What's the point of a cake smash? – Picture You Photography

Unveiling the Mystery Behind the Cake Smash Phenomenon

The cake smash has gained immense popularity over the past 6-7 years, mainly within mummy circles. However, outside of these circles, many people still raise their eyebrows at the idea of letting a child destroy a perfectly good cake to celebrate their first birthday. So, where did this concept come from, and why is it seen as a necessary milestone?

Tracing the Roots: From Mexico to America to the UK

The cake smash tradition has actually been borrowed from various cultures. In the UK, we adopted it from America, where they, in turn, may have been inspired by Mexico. In Mexico, a first birthday celebration involves a baby taking their first bite of cake, while guests chant “Mordida! Mordida!” (“Bite! Bite!”). It’s worth noting that if the baby is reluctant, parents might push their face into the cake (though this is not recommended in a cake smash session). This tradition evolved into capturing joyful moments and memories through photography.

Another possible connection to cake smashing is the wedding tradition of the bride and groom playfully feeding each other cake. A more distant link takes us back to ancient Rome, where cake was thrown at brides as a blessing for fertility and having a house full of children.

Whichever theory resonates with you, what’s undeniable is that cake smashing has become an expected milestone session for babies, and there’s a growing trend of making these sessions elaborate and memorable.

Addressing the Skepticism: Common Concerns About Cake Smashing

1. “I’ve spent a year encouraging healthy eating in my baby. Why should I give them a cake covered in sugary frosting?”

During a cake smash session, the amount of cake actually consumed is usually quite small. It’s more about capturing the baby’s reactions as they taste cake for the first time. Some babies may not even be interested in eating the cake and simply enjoy exploring and playing with it. It’s important to note that this experience won’t undo all the efforts put into teaching healthy eating habits.

2. “Do I really want pictures of my baby covered in messy cake?”

Choosing the right cake and capturing different stages of the session can minimize the amount of time the baby is actually “covered” in cake. It’s about documenting the joy and discovery as they explore new textures and tastes. And let’s not forget the adorable bathtub pictures that follow!

3. “I’m trying to teach my baby table manners! Why would I let them play with their food like this?”

Cake smashing is a form of messy play that allows babies to engage their senses and learn about their environment. It’s a different context from formal meals, so babies don’t associate it with dinner time. This exploratory play on the floor is a favorite among babies.

4. “I could spend my money on ‘normal’ pictures. Why should I invest in a cake smash session?”

A cake smash session marks an important milestone in your baby’s first year. It’s a unique celebration that adds something special to the traditional newborn and sitter sessions. The set can be personalized to reflect your baby’s evolving personality, and it’s a great opportunity to capture candid moments of them enjoying themselves. Plus, babies are often more active than sitter sessions, making a cake a great way to keep them engaged.

5. “It’s such a waste of cake!”

While it’s difficult to argue against this point, keep in mind that most babies don’t actually consume a significant portion of the cake. You can always take the remaining cake home with you. Ultimately, if your baby had a blast, and you have incredible pictures and memories, is it really a waste?

If you have any doubts, take a look at the cake smash gallery on our website. Witness the genuine happiness radiating from these little ones. Investing in a cake smash session means investing in an experience that your baby will love and that you’ll cherish for years to come. Long live the cake smash tradition, wherever it originated!