Outdoor cake smash photography—it’s all the rage for those “OMG, my baby is ONE” moments. At Faithful Photography, we’ve witnessed how a few carefully chosen props can turn these sessions into something right out of a Pinterest fever dream.
Now, crafting jaw-dropping outdoor cake smash props? It’s not rocket science, and you don’t have to sell a kidney to afford it. In this post, we’re going to break down our best tips on picking themes, doing DIY (because who doesn’t love a glue gun?), and finding those must-have accessories that’ll make your outdoor cake smash a drop-the-mic unforgettable moment.
What Theme Will Make Your Outdoor Cake Smash Pop?
Sync with the Seasons
Alright, here’s the deal-your outdoor cake smash needs to vibe with the natural surroundings. Take a peek outside and steal a bit from what’s happening right now. Spring? Think pastel colours and floral accents. Autumn? Warm tones and woodland creatures stepping into the spotlight. Your photos will, no doubt, look like they’ve got the Midas touch when your theme is in step with Mother Nature’s palette.
Spotlight on the Birthday Star
Time to shine the limelight on your nugget. The theme should echo your child’s interests. Dinosaurs, unicorns, trucks-whatever their jam is! If your tyke’s all about space, turn your backyard into a mini galaxy. Star-shaped cakes, planet props, rocket ship backdrop (you’re only limited by your imagination).
Trendy Themes That Stand Out
Some themes are like fine wine-just get better with cake smashes:
- Floral: Spring, summer-both perfect for flower crowns, petal-strewn cakes, blooming backdrops.
- Rustic: Nature lovers, this one’s your jam. Throw in wooden crates, burlap banners, wildflowers.
- Nautical: Out there by the coast? Think anchors, stripes, every shade of blue for a little maritime masterpiece.
Keep It Simple
Strip it down-don’t make things complicated. Let the outdoors do the talking. Your kiddo? They should be the main attraction, not drowning in a sea of props. Find a theme that vibes with your outdoor setup and mirrors your child’s spunk.
Consider the Photography Aspect
Time to don the photo lens hat. Bold colours, contrasting elements-they’ll make your pics pop. Chat with your photographer (if you’ve got one in your corner) to make sure they can nail the vibe you’re going for.
Your theme is the curtain-rise for your outdoor cake smash. Got it down? Next move-dive into DIY prop land and watch your vision come alive.
How to DIY Your Outdoor Cake Smash Props
Natural Backdrops That Wow
Store-bought backdrops? Nah, skip ’em. Nature’s your best bet. You can easily create simple yet striking setups – just link four plain triangles into one paper pyramid. Set them up on your go-to plain background. Boom, you’ve got a natural frame-ideal for the outdoor cake smash.
Banners and Signs with Personality
Custom mini burlap banners-they’re calling your name. Think personalised burlap magic as cake toppers, photo props, or even rustic home decor. Perfect for shouting out your baby’s name or age, these mini banners are your ticket to a unique cake smash extravaganza.
Cake Stands That Steal the Show
Your cake’s gotta shine, right? Spice up a plain wooden crate into a rustic spotlight with some sandpaper and wood stain. Feeling whimsical? Stack up colourful vintage books, add a cake plate on top. Extra crafty? Mould some air-dry clay around a sturdy base for a custom, themed stand that fits the outdoor vibe like a glove (or maybe, a cake).
Safety First
Simple and sturdy-that’s the magic combo for DIY props. You want them highlighting, not hijacking, your little cake enthusiast’s big day. Always, and I mean always, do a safety check-wobbly props meet exploring toddlers? Not a good mix!
Eco-Friendly Options
Play the eco card and weave sustainable materials into your DIY ventures. Go for biodegradable decor or breathe new life into items you already have. (It’s a win-win: less waste and more flair for your setup.)
These DIY tricks will make your outdoor cake smash as one-of-a-kind as your kiddo. But hey, props are just the beginning-let’s dive into must-have outdoor essentials that will catapult your photo game from good to absolutely unforgettable.
What Props Make Outdoor Cake Smashes Unforgettable?
Ah, the cake smash – that delightful milestone where tiny humans take a deep dive into sugar nirvana, surrounded by nature’s splendour. But to make this chaos truly memorable? Props, folks. We’re talking about turning a ho-hum backyard scene into the Garden of Eden of Instagrammable moments. Here’s how you make your kid’s cake smash something they’ll… mostly you’ll never forget.
Nature’s Bounty
Mother Nature – she’s your unpaid intern with perks. Think about it: flowers, leaves, branches – all at your disposal. Wanna channel spring? Toss some wildflowers like confetti. Autumn? It’s all about those vibrant leaves, painting your backdrop with the hues of the season. These natural touches aren’t just eye candy; they’re also a sensory buffet for your little explorer.
Weather-Proof Your Setup
Shooting outdoors is… how should I put this? A weather gamble. So, prep like a storm chaser. Weather-resistant props are your insurance against Mother Nature’s mood swings. Metal or plastic decor? They laugh in the face of a drizzle. Balloons in every size and colour say “party” without the whole wilting drama. And for signs? Think chalkboards or acrylic – Mother Nature-proof your art.
Comfort is Key
Looks aren’t everything (shocking, I know), but making sure your kiddo is comfy? Non-negotiable. Plush picnic blankets are your go-to for creating a cosy cake-tasting zone. Small tables or crates keep cakes within kid’s reach and ensure you’re not chasing a sugar-high toddler into the rose bushes. Function meets style – it’s like a rare unicorn.
Themed Accessories
Themes – you can’t avoid them, so why not lean in? Woodland wonders with plush owls and foxes or a beach bash with seashells and tiny umbrellas. These thematic touches aren’t just fillers; they add layers (pun intended) to your photos, creating a visual story… all while ensuring props are baby-safe, of course.
Personalised Touches
Now, let’s talk personal flair – the secret ingredient. A custom banner featuring your child’s name or age? That’s your headline act. Toss in their favourite toy or something with family nostalgia for shots that tug at the heartstrings. Personal props don’t just make pics unique; they turn your tiny cake crusader into a comfortable, smiling cherub (more natural smiles guaranteed).
Final Thoughts
Outdoor cake smash props – they’re like the secret sauce turning regular photo ops into celebrations you’d want etched in memory lane forever. The right theme, a dash of carefully curated props, and those personal nuggets make for snapshots that freeze your child’s unique charm during this all-too-fleeting stage of life. Natural light? Yeah, it makes those colours pop, and having all that open space? It makes for those dynamic shots that catch kids just being… well, kids.
Here’s the thing – go wild when picking and crafting your props for this outdoor cake extravaganza. It’s all about the mix: bring in stuff fresh off the store shelf, throw in some DIY flair, blend in some elements straight from Mother Nature, and let those personal touches sing (whether they’re all about your kid’s quirks or your family lore). The best props? They’re the ones with emotional resonance or just make your little one light up like a Christmas tree.
Whether you’re rolling with a rustic woodland vibe or diving into a whimsical fairy tale fantasy, the perfect outdoor cake smash props are storytellers in their own right. Feeling like you might need a little extra help pulling off this masterpiece? Well, you might want to ring up the good folks at Faithful Photography. These guys have a knack for crafting outdoor cake smash sessions that are nothing short of spectacular – they’re the real deal in making your kid’s first year a memorable hit.