Cake Smash
Preparation Guide
SMASH AND SPLASH
Thank you for booking your cake smash with LYP! I’m looking forward to all the cake smashing fun and seeing your child’s personality shine. This detailed guide will help you prepare in advance and know what to expect during and after the session.
CAKE SMASH FLOW
Our cake smashes are in 1-3 separate parts depending on the package you have selected (see invoice in your portal). 1. Formal photos is a dress up outfit, Cake Smash photos in a casual outfit, and Optional Bath time photos (tub with bubble bath and we’ll have a bubble machine for fun).
PLANNING THE SET DESIGN
You may view and choose from my Studio’s Pre-Printed and Solid / Abstract Backdrops by clicking HERE Don't see a printed scene you like? Heirloom and Deluxe Heirloom packages have the option of a custom built design (assuming time allows). For all packages, we have an assortment of accessories to complete the look as needed (such as confetti, balloons, #1 or word one, chair or bench, banners, tissue poms, flowers, or whatever else I have in my studio). I also provide the cake, cake stand , and cake topper. You may bring your own cake topper or any other appropriately size props if desired.
OUTFITS
You will need 1 or 2 outfits depending on the package you selected: Mini Package you will need one smash outfit. Standard and above packages you will need one for the dress up and one for the smash. I also have a limited selection of clothing in my studio for 1 years old’s if you are on a tight budget. After we choose a set design, upon request, I can show you coordinating outfits from the studio.
Formal outfit: Girls typically wear dresses and boys wear a button down shirt with pants or shorts. Optional accessories consist of hair ribbons/headbands for girls, suspenders, bowtie, fedora hat for boys.
Smash outfit: This should be something your baby can get messy in. Boys or girls can wear a custom onesie or simple solid color romper. Girls can opt for a romper or tutu over a custom onesie. Boys can opt for a onesie, suspenders with a diaper cover and bowtie. These are just recommendations. Choose what best fits your liking.
CLOTHING STORES to check out:
Local: Carters/OshKosh B’Gosh, Children’s Place, Target, etc.
Online: (order early): Amazon, ETSY, Bailey’s Blossoms, Chic Bubs, Belle Threads, Pop Sparkle, Ruffles and Bowties, Mermaid Gear, MamaBearBoutiqueShop, SuriPieCreations, SlickandBoogers, Pinkbowdesigns, Wildchildbirthdays, KitchieKoo, LushParadise, UniqueTiesCreations, MollyMaxBoutique, IssaBug, NWXtreme, Tutugirl, LittleMissAtasha, BabyDecorBoutique, LilyandMax, MyLilPeanut
CAKE
The studio will supply an infant sized 5 inch cake with a simple naked design to avoid too much sugar and food coloring/dyes. If your baby has food allergies to cake ingredients (eggs, milk, nut oils, soy, gluten/wheat, etc.) you must bring the cake (refer to allergy waiver in your signed agreement). We suggest requesting a vegan cake from whole foods for a budget friendly option or do a google search for 'vegan bakery near me' and check online reviews. If you’d like a more elaborate themed cake we also have a few baker recommendations you can buy from directly, just let me know.
CAKE ALTERNATIVE
Not all parents want a cake. There are many other smashes we can do with other foods your baby may like. We have some ideas below. If you prefer a food smash that does not involve cake, let us know. We are happy to help plan something unique!
BATH TIME
Bath time photos are an option with our signature package and higher. If you have paid for this package but do NOT want bath time, please tell us at the time of consultation. We use honest company bubbles. However if your baby has sensitive skin concerns, please bring your preferred bubble bath or body wash for cleansing. We’ll also use a bubble machine for fun. Some babies love it. But if yours doesn’t we’ll stop using the bubble machine.
ARRIVAL/PARKING: Please arrive at my home studio at your scheduled time and ring the bell. Park on the left side of my driveway (closest to the walkway).
