What to expect from your 1st birthday smash cake session
I just love putting together first birthday setups! Some clients engage in a lot of communication leading up to this day as we plan the setup for their soon-to-be one year old’s huge milestone, while others prefer to point me in the direction they want to go and then give me free reign. Either option is great, I just want you to be happy when you see everything come to life!
I've given a general outline below for what to expect for your upcoming smash cake session.
(Side note — I am SO EXCITED to see you and your sweet baby! Whether it’s our first session or you’re a repeat client, each time I get to capture this milestone for a family I am so honored!)
I've given a general outline below for what to expect for your upcoming smash cake session.
(Side note — I am SO EXCITED to see you and your sweet baby! Whether it’s our first session or you’re a repeat client, each time I get to capture this milestone for a family I am so honored!)
Initial Inquiry
Typically parents have an idea of what their vision is for the session at the first inquiry. However, that’s not always the case! I’m glad to talk over ideas with you, or you can browse through my previous work or the backdrops I have on hand to help get inspired.
Package — When you reach out to me through my contact form, you will get an automated response outlining my various package options. I'll need to know whether you want a Milestone Portrait Session only, a Cake Smash Only, or a Full First Birthday. Some families just want milestone portraits, sans cake, and we adjust the conversation accordingly. Check out what to expect from Milestone Portraits Here.
If a smash cake session is your choice, I encourage you to think of your goals for the session. Both of my Smash Packages include the props involved in creating the smash backdrop… but the Full First Birthday has the added Milestone Portraits before the smash and the optional bath splash after.
Schedule — You’ve selected a package, it's time to get on my calendar! I'm available Tuesdays and Thursdays between school hours as well as evenings for studio sessions. Saturday times are also available but fill up quickly. I generally aim to schedule first birthdays at 11am but can be flexible on that based on baby's nap schedule. Oftentimes, if we schedule the session several months in advance, we can adjust the time if needed when the session is closer. Remember… we are aiming to set your session up for success! Please notify me as soon as possible of any adjustments that need to be made.
Smash cake sessions are ideally scheduled 4 weeks prior to your baby’s first birthday party. This allows time for you to source outfits and for me to source props. Also, this time frame allows me time to edit your images and return the full gallery before the birthday. Then you'll have time to order prints to use as decor for his or her party! There’s nothing like decorating with the actual birthday boy/girl!
Please plan to initiate the first inquiry at least two months prior to the desired time frame of your session. In other words, the 9 month mark is a great time to reach out and begin the scheduling process. We will aim to get you on the calendar around the 11 month mark! Some people prefer to have the session closer to the baby's actual birthday, and that's fine too.
Theme -- Once the package has been selected, I will turn the conversation to “theme”. There are SO MANY fun and adorable options, it's overwhelming! I encourage you to browse my website for ideas as well as Pinterest and Google. I also have a "bucket list" of fun ideas I want to do but haven't yet had the opportunity. Some parents opt for elaborate themed setups, others choose a more simple theme. Whatever you choose, make it YOURS. Try not to get bogged down by the ‘what ifs’. Some of my clients simply see an outfit, love the outfit, and we build the entire session around that outfit! Remember… let’s make this fun, not stressful. I have a questionnaire that includes a link to my current backdrop collection, outfits, etc that I will send once we have your session booked.
Trendy ideas (Girl) — Unicorn, Rainbows, Mermaid, Boho, Fruits (pineapple/watermelon/etc)
Classic ideas (Girl) — Florals, Princess, color combos (pink/gold, purple/pink, etc)
Trendy ideas (Boy) — Lumberjack, “Wild One”, Mr. ONE-derful
Classic Ideas (Boy) — Fishing, Sports, Baseball, color combos (blue/grey, green/blue, etc)
**Non-cake Ideas — Watermelon, cookies, spaghetti, tacos, ribs, donuts, pizza - first birthdays don't have to include cake!
**If you have a unique idea… LET’S TALK!!! I loooooove talking through new options. First birthday sessions don't need to be cake! My youngest had SO much more fun with her watermelon smash than she did with her cake smash. Infinite opportunities to customize the experience for your baby!
Package — When you reach out to me through my contact form, you will get an automated response outlining my various package options. I'll need to know whether you want a Milestone Portrait Session only, a Cake Smash Only, or a Full First Birthday. Some families just want milestone portraits, sans cake, and we adjust the conversation accordingly. Check out what to expect from Milestone Portraits Here.
If a smash cake session is your choice, I encourage you to think of your goals for the session. Both of my Smash Packages include the props involved in creating the smash backdrop… but the Full First Birthday has the added Milestone Portraits before the smash and the optional bath splash after.
