When to Book Your Baby’s Cake Smash Session

Your baby only turns one once. The right timing means a relaxed experience, a beautifully designed set, and images ready for party day or invitations. Here is a clear guide to booking your cake smash at the perfect time.

Why Timing Matters

Custom sets take planning. I design each session around your baby and your party palette, then coordinate outfits, order any specialty décor, and arrange the cake. Booking with enough lead time ensures everything arrives, fits, and photographs exactly as imagined.

The Ideal Window

Most families reserve their cake smash 2 to 3 months before the first birthday. This allows time for design, wardrobe coordination, and a smooth proofing and delivery process.

• If you want images ready for invitations: plan to photograph 8 to 10 weeks before the party

• If you want images to display at the party: plan to photograph 3 to 5 weeks before the party

• If you want a true on-or-around-the-birthday session: schedule the session within two weeks of the date, knowing delivery will follow soon after

  
  

Month-by-Month Guide

• 9 to 10 months old: best for parents who want invitation photos and plenty of design time

• 10 to 11 months old: the most popular window for party display portraits and keepsakes

• 11 to 13 months old: perfect for families who don't want to celebrate before the actual day or prefer an on-birthday celebration feel

  
  

Party-First or Birthday-First

Start with your priority. If the goal is coordinated invitations, set, a styled party board and thank yous, schedule earlier. If the goal is a true birthday memory, choose a date near the big day and plan to share your gallery afterward. Either way, I will guide the timeline so it stays easy.

What Is Included

Every cake smash session includes custom set design, coordinated outfits from the client closet, a guided session flow that moves from classic portraits to cake to a sweet splash, and hand edited images. Signature collections include take-home décor, so your party is instantly styled.

How Long Things Take

• Design consult and theme confirmation: within a few days of booking

• Set sourcing and custom elements: typically 2 to 4 weeks

• Proofing gallery: usually within 1 to 2 weeks after your session

• Final image delivery and artwork: based on your selections, I will advise exact timelines for prints, party boards, or albums; rush shipping is also available to meet every family's needs

If you have a firm party date, let me know during booking and I will plan your schedule backward from that day.

Last-Minute Options

If your baby’s birthday is approaching quickly, reach out anyway. I keep select designs and wardrobe on hand and can often craft a beautiful design on a shorter timeline. The earlier you inquire, the more customization we can include.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Session

• Share your invitation, nursery colors, or a favorite detail that feels like your baby

• Keep the outfit simple so your child’s expressions and the set shine

• Plan the session around your baby’s happiest time of day

• Bring a small snack and water for quick breaks

  
  

Ready to Reserve

To secure your preferred date and allow time for design, inquire 2 to 3 months before the birthday. If you are already inside that window, send a note and I will share current availability and options.

Reserve your cake smash date: See more caske smash sessions

Your baby’s first birthday deserves more than a standard backdrop. With thoughtful design, calm guidance, and personal details, these portraits become a keepsake you will love long after the cake is gone.