When Should You Book a Cake Smash Photo Session?
A baby's first birthday is a milestone worth celebrating, and a cake smash photo session is one of the most fun ways to capture this special moment.
One of the questions parents ask most often is: "When should we book our cake smash session?"
The Best Time for a Cake Smash Session
If you'd like to use the photos for birthday invitations, party decorations, or social media announcements, it's best to schedule your session about 2 weeks before your baby's first birthday.
This gives plenty of time for the photo session, image editing, and receiving your final gallery before the celebration.
What If I Want Photos Exactly at One Year Old?
That's perfectly fine too.
Some parents prefer to schedule the session right around their child's first birthday to capture this milestone as accurately as possible. In that case, it's still a good idea to reserve your spot several weeks in advance to ensure availability.
When Should I Contact My Photographer?
I recommend reaching out at least 1 to 2 months before your desired session date.
Popular dates, especially weekends, can fill quickly. Booking early also gives us time to discuss outfit ideas, colors, themes, and any special details you'd like included.
Can Parents and Siblings Join the Session?
Absolutely!
Cake Smash sessions are about celebrating your baby's first birthday, but they are also about celebrating your family and everything you've experienced together during that incredible first year.
Parents and siblings are always welcome to participate in the session. We can capture a few family portraits before the cake smash begins, creating beautiful memories of this special milestone.
Many families enjoy coordinating their outfits with the birthday theme or choosing matching colors for a timeless and cohesive look.
Choosing a Theme for Your Cake Smash Session
One of the most exciting parts of planning a Cake Smash session is choosing a theme.
Over the years, I have collected a wide variety of studio backdrops, props, and decorations for different Cake Smash themes. Most of my setups include coordinating props and styling elements to create a complete look for your session.
You can browse some of my available backdrops and themes here:
https://www.olenapantiukh.com/blog/studio-backdrops/
If you have a specific idea in mind, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to help plan a setup that matches your vision and celebrates your little one's unique personality.
What Should My Baby Wear?
One of the biggest questions parents have is what their baby should wear for the session.
To make things easier, I offer a collection of baby and toddler outfits that are available for my clients to use during their photo session. This can save parents both time and money, since there's no need to purchase a special outfit that may only be worn once.
You can browse some of the available options here:
https://www.olenapantiukh.com/blog/outfits-for-your-little-ones/
The use of my client wardrobe is included with Cake Smash sessions. The only exception is the actual cake smashing portion, as frosting can permanently stain delicate fabrics. For that part of the session, parents usually bring an outfit they don't mind getting messy.
Many families choose to start with my studio outfits for portraits and then change into a birthday outfit for the cake smash itself.
Do I Need to Bring the Cake?
Yes, families are responsible for bringing the cake for their Cake Smash session.
I do not provide cakes because every family has different preferences, and some babies may have food allergies or dietary restrictions. Having parents choose the cake themselves is usually the safest and most practical option.
A simple cake often photographs beautifully. In fact, many families choose a small cake from a local grocery store or bakery, and the photos turn out just as adorable.
However, if you're looking to order a custom cake for your baby's photo shoot or another event, here's my recommendation:
Beautiful Custom Cakes by Madam Cake - Olena Pantiukh
Why Parents Love Cake Smash Sessions
The first birthday is filled with curiosity, laughter, messy fingers, and unforgettable expressions. A cake smash session captures this unique stage of childhood before it quickly becomes a memory.
One day, these photographs will remind you just how tiny those hands were, how big those smiles were, and how much joy filled that first year.
If you're planning a first birthday celebration in Edmonton, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your cake smash session and reserve your date.
