HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT
I've had a huge number of cake smash and smash and wash sessions recently, and without fail the biggest topic of conversation between the parents and I has been on the choice of cake.
Given that we are now in September, the month with the most births, statistically, I anticipate having lots more of these conversations before the month is out!
So I thought I'd share some snippets from the guidance I provide parents when they book with me, and also details of some great store bought and made to order local cakes bakers who come highly recommended. I hope you'll find the tips useful whether you're coming to me for a cake smash or looking for a suitable cake for messy birthday party photos of your own.
Picking the cake.
I recommend picking a cake which is light or cream coloured on the inside. This is because darker cakes like chocolate or red velvet can look pretty yucky once they are smashed up. Also go for icing and decorations which are soft and easy for your baby to break up with their little hands. Hard icing is almost impossible for them to get into and makes for less attractive images. Avoid white icing, but do go for lighter colours that go well with the overall colour theme we've chosen for your session.
Some suitable store bought cakes.
Here's some of the best store bought cakes clients and I have discussed using. Please note that products are subject to change and I have only personally used some of these cakes, so please do always check your final choice before any cake smash purchases are made :-) The list below is by no means exhaustive... I must add that Morrisons' seems to have an excellent selection - just look up "celebration cake" in the search box on their site.
ASDA's white chocolate and raspberry cake just beautiful, soft and easy for your baby to smash up.
Tesco's Rainbow Sponge Cake - although this is colourful inside it is not too overpowering with colour. If you do pick this cake though, be sure to match the decorations and theme of the shoot to the colours of the cake.
Waitrose's Giant Pink Cupcake with a beautiful buttercream icing which is easy to break into.
Tesco's Giant Cupcake with a vibrant colour scheme for boys or girls, this sponge is filled with buttercream and raspberry jam.
Morrison's Rose Celebration Cupcake another winner from Morrisons, buttercream covered sponge with a raspberry jam filling.
Some local, recommended cake bakers & decorators.
Isle of Dogs based Marina, of Marina's Cake World, has been on my radar for a long time now, but it wasn't until a few months ago that I finally got to taste her cakes. And, O.M.G. her icing is so light, and creamy, it melts like butter on your tongue plus her cakes are super fluffy and tasty without being too sweet (better for those little milk teeth). Marina bakes and decorates made to order cakes (not just suitable for cake smashes), and can deliver too. See her Facebook page for more details. Here's just a couple of her stunning cakes...
Last week, I finally got to Under1Roof in Woolwich and discovered Funfetti... a concession in there. I say discovered... my nose led me to it... the smells emanating from the shop were driving me insane (particularly so cause I am on a diet at the moment!) You can see samples of the cakes on Funfetti's Instagram page and there's a couple below too. For more info contact: hello@funfetti.co.uk.
The shop also stocks lots of party decoration items in case you're looking for extra bits to dress a themed shoot up with or want something different for a birthday party.
Hope you've found the information useful. As ever if you have any questions on any of the information I've shared, just get in touch.
Sara x