Tips for Making Christmas Cards Easy!

My biggest tip for making Christmas cards a breeze is to plan ahead. I know that may seem tough when November is THE MONTH for photos in Florida. We all want to wait until the weather is nicer, but also want to get those updated photos of our little (and bigger) kids to share with friends and family. Here are some ideas on how you can still plan ahead even when you’re waiting on that November session. 

1. Plan Ahead…. Once you know the setting for this years Christmas or yearly family photos and after you’ve chosen outfits you can start thinking about cards!  I know the rush to get cards ordered well. This tip is especially helpful if your session is schedule for November or December. Start looking at cards that will match the feel of your session. Browse the cards company’s websites and favorite some potential cards that you love! Keep in mind which ones match the colors, style, and feel of your session. 
2. Make your List and Check it Twice….. Get your address list ready! Make sure you have your list updated as best you can early. Start reaching out for new or updated addresses nice and early so that you have a couple months to get them all in order. One thing I always do now in order to make mailing cards out easier during the busiest time of year, is to have the card company print addresses on cards for me. If you have an updated electronic list this is a super easy thing to do when ordering and totally worth the money in my opinion. 
3. Get A Great Deal… Keep your eye out for deals on cards, but don’t worry too much!  I’ve noticed that card companies actually offer more and more discounts as we get closer to the holidays. So when you are ready to order… keep your eyes open for the right deal and place that order when you see something that works for you!

PRO TIP– A question I get a lot is about WHERE to order from. I am going to list my 3 favorites below. As a photographer its important to me that my photos look great and print true to color. I love these companies as they offer beautiful cards and the prints always come out great!  In my experiences they also have good customer service and quick shipping. 

1. MPix– We have used MPix for our family’s cards many time and they are always a favorite! This is also a print company that I highly recommend for larger prints in your home, phonebooks, and canvases. They have a sister company for professional photographers and I use them regularly! 
2. Minted– Minted cards are unique and beautiful! Another great thing about Minted is their personalized gifts. Maybe pick up some Christmas gifts while you place your card order. (My kids were SUPER excited to give Grandma a puzzle made from their picture last year… and it was a HUGE HIT!)
3. Simply to Impress– I always love the options from Simply To Impress. Their site is easy to use and they have hundreds of cards to choose from. One really great thing about Simply to Impress is that they will also mail out your cards directly to friends and family. This can be a huge benefit if you’re really in a time crunch or just totally overwhelmed with your holiday to do list!