Good Morning!!

I would like to contact some local photographers about smash cakes for first birthday photo shoots. What size do you use for a smash cake, do you price it at your regular serving prices? Do you give it free if they book their birthday cake as well? I need some help/suggestions before I make my presentation to them!!

Thanks for any help!

I am just starting to offer smash cakes. I am offering a 4" round or a large cupcake shaped cake of the same size free with the purchase of a first birthday cake.
I don't offer just a smash cake.

I'm in So Cal. I start smash cakes at $25 and free with an additional larger fondant cake order. Usually I don't charge more than $30. I do a 6" round that ends up being about 2" tall

I do a single layer (2" high) 4" round cake, buttercream iced simply decorated in the same cake flavor as the larger cake for free with any 1st Birthday cake. If they want something larger or with more elaborate decor then I charge them.

I offer a smash cake free with the purchase of a larger birthday cake. I use a 4" round, in buttercream only -- although I usually put some matching fondant decorations to make it look like it goes with the larger cake. I don't sell just smash cakes currently -- I've never had anyone ask.

Natalie

I usually throw in the smash cake for free with the larger cake. Usually just yellow cake...sometimes chocolate--all buttercream--no fondant at all. I know that the kid could probably handle it, but I like to stick to all buttercream for the smash cake. Mine are 6 inches, 2 layers. I have only made 1 cake just for photo shoot but I was able to deliver it with the other smash cake and larger birthday cake since the pictures were taken the next day.

I charge $12 for a 4" round smash cake in the same flavor as the main cake. Buttercream only. I hate icing those tiny things & wouldn't offer them at all without a main cake order.

Mine is 6", $15.00, but must be purchased with another cake.

A 6" cake on its own is too small to turn on the oven. I do have gourmet cakes this size, but they are $29.00 to $34.00. Then the delivery is added to that.

Thanks everyone!! I know someone that has a business in the next town over and she provides the GIANT cupcakes for 1st birthday shoots quite often. I know her normal price for those is $45 and just couldn't imagine anyone paying that much for a cake to rip apart for pictures! Guess I'll have to message her and see what she charges locally.

I bake from home so turning on the oven is not a big deal at all and would probably be on in the evening anyway.

What exactly is a smash cake? Is it a small cake you give to a young child to 'play' with? Why not just give then a slice of the main cake?

1st birthday shoots? Good grief.

People who want to be in business need to be careful of the mindset of spending other people's money. Sometimes people think that something is not a good deal or is too expensive because it doesn't fit into their personal budget. There are many different income levels. It's best to look at trends and let consumers spend their own money. If you can offer something that is common in a specific income level, it will only benefit your business to add the item if you have that range of clientele.

Smash cakes are something that parents do buy quite often. Parents also spend upwards of $500.00 and more in one sitting for a child's portrait. A cake costing $45.00 is rather inconsequential in the overall price. The outfit could have been over $100.00.

Look at the first birthday cakes that some artists create. They can be higher than a wedding cake.

I understand the mindset and the motivation behind smash cakes. In fact I think it's a good idea to limit the amount of mess the birthday child makes. And I don't have a problem charging $30 for a 4" cake. Doesn't mean I don't wonder about some people's priorities.