This blog explores how the Cake Smash and Splash works at Sarah Dutton Photography’s studio in Whitchurch Hampshire. When someone knows that they want to have a Cake Smash and Splash, the below questions are the most common ones that I get asked:
What is a Cake Smash and Splash?
Why have a Cake Smash and Splash?
What themes do I have for a Cake Smash?
Do you supply the balloons and Props?
Do you supply the cake?
What is a Cake Smash and Splash?
First of all, a Cake Smash is so much fun! We all come out covered in cake! To be honest, I don’t know where the tradition of a Cake Smash has derived from – I have done some research and found that it is believed to have originated from the Mexican tradition known as ‘La Mordida’ (which means ‘the bite’ in English) where a child’s face is shoved into their birthday cake to take the first bite. I also believe that the Cake Smash started in America following on from the wedding day where the bride and groom share the cake for good luck. However, it could also go back as far as Roman times where they would throw the cake at the bride to ensure her fertility so she could bear a lot of children!
Some people don’t like the idea of celebrating with a cake – and that’s fine too. I regularly do birthday celebrations where we still have the same set up but have no cake – and I have also done fruit smashes before – watermelons are so much fun!
A Splash is where I get my tiny roll-top bath out and your children have fun with the bubbles – it’s a brilliant way of getting your child clean again after the mess of the Cake Smash! I would recommend bringing a towel or a dressing gown as this can be cute to photograph them in afterwards.
Why Have a Cake Smash?
Cake Smashes have become very popular over the last ten years and increasingly over the last couple of years due to the pandemic when babies were born in lockdown. People wanted to have something special to look forward to and have beautiful photos taken to treasure forever. I have also done Cake Smashes for milestone birthdays such as 18th and 40th celebrations. Whatever the age, we are guaranteed to have a laugh and create some wonderful memories.
What Themes Do You have?
When booking a Cake Smash session with me – I always ask if you have a theme in mind. The most common response I have is, “What themes do you have”? I have many to choose from and I have posted some examples at https://www.sarahdutton.co.uk/cake-smash-gallery/
However, I always ask if there is something you would really like and I will try my best to source it! I have created many bespoke scenes for clients, ranging from Safari/Jungle to Pokemon and Peter Rabbit. Usually, we’d have a chat before your session to come up with an idea as first and foremost my desire is to create images that you will want to treasure and always remember your baby’s special birthday.
Do You Supply The Balloons and Props?
The answer is yes! I supply everything from balloons, props, the cake stand and even outfits if needs be. A lot of parents like to bring their own personalised outfits, but I also have some pretty outfits in my studio which work really well.
I like to support local businesses so I always get my balloons from The Party Booth in Overton, Hampshire. The Party Booth are so friendly and helpful and can supply all the balloons to match the various different themes, such as the Pokemon balls in the below photo.
Do You Supply the Cake?
Unfortunately I don’t – I’m always mindful of any allergies a child may have and therefore I do request that you supply a suitable cake. However, I do know a lot of cake makers so I can put you in touch with someone that can help!
I really appreciate you taking the time to read my blog and if you would like more information please do contact me at Sarah Dutton Photography.
I look forward to seeing you in the studio soon.