you have a favorite color?  Do you / your partner have a hobby to pass onto your baby?   Does your baby have a nickname?   Favorite food?   If you have an adorable outfit, send it over and let me recommend a set that will match perfectly.

What makes YOU happy?

Hey, Lets be honest, this session is for YOU too. While your baby may not have an opinion now on his/her birthday theme, it is your time to go wild. They will have the rest of their lives to plan the birthday themes. Celebrate this first year with your baby.

• Your career: pilot, police officer, teacher
• Your favorite movie: Star Wars, Harry Potter
• Your hobby: basketball, baseball, football

What makes THEM happy?

• Favorite toy: balls, airplane
• Favorite book: Where the wild things are, Beatrix Potter, Cat in the Hat
• Favorite song: Twinkle Twinkle, You are my sunshine

No theme, just a color Scheme

I love a good simple color scheme, it is what I picked out for my babies 1st birthday. My favorite color is teal and I loved how it made his eyes pop and brought out his ginger hair when he turned one. Do you like bold, primary or pastels best?

Its a PARTY!!

Sometimes traditional is best. Choose a classic party theme – a balloons, streamers, banners and party decor is always adorable.

Boho and Florals

Florals are always a popular pick for the girls.So many combination options.

Pure and Simple

A simple solid color with no or minimal decor. Nothing is more classic than a pure white set. Timeless look

Animals and Nature inspired

• Bees
• Camping, forest, hunting
• Under the sea, Mermaids
• Wild One, Jungle animals
• Farm life
• Dinos
• Space and stars

Seasonal and Holiday

• Winter Onederland
• Christmas
• 4th of July
• Spring, flowers
• Winter, snowflakes, trees
• Fall, Pumpkins, fall leaves
• Summertime
• Mr Onederful

Alternatives

Don’t like cake, that is ok too. Think party food alternative

• Tacos
• Pancakes
• Pizza
• Cookies
• Fruit: watermelon or strawberries
• Cookies

Outdoors

These are more about the look of nature and less about the props. Of course these come with a few problems, bugs, ants and if in a public place photo bombers and 4 legged cake stealer. Picking a public location isn’t ideal!!!  When picking this look, think about the where as not all places are the same.  These sessions use minimal props as wind makes balloons blow around, banners have no place to hang from, and carrying bulky props is not feasible. Having a good spot with water access is KEY to avoiding bringing a sticky baby home.

How do cake smash session work?

Custom cake smash session sets are designed for your baby and divided into three parts to it. First we will start with a classic portraits. Think simple and baby focused. Then we’ll switch sets and this will be your CAKE SMASH portion with your designed set. And finally we’ll end with a splash bath fun to capture your little one.

More about Dream List sessions…

Book your Cake Smash Session today