Cake Smash or First Birthday Family Session? How to Choose, Plan, and Enjoy Every Minute

Congratulations! You did it! You survived the first year, the sleep deprivation, and the constant guessing game of what exactly your little cherub is demanding so loudly at 4am. You’ve endured the joys of colic, explosive nappies, and the occasional projectile vomit in the most inappropriate of places. You’ve navigated the great first-food debate — broccoli first? Or stick to apples and bananas? You’ve picked up toppled shelves, swept up shattered Christmas ornaments, and marvelled at those first giggles, chubby tummy rolls, wobbly crawls, and maybe even first steps (followed by first falls).

It’s as much your celebration as it is theirs — and you deserve to mark it in style.

A first birthday photoshoot is a beautiful milestone for any family. After the newborn session, it’s often the first time you feel ready to venture out of the cosy cocoon and capture your growing little person. Traditionally, these shoots centre around the baby and a studio-based cake smash session, but I often encourage my families to head outdoors and make it a family photography session as well.

In this post, we’ll explore when to schedule, how to prepare and what to bring, how long it takes (and what happens with the mess!), and what the alternatives are — for both cake smash sessions and first birthday family photography.

Cake Smash Sessions

When to Schedule

For that perfect balance of cuteness, confidence, and (hopefully) cooperation, aim for when your baby is around 11–13 months old. This way, your photos are ready in time for the big day. I recommend booking 4–6 weeks in advance, and we shoot in the mid-morning — after the first nap if your little one is still on two naps a day. Morning light is softer, tummies are full, and smiles are plentiful.

How to Prepare & What to Bring

I don’t provide cakes — partly because of the wide range of dietary needs and preferences, and partly because I want you to choose something that perfectly matches your colour palette and style.

Your options are endless:

• A beautifully frosted cake in pastel or bold tones.

• A simple white-frosted carrot cake from the supermarket with a personalised cake topper (that can be re-used at the party).

• A special home-baked creation from grandma.

Do bring a bib or two, a change of clothes for your baby, and maybe even for yourself (just in case a little icing goes rogue). Props like balloons, bunting, or flowers add charm — but I can also bring along a few styling elements if you prefer a more minimal, classic look.

How Long It Takes (and The Mess Factor)

My outdoor cake smashes are joyful but surprisingly tidy affairs. Babies rarely dive head-first into the cake without encouragement — more often it’s a gentle poke, a lick, and an “oooh this is sticky!” expression. Sessions usually run for 45–60 minutes. I handle all the cleanup, so you leave with a clean baby and clean hands — no need to scrape buttercream off the pram.

Alternatives to Cake

A cake smash isn’t the only way to celebrate:

• Number 1 + flowers for a fresh, elegant look.

• Teddy bear picnic with fruit, crackers, and soft toys.

• Bring the actual party cake, have a few photos, then whisk it back home untouched.

The only limit is your imagination — and I’m here to help you dream up something that’s uniquely you.

First Birthday Family Photography Sessions

When to Schedule

If the thought of cake, icing, and potential chaos makes you twitchy, a family photography session is a wonderful alternative. I recommend booking 4–6 weeks before the birthday if you’d like to use the images for invitations or party décor.

Or — and this is my favourite — book it on the actual birthday for a relaxed, memorable day. We did this when our own son turned one, and I still remember that sunny, windy July day like it was yesterday.

How to Prepare & What to Bring

We’ll choose an outdoor location that suits your style — beach, park, or even your own garden. You just need to bring:

• Outfits that make you feel good and fit your colour scheme.

• A small favourite toy or rattle for your baby.

• Snacks and water for everyone (because no one smiles when hangry).

I’ll take plenty of family shots, plus a few sweet solo portraits of your baby — perfect for invitations or keepsakes.

How Long It Takes

A family session typically lasts about an hour. It’s relaxed, with time for play, snuggles, and exploring the location. We work around your baby’s mood — if they need a break for cuddles or snacks, we take it. No rush, no stress.

Alternatives to Cake

The joy of a family session is that we don’t need cake at all. But if you want to nod to the birthday theme without going full cake smash, you could bring:

• A giant balloon or number prop.

• A mini picnic to share.

• Bubbles, toys, or even a kite for some movement and fun.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Final Thoughts

Whether you go for a cake smash or a first birthday family photography session, the goal is the same: to celebrate this incredible first year and freeze these moments in time. Your baby will never be this little again, and you’ll never regret having these memories to look back on — messy icing face or not.

So… are you Team Cake or Team Family Portrait? Either way, I’ve got you covered (and not in buttercream).

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