MOOD: To avoid a cranky baby, ensure your baby should is well rested. Arrive, not a full tummy of food, but also not starving. If teething, please give baby something soothing so he/she is not in pain or drooling too much.
TEST RUN: Do a test run with your baby at home with a mini cupcake so your baby can become familiar with the extra sweet taste and sticky texture of frosting. Start small with just a little at a time so not to turn your baby off.
WHAT TO BRING: Well fitted outfit(s) (not too big nor too tight), bath toy and towel, favorite music, finger foods (puffs or cheerios), comb/brush, Hair bows and accessories for girls, boogie wipes for face cleaning, milk or sippy cup, diapers/wipes. Extra outfit in case of accidental messes. Note: I have bags to put dirty clothes in after the smash..
PARENTS PLEASE: 1. Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting frosting all over. Your baby will likely smear cake and icing all over you as they reach to be picked up.You may also want to bring an extra outfit to change clothes if necessary. Be ready to get your own hands messy helping your little one get beyond the frosting to the cake. 2. Bring your PATIENCE and SILLINESS. I’ll need your energy to help engage your child while I capture their smiles. 3. Be prepared for a workout and possibly sweating. You may have to repeatedly put your walking or crawling baby back on the set, dance, sing, run around or make silly faces to entertain your child during the session. 4. Allow your child to take his/her time to get used to exploring the cake. Some will dig in and others may need a little more help or time.
AFTER YOUR SESSION: We will review and choose your photos at the end of the session. The digital photos you choose will be edited and ready in your portal 1-2 weeks after your session. Prints and albums will be returned from my lab and ready for pickup 1-3 weeks after order.
Cake Smash sets are very small but perfectly sized for 1 year olds. (7ft wide x 5 ft tall). If you have no idea where to start, I suggest first looking at my backdrops from the link above. Below are just a few popular ideas. Some I've done. Some I'd like to do. I do not have props for all of these ideas, but sometimes parents do, so I am open to working together .
Boys: Fresh Prince, Safari/Lion King, Toy Story, Cookie Monster, Mr. Onederful, Wild One, Baseball, Football, Soccer, Hockey, Basketball, Star Wars, Pirate, Cowboy, Camping, Lumberjack, John Deere Tractor, Prince, Fishing, Nautical, Aviator/Pilot, Astronaut, Train Conductor, Construction, Superhero, Harry Potter, Race Car Driver, Mickey Mouse, Monsters Inc, Dinosaur, Firefighter, Music/Band/retro ‘80s, Notorious One, Mechanic/garage, You are my Sonshine.
Girls: Snow White, Princess, French Country, Unicorn, Tea Party, Mini Mouse, Mermaid, Wonder Woman, Sunflower, Honey Bee, Butterfly, Ballerina, Rainbow, Flamingo, Paris, Tiffany & Co, Chanel, Bohemian Party, Ballerina, Arabian Princess, Hello Kitty, Alice in wonderland
Unisex: Cactus, Fiesta, Mardi Gras, Caribbean, Arabian, Circus/Carnival, UNO, Dr. Seuss, Winnie the Pooh, Sesame Street, beach, Baby Shark, World Traveler, Hot Air Balloon, Old MacDonald Farm, Twinkle Little Star, Harry Potter
Food/Other Themes: BBQ, Watermelon, Lemon/lemonade, Peach, Cherry, Pineapple, Strawberry, Donut Grow up, Ice Cream, Candy Shop, soda shop, Taco/Fiesta, pizza, Spaghetti, Chef, pancakes, Yogurt Paint, Starbucks, McDonalds, Chef, Candy, Target, Cookies, Chick fil-a, Cotton Candy, Apple Pie
Holiday/Seasonal Themes: Spring, ladybug, Cherry blossoms, spring garden, Easter, St. Patrick’s day, Christmas, New Years, 4th of July/Stars, Fall Leaves/ Fall pumpkins/Thanksgiving, Halloween, Winter Onederland, Valentine, Summer/Beach
