Is it just me or do Holiday Cards make you giddy?!?! I love checking the mail during the holidays and seeing what cards we receive each day. I equally enjoy planning out our Christmas cards each year. It can seem like a lot of work but I have some tips for you to make the whole process simple.
Don't wait until the last minute to start planning or you will stress yourself out. Book a photographer several months in advance and start thinking about a theme. In the past we've done The Polar Express and No Place Like Home but this year I didn't do an overall theme just holiday colors and outdoor scenery. Once you have the idea or theme in mind start shopping for your looks. In the interest of saving money I always start in our closets and see what I can use that we already have then I buy to fill in. I suggest using a variety of colors that coordinate; I stray away from matchy-matchy clothing. You can see more of my suggestions on styling family photos here.
If you're looking for a new photographer look at their past body of work and ask for referrals. Don't forget to discuss ahead of time what you are looking for: theme, style, poses, etc. For example, do you want everyone looking at the camera and smiling or do you want action shots? If you have young kids you should ask if the photographer has experience with children and getting them to engage. We used the beautiful and extremely sweet Melissa Gotelli to take our family photos this year. She's so patient and great with little ones!
If you're looking for a new photographer look at their past body of work and ask for referrals. Don't forget to discuss ahead of time what you are looking for: theme, style, poses, etc. For example, do you want everyone looking at the camera and smiling or do you want action shots? If you have young kids you should ask if the photographer has experience with children and getting them to engage. We used the beautiful and extremely sweet Melissa Gotelli to take our family photos this year. She's so patient and great with little ones!
Next you need to pick a location. If you have a theme pick something that compliments it. If not, find a spot that you love. Feel free to ask your photographer for a suggestion. The night before picture day lay everything out pressed and ready. Take a tide pen with you to the shoot and bring hairspray and a comb if you have little girls. I may or may not bring some bribing candy!
The suspense of waiting for the photos just about kills me. Once you receive them make your selections and decide which ones will make the cut for your Holiday Cards. I used Minted to print our cards and I am so happy with the process and the final product. There are countless options and great search options so you don't get overwhelmed. The customization options will delight you. My favorite are printed envelopes including return address and/or mailing address. The worst part of sending out cards is addressing them so this benefit is huge! It makes the process so easy; they arrive in the mail and you just add postage and send. However, Minted even gives you the option of buying postage so you literally have nothing to do once you hit order. If you want you can receive a proof or even get guidance from a designer. Minted has something for everyone and you'll be sure to find exactly what you can dream up.
Update: Don't fret if you missed Cyber Monday. Click on banner to still get a discount.
Here are my favorite photos from our shoot with Melissa Gotelli:
Cards received in exchange for this review. As always all opinions expressed are honest and my own.
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