Schedule — You’ve selected a package, it's time to get on my calendar! I'm available Tuesdays and Thursdays between school hours as well as evenings for studio sessions. Saturday times are also available but fill up quickly. I generally aim to schedule first birthdays at 11am but can be flexible on that based on baby's nap schedule. Oftentimes, if we schedule the session several months in advance, we can adjust the time if needed when the session is closer. Remember… we are aiming to set your session up for success! Please notify me as soon as possible of any adjustments that need to be made.
Smash cake sessions are ideally scheduled 4 weeks prior to your baby’s first birthday party. This allows time for you to source outfits and for me to source props. Also, this time frame allows me time to edit your images and return the full gallery before the birthday. Then you'll have time to order prints to use as decor for his or her party! There’s nothing like decorating with the actual birthday boy/girl!
Please plan to initiate the first inquiry at least two months prior to the desired time frame of your session. In other words, the 9 month mark is a great time to reach out and begin the scheduling process. We will aim to get you on the calendar around the 11 month mark! Some people prefer to have the session closer to the baby's actual birthday, and that's fine too.
Theme -- Once the package has been selected, I will turn the conversation to “theme”. There are SO MANY fun and adorable options, it's overwhelming! I encourage you to browse my website for ideas as well as Pinterest and Google. I also have a "bucket list" of fun ideas I want to do but haven't yet had the opportunity. Some parents opt for elaborate themed setups, others choose a more simple theme. Whatever you choose, make it YOURS. Try not to get bogged down by the ‘what ifs’. Some of my clients simply see an outfit, love the outfit, and we build the entire session around that outfit! Remember… let’s make this fun, not stressful. I have a questionnaire that includes a link to my current backdrop collection, outfits, etc that I will send once we have your session booked.
Trendy ideas (Girl) — Unicorn, Rainbows, Mermaid, Boho, Fruits (pineapple/watermelon/etc)
Classic ideas (Girl) — Florals, Princess, color combos (pink/gold, purple/pink, etc)
Trendy ideas (Boy) — Lumberjack, “Wild One”, Mr. ONE-derful
Classic Ideas (Boy) — Fishing, Sports, Baseball, color combos (blue/grey, green/blue, etc)
**Non-cake Ideas — Watermelon, cookies, spaghetti, tacos, ribs, donuts, pizza - first birthdays don't have to include cake!
**If you have a unique idea… LET’S TALK!!! I loooooove talking through new options. First birthday sessions don't need to be cake! My youngest had SO much more fun with her watermelon smash than she did with her cake smash. Infinite opportunities to customize the experience for your baby!
Retainer & Contract -- Once we have the package selected and appointment scheduled I will send over a retainer invoice and contract. After both have been signed/paid, you are officially booked! Due to the nature of photography, this is non-negotiable.
Cake -- This part is up to you! Due to potential allergy issues, I leave the cake ordering in your hands. Make sure you give the baker of your choice ample time to have your order on their schedule - plan to order it as soon as you've chosen your theme so that you know it will be ready in time. I always recommend white or yellow cake because it's less distracting in photos. Most clients order 6in or 8in double layer cakes. I suggest giving your baby a sample of cake from wherever you are ordering from (cupcakes are a great option!) ahead of time to watch for allergic reactions. I've seen allergic reactions in the studio so I know what to watch for, but it can be scary!
Cake -- This part is up to you! Due to potential allergy issues, I leave the cake ordering in your hands. Make sure you give the baker of your choice ample time to have your order on their schedule - plan to order it as soon as you've chosen your theme so that you know it will be ready in time. I always recommend white or yellow cake because it's less distracting in photos. Most clients order 6in or 8in double layer cakes. I suggest giving your baby a sample of cake from wherever you are ordering from (cupcakes are a great option!) ahead of time to watch for allergic reactions. I've seen allergic reactions in the studio so I know what to watch for, but it can be scary!
Once booked
While we are waiting for your session date to arrive, we will each have our own tasks to accomplish.
Your responsibility:
Outfit(s) -- You have access to my full client closet for the milestone portraits, and a limited selection for the cake smash. You are also welcome to bring your own outfit(s). When you have selected your outfits, send me a picture of the final choice to add to my backdrop planning
Cake/topper — Plan to order your cake asap once you've chosen your theme. Provide the baker with photo examples if you have a specific style in mind. Pro tip (since I was a cake decorator for 12 years) - if you want a soft/pastel pink frosting vs a shade of hot pink, request that the baker use red to create the pink, instead of a hot pink food coloring. Often the default "light pink" is just a light shade of hot pink and it ends up being much more vibrant than the client wanted. A cake topper can be a cute addition, but it's also not necessary. Amazon and Etsy are both great options for cute toppers! I also keep a simple golden "one" topper in my studio just in case.
