How to Choose the Perfect Cake Smash Theme for Your Baby

Your baby’s first birthday is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone - and a cake smash photoshoot is the perfect way to celebrate it in style! But with so many adorable themes to choose from, where do you even start?

Whether you’re drawn to timeless simplicity or want something quirky and bold, this guide will help you pick a cake smash theme that feels just right for your little one (and looks gorgeous in photos, too!).

berry first strawberry birthday cake smash leeds

1. Think About What You Love (Right Now)

Start with what’s meaningful to you and your baby. Is there a storybook they adore? A colour you’re always drawn to? A favourite animal or seasonal vibe that just feels like them?

Themes don’t have to be elaborate - even a beautiful colour palette like soft pastels or earthy neutrals can be enough to inspire a stunning set.

Jungle cake smash leeds

2. Consider Your Baby’s Personality

Is your baby always on the move or more of a calm observer? Do they light up around certain toys or characters? A playful jungle theme might suit a wild little adventurer, while a dreamy floral setup could be perfect for a gentle soul.

first trip around the sun space theme cake smash leeds

3. Match (or Contrast) Your Home Decor

You’ll be looking at these photos for years - likely displayed on your walls or in an album. Think about what will suit your home’s style. Want something bold and fun? Or soft and timeless? Both can be beautiful - but it helps to plan with your final images in mind.

neutral teddy bear theme cake smash leeds

4. Take Inspiration from the Season

Seasonal themes can be gorgeous. A spring baby might suit florals and bunnies, while an autumn baby could go for pumpkins and warm tones. If you love the idea of seasonal styling, let’s chat about how to bring it to life in a way that still feels unique to your child.

pink and white flower cake smash leeds

5. Keep It Practical for Photos

While every cake smash set is styled beautifully, not every trend works well in a photo setting - especially with babies. I do my best to secure everything and keep the setup safe, but props are for decoration only and not for babies to play with. If your little one loves to touch everything then maybe a simpler theme, with fewer props would work best.  

rainbow cake smash leeds

6. Think About the Bigger Picture

If you're planning a first birthday party, a themed cake smash can tie in beautifully with the celebration. Or maybe you’d love something that matches your baby’s nursery decor so the photos fit perfectly in their room. Whether you want to match or contrast, it’s a lovely way to make the session even more personal.

pink safari jungle cake smash

7. Need Some Inspiration? Here’s Where to Start

If you're not sure what theme to go for, you’re definitely not alone - and you don’t have to figure it out on your own! Here are some great places to spark ideas:

  • Pinterest - Search for terms like “cake smash theme” or “first birthday photoshoot” to find colour palettes, prop ideas, and general styling inspiration.
  • Instagram - Try hashtags like #cakesmashsession or #firstbirthdayphotoshoot to see what other parents have done.
  • My website and Instagram - I’ve styled everything from timeless neutrals to bold, fun setups. Feel free to scroll through for ideas - if you spot something you love, we can adapt it to suit your baby.

Just a little note: while it’s totally fine to draw inspiration from other sessions, I don’t directly copy other photographers’ work. Every cake smash I create is bespoke - styled especially for your baby, with your preferences in mind.

Peter Rabbit cake smash leeds

Experienced Cake Smash Photographer in Leeds

I’ve been a professional baby photographer for over 10 years, and I specialise in relaxed, personality-filled cake smash sessions at my studio here in Leeds. My aim is always to create a calm and enjoyable experience for you and your baby - and to deliver beautiful, timeless images you’ll treasure for years.

From first birthday portraits to messy cake fun, every part of your session is thoughtfully planned and tailored to your baby.

Boho neutral cake smash leeds

Ready to Plan Your Cake Smash?

If your baby’s first birthday is coming up, let’s make it extra special. My cake smash sessions are designed to be fun, stress-free, and full of personality - with a mini portrait session before the cake and plenty of adorable moments to treasure.

Get in touch here to chat about your dream cake smash theme!

If you enjoyed this blog, you may also like What is a Cake Smash? and The Best Baby Classes in Leeds