When Is the Best Time to Book a Cake Smash Session?

One of the questions I receive most often is:

"When should we book our baby's cake smash?"

The simple answer is...

Earlier than you probably think!

Why booking ahead matters

Most families choose to celebrate their baby's first birthday with a cake smash session.

If you'd like your photographs ready to share on your baby's birthday, invitations or party decorations, it's worth planning ahead.

Booking a few months in advance gives you the best choice of dates and plenty of time to plan your baby's special session. For weekends booking I recommend booking at least 8 weeks ahead.

The ideal age

Although they're called first birthday sessions, I actually recommend photographing them before your baby's birthday.

Most babies are happiest and most confident sitting independently between 10 and 11 months, making this the perfect age for a cake smash.

By photographing your session a few weeks before their birthday, you'll also have your final gallery ready in time for birthday celebrations.

If your little one is still a few months away from their first birthday, don't forget I also offer My Baby's First Photoshoot sessions, perfect for capturing all those beautiful milestones before it's time for birthday celebrations

What happens during a cake smash?

Every session includes three parts:

Portraits

We begin with beautiful birthday portraits before the cake comes out.

The Cake Smash

Then comes the fun! Whether your little one dives straight in or prefers to investigate one tiny finger at a time, every reaction is unique.

Bubble Bath

Finally, we finish with a warm bubble bath full of splashes, bubbles and lots of smiles.

It's often the part babies enjoy the most!

Can we choose the colours?

Absolutely!

Every session is styled to complement your family and your baby's personality.

Whether you love soft neutrals, timeless greenery or something a little brighter, we'll create a setup that feels perfect for your little one.

More than just photographs

Your baby's first birthday is such a special milestone.

A cake smash isn't simply about the cake it's about celebrating an entire year of love, growth and unforgettable memories.

If you're beginning to plan your baby's first birthday, I'd love to help you mark the occasion with photographs you'll treasure for years to come.

It's Never Really About the Cake... Why Cake Smash Sessions Are About So Much More Than Cake

When people hear the words cake smash, they often picture a baby covered in icing, making a wonderful mess and giggling their way through a birthday cake.

And whilst that's certainly part of the fun, a cake smash session is about so much more than the cake itself.

For me, it's about celebrating one of the biggest milestones of your baby's life their very first birthday.

A whole year of memories

Your baby's first year is full of incredible moments.

Those sleepless newborn nights.

The first smile.

Rolling over.

Sitting up.

The first giggle.

Tiny hands reaching for yours.

And before you know it, you're planning their first birthday.

A cake smash is a celebration of everything you've experienced together over those twelve months.

It's not all about the mess!

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the entire session revolves around smashing the cake.

In reality, every session begins with a beautiful portrait setup.

This gives us the chance to capture timeless photographs of your little one before the cake even appears.

These are often the images that parents frame around their home for years to come.

Then comes the fun...

Some babies dive straight into the cake.

Others carefully poke it with one finger.

Some would rather crawl away than eat a single crumb and that's perfectly okay!

Every baby is different, and that's exactly how I approach every session.

The best photographs are the unexpected ones

Some of my favourite images aren't actually of babies eating cake.

They're the cheeky smiles.

The curious expressions.

The clapping.

The tiny handfuls of icing.

The proud faces after discovering something completely new.

Those are the moments families remember.

Finishing with a splash!

After all the sticky fun comes one of everyone's favourite parts the warm bubble bath.

Not only does it help clean away all that icing, but it also creates another opportunity for gorgeous smiles, splashes and laughter.

For many babies, it's the highlight of the whole experience.

A relaxed, baby-led experience

Just like every session in my studio, cake smashes are completely baby-led.

There are no expectations.

No pressure for your little one to eat the cake.

No forced smiles.

Instead, we simply let them explore, play and enjoy themselves at their own pace.

Because that's when the real memories are made.

Ready to celebrate?

If your baby's first birthday is approaching, I'd love to help you celebrate this incredible milestone.

Together, we'll create beautiful portraits, lots of laughter and memories you'll treasure long after the last crumb of cake has disappeared.