Tiny Taste — I suggest parents allow their baby a tiny taste of cake and/or icing a few days prior to the session. You can identify any adverse reactions* he or she may have, as well as allow the baby time to process the “shock” of such high sugar content. Think about the times you’ve restricted sugar from your diet… The first bite of cake or sweets on your cheat day is startling! Allowing your baby to take a small taste beforehand will make it a smoother transition.
Cleanup Items - Bring your favorite brand of wipes and a towel (especially if you are doing a bath splash) to help with cleanup
*Mandy Ringe Photography is released of any responsibility for adverse reactions caused by cake consumption. This is stated clearly in the client contract.
Schedule changes — Please notify me of any sleep/nap schedule changes your baby may have. If we need to reschedule for illness or emergency please let me know asap as a lot of setups need to be started the night before the session so I have time to finish them.
My responsibility:
Backdrop/Set — I begin preparing for your session fairly quickly after booking. I will often sketch out my ideas to help me visualize where things will go and what I need. If I need to source props that I don't already have on hand I try to get that done asap in case I have trouble finding something or shipping takes longer than expected. The goal is to have everything prepared and ready to go 24 hours prior to your session. Planning ahead allows this to be a stress-free process!
Please keep in mind, while I include props for the sessions, if a highly specific theme is requested I may ask the family to assist with props. Example: A couple years ago I did a "Where the Wild Things Are" theme, and the plush animals are very difficult (and expensive) to find. Thankfully the client had them on hand so she happily brought them to the session.
Your responsibility:
Outfit(s) -- You have access to my full client closet for the milestone portraits, and a limited selection for the cake smash. You are also welcome to bring your own outfit(s). When you have selected your outfits, send me a picture of the final choice to add to my backdrop planning
Cake/topper — Plan to order your cake asap once you've chosen your theme. Provide the baker with photo examples if you have a specific style in mind. Pro tip (since I was a cake decorator for 12 years) - if you want a soft/pastel pink frosting vs a shade of hot pink, request that the baker use red to create the pink, instead of a hot pink food coloring. Often the default "light pink" is just a light shade of hot pink and it ends up being much more vibrant than the client wanted. A cake topper can be a cute addition, but it's also not necessary. Amazon and Etsy are both great options for cute toppers! I also keep a simple golden "one" topper in my studio just in case.
Tiny Taste — I suggest parents allow their baby a tiny taste of cake and/or icing a few days prior to the session. You can identify any adverse reactions* he or she may have, as well as allow the baby time to process the “shock” of such high sugar content. Think about the times you’ve restricted sugar from your diet… The first bite of cake or sweets on your cheat day is startling! Allowing your baby to take a small taste beforehand will make it a smoother transition.
Cleanup Items - Bring your favorite brand of wipes and a towel (especially if you are doing a bath splash) to help with cleanup
*Mandy Ringe Photography is released of any responsibility for adverse reactions caused by cake consumption. This is stated clearly in the client contract.
Schedule changes — Please notify me of any sleep/nap schedule changes your baby may have. If we need to reschedule for illness or emergency please let me know asap as a lot of setups need to be started the night before the session so I have time to finish them.
My responsibility:
Backdrop/Set — I begin preparing for your session fairly quickly after booking. I will often sketch out my ideas to help me visualize where things will go and what I need. If I need to source props that I don't already have on hand I try to get that done asap in case I have trouble finding something or shipping takes longer than expected. The goal is to have everything prepared and ready to go 24 hours prior to your session. Planning ahead allows this to be a stress-free process!
Please keep in mind, while I include props for the sessions, if a highly specific theme is requested I may ask the family to assist with props. Example: A couple years ago I did a "Where the Wild Things Are" theme, and the plush animals are very difficult (and expensive) to find. Thankfully the client had them on hand so she happily brought them to the session.
It's time!
What to bring (I will send a reminder email with this info just before the session):
- Outfit choices — do not travel with baby wearing one of his or her session outfits. (Spit up and diaper blowouts, yikes!) Please plan to change your baby once arriving to the studio
- Sippy cup/Bottle. Taking a drink while smashing the cake is often needed and provides the refreshment needed allowing baby to keep tearing up the cake!
- Favorite simple snack - ie Cheerios, puffs, chopped up banana or oranges - these may need to be stuck into the cake to encourage baby to take a bite. Please avoid messy snacks like M&Ms.
