When my son turned one I had the hardest time deciding what to do for his cake smash theme. I mean, seriously, I’m a cake smash photographer so you’d think this would be easy for me! But no.

I went back and forth with so many ideas and finally settled on one that tied into our family’s story. My husband and I spotted a llama in downtown Saratoga Springs on our very first date, and over the years it became a lucky find for us whenever we spotted a llama. So llamas were kind of our thing years before they became “trendy”, and we settled on a llama theme for our little boy! It worked out perfectly because he had so many llama books and toys, and it was now his thing, too!

So if you’re like me and you’re wondering how in the world to pick a theme or an idea for your child’s first birthday portrait session, don’t worry! This blog post is filled with ideas to inspire you!

 

CHOOSE A COLOR PALETTE – NO THEME!

Many families are opting for simpler setups with a color palette in mind, and we’re often using balloons or florals to bring their vision to life. Choose a color palette that feels right for your family, your baby, and your decor – so that the final artwork can be displayed in your home!

ALL WHITE IS CLASSIC.

We also have families that prefer a more minimalistic look with an all-white setup and maybe a birthday garland or banner in the background, and you know that has my heart every time, too!

FLORALS ARE TIMELESS.

These are some of my most-requested themes for cake smashes, and with good reason – they’re feminine, elegant, and easy to customize! From filling our giant ONE letters with greenery and flowers, to hanging a simple garland, to adding flowers and twinkle lights to a balloon garland. It’s all so beautiful and classic for portraits!

A FAVORITE TOY OR STUFFED ANIMAL

Some families prefer to go with a cute theme for their baby’s birthday, and I love helping them come up with the perfect option that reflects their baby’s or their family’s interests and personalities. I remember when my son turned one, I had the hardest time choosing a theme for his cake smash session. We ended up going with a llama theme, because it had personal significance in our story as a couple, and it was therefore also his first (and favorite!) stuffed animal when he was an infant. Actually, he still has that llama stuffed animal now, seven years later! One of my other favorite smashes was a space themed setup for a little boy! We took his love of rockets and stars and the sun, turning them into a gorgeous elegant setup! 

 

A FAVORITE BOOK OR SONG

Think about the stories and songs that you love to share with your little one. Those can be a great burst of inspiration. I’ve done many Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star smashes over the years. It’s easy to take these classic songs and books and turn them into timeless cake smash setups!

SPECIAL SEASONS OR HOLIDAYS

If your baby was born around the holidays, consider incorporating it into their cake smash. Winter ONEderland is a popular setup for those winter babies, and I love coming up with new twists on this fun theme. We can choose any combination of colors and make some sparkly magic happen!

CHOOSE SOMETHING THAT YOUR FAMILY ENJOYS

My favorite way to choose a cake smash theme is to focus on what your family likes. Whether that’s a favorite film, your dream vacation spot, or your child’s current fixation (mail trucks and ice cream trucks were big in my house!), this is a wonderful way to bring your family’s personality to your session.

Still not sure how to choose a cake smash theme? That’s why I’m here! I love helping families come up with the perfect idea for their baby’s cake smash, and I’m happy to help you, too! See more fun cake smashes here!

Love these cake smash ideas? Pin this image or any from the post above!