- Diaper bag with essentials. (I try to keep wipes on hand, but if you have a specific brand, please bring a package of wipes to ensure their skin is protected.)
- A positive attitude!! Look, I get it, you’re EXCITED!! I am too… But just relax and love the moment you’re in. Believe it or not, most babies do not completely destroy the cake set in front of them. Some will shove cake into their mouth by the fistful… others take their time or barely eat it at all. Just sit back and smile at whatever style your baby has. The images will be precious, I promise!
Where is the session?:
My little studio is located in Sycamore, IL, near Rt 23 and Peace Rd. I'll send directions a day or two before the session.
When you arrive:
If you have booked the Cake Smash Only session, you will walk in and dress your baby… then we will immediately start smashing!
If you have booked the Full First Birthday, we will start with the family/sibling (if wanted) and milestone portraits.
Just a reminder — I am all for having family involvement, but oftentimes having parents/siblings as well as myself trying to get the baby's attention is a bit overwhelming for the birthday baby. Sometimes it's best to just hang back and wait for me to ask for help as needed :) Feel free to take videos of the fun, but expect me to be making silly noises in the background haha!
Relax and have fun! A stressed parent is a stressed baby.
- Outfit choices — do not travel with baby wearing one of his or her session outfits. (Spit up and diaper blowouts, yikes!) Please plan to change your baby once arriving to the studio
- Sippy cup/Bottle. Taking a drink while smashing the cake is often needed and provides the refreshment needed allowing baby to keep tearing up the cake!
- Favorite simple snack - ie Cheerios, puffs, chopped up banana or oranges - these may need to be stuck into the cake to encourage baby to take a bite. Please avoid messy snacks like M&Ms.
- Diaper bag with essentials. (I try to keep wipes on hand, but if you have a specific brand, please bring a package of wipes to ensure their skin is protected.)
- A positive attitude!! Look, I get it, you’re EXCITED!! I am too… But just relax and love the moment you’re in. Believe it or not, most babies do not completely destroy the cake set in front of them. Some will shove cake into their mouth by the fistful… others take their time or barely eat it at all. Just sit back and smile at whatever style your baby has. The images will be precious, I promise!
Where is the session?:
My little studio is located in Sycamore, IL, near Rt 23 and Peace Rd. I'll send directions a day or two before the session.
When you arrive:
If you have booked the Cake Smash Only session, you will walk in and dress your baby… then we will immediately start smashing!
If you have booked the Full First Birthday, we will start with the family/sibling (if wanted) and milestone portraits.
Just a reminder — I am all for having family involvement, but oftentimes having parents/siblings as well as myself trying to get the baby's attention is a bit overwhelming for the birthday baby. Sometimes it's best to just hang back and wait for me to ask for help as needed :) Feel free to take videos of the fun, but expect me to be making silly noises in the background haha!
Relax and have fun! A stressed parent is a stressed baby.
What comes next?
Once the smashing is complete, if you chose the Cake Smash Only we will wipe your baby down and redress him or her… You’ll be out the door in no time, leaving all of the cleanup for me! (I mean, what parent doesn’t want a break from cleaning… right!?). If you chose the Full First Birthday I will have you wipe down baby's face and get them stripped down to their diaper while I fill the tub with water. Then we'll have some splashy fun before finally getting all cleaned up and redressed.
Sneak peeks are typically posted on my Facebook Page or sent via email (if you don't allow Facebook sharing) within one week of your session. (This is subject to change depending on workload.)
Your image selection gallery will be delivered within two weeks of your session via password protected online gallery. The instructions to access gallery and choose your images will be included with the email.
The gallery will also include options to purchase prints through my professional lab. You can even purchase prints for photos that you do not select for your final gallery. You may also share this gallery with others who will then have the option to purchase prints as well.
Sneak peeks are typically posted on my Facebook Page or sent via email (if you don't allow Facebook sharing) within one week of your session. (This is subject to change depending on workload.)
Your image selection gallery will be delivered within two weeks of your session via password protected online gallery. The instructions to access gallery and choose your images will be included with the email.
The gallery will also include options to purchase prints through my professional lab. You can even purchase prints for photos that you do not select for your final gallery. You may also share this gallery with others who will then have the option to purchase prints as well.
I hope this answers most, if not ALL, of your questions regarding the smash cake session process. They are truly some of my favorite sessions and I look forward to each and every one! I’m always available to assist with any additional topics you may uncover. CONTACT ME here!
See you soon,
Mandy
See you soon,
Mandy