Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Basic Invite. I received payment, but it in no way influenced my opinion.
Whether you always think ahead or usually procrastinate, it’s not too early to start planning your Christmas cards. If you prefer not to think about Christmas until Thanksgiving is over, consider how helpful it can be to have your cards figured out ahead of time. When you plan your cards early, you give yourself extra time to think about decorations, gifts, recipes, and other fun Christmas ideas!
5 Reasons You Should Plan Your Christmas Cards Early
For many, thinking about Christmas too early seems silly, but it makes sense. Since choosing your Christmas cards can be a lengthy process, you can begin planning your cards as early as the beginning of November. Check out five reasons this is a good idea.
1.You can check out different fonts and designs.
When I saw the many different varieties at Basic Invite, I didn’t know where to begin! You can narrow down your search by theme, size, and number of photos. If you want to get a good overview of the fonts and designs you can choose from, you can scroll through all of the photos without narrowing down your search.
Scrolling through the photos led me to discover the gorgeous Merry and Bright Foil holiday card. With beautiful raised foil and smooth coated paper, the card turned out beautiful.
If you start searching in advance, you can find your ideal card. Give yourself time to locate the right card for your family, while deciding on the right font and design.
2. You can try out sample cards.
When you order a sample, you can check out what the card looks like in person. This is a great way to check out whether you like the combination of the card style with the photos you chose. Although I wasn’t sure whether the cool colors of my daughters’ outfits would look right against the bold red font in the card below, the style looked nice in person, and I was able to see how the Christmas tree branch in the upper left corner complimented the nature scene in the photograph.
You also get a good idea of whether the photos are a high enough quality. When my daughters decided to hike in their Christmas dresses recently (it was a birthday party, but they were still a tad overdressed), I snapped a couple cell phone pictures. Even though the photo quality wasn’t ideal, the pictures still printed well.
Ordering samples gives you insight into how the cards will turn out before you order a large quantity. You should give yourself enough time for the samples to ship and for you to redesign the cards if needed.
3. You can plan your Christmas photo shoot well ahead of time.
Although an impromptu hike in the woods worked for our family, many people enjoy hiring a professional photographer for their Christmas photos. If you like the well planned, coordinated look, you should hire a professional.
Research photographers in your area before choosing one. Relying on word of mouth recommendations is also a good idea. Then, select your outfits carefully, and double check that your family has their hair brushed well before your photo shoot.
Depending on the photographer you hire and the amount of editing you want, receiving your images can take a while. Check with your photographer ahead of time if you have a specific idea of when the photos should be received. You should also get deadlines in writing to avoid any confusion.
5. You can send your Christmas cards early.
Let friends and family know in advance that you are planning to send Christmas cards. You will have plenty of time to gather addresses and write a meaningful note to each person on your list. When you send your Christmas cards early, you let your contacts know that you’re exchanging cards, which gives them a heads up that they might want to send you one too.
Some years, I wait until we take photos with Santa Claus a few days before Christmas to get my Christmas cards together and ready to be sent. Having my cards figured out ahead of time is a huge relief.
Do you have a favorite card from Basic Invite? Check out the designs they offer, and leave your thoughts in the comments. Share the photo below on Pinterest to remind your friends about the benefits of planning your Christmas cards early.
For more holiday ideas, follow Theresa’s Reviews on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Flipboard and Youtube. You can also check out the Gift Guide section.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Basic Invite. I received payment, but it in no way influenced my opinion.
These are great tips! We actually didn’t send cards last year because we waited too late. 🙁 We took our family photos early and just got them back so I’m ready. I didn’t know you could order sample cards. Looks like my hubby and I have a date this weekend with Christmas cards. 😉
See, you’ve got to plan early, right? 🙂
My vote goes to the long vertical card with just the one picture with Merry Christmas in white. It’s merry and chic and shows your kids’ personalities.
Thanks for letting me know! I like that one too.
Great ideas! I usually forget how long the whole design-order-mail process takes and order them too late!
That happens to me a lot too! I’m so glad I have sample cards early this year.
Great advice. I admit, I have not filled out or sent Christmas cards in years. I just haven’t had the time. I think these would definitely motivate me to take the time to send them out!
I skipped last year, and there was a twinge of guilt when I still received a card from someone else. It’s nice to at least have a few ready to send out if needed.
I like sending them out early to make sure family and friends get them before Christmas. These are awesome tips.
Good idea! You’re on top of things.
I don’t have children so we usually don’t do photo cards but these are great tips for those who do! Thank you!
Thanks for checking out my article! Glad you liked it.
I can’t wait to send and receive Christmas cards! Our 1 year anniversary is a month before Christmas so we hired a photographer and are taking the photos next week so we will use some photos from that shoot on our card!
Aw, that is so sweet! What perfect timing to get your Christmas photos done! I bet they will turn out great too.
Early November seems so early for holiday cards, but it isn’t at all! The holidays always sneak up on us so getting ahead of the game is huge. Thanks for the tips!
Absolutely, it’s right after Halloween, but the process of getting the cards together can take such a long time.
These are all so cute! I really like simplicity, so the one with one big photo and “merry christmas…” is a great one, or I like the Joy & Peace one!
Thank you! Someone else liked the simple one that says Merry Christmas too. Maybe that’s the one we’ll go with this year!
I agree completely! I rarely do photo cards, but regardless of what kind I get, I always have them ready to mail by the first week in December (usually sooner!). It’s so much less stressful that way. I do a quick mail merge, but doing them so early gives me time to add anyone new to the list and hunt down new addresses for anyone who’s moved throughout the year.
That’s such a good idea! I like that you’re so organized about getting addresses.
I love the one of the spontaneous hike in the woods. I didn’t do Christmas Cards last year and I won’t be this year. Mostly because I live in a different country from everyone I want to send cards to and I didn’t plan ahead!! I really need to be on top of this next year!!
Thanks for your input! From what I’ve heard, some people in other countries customarily don’t send Christmas cards, and I had no idea!
We have always been huge Christmas card lovers. I have not had time to work on this year so we are really behind, so thank you for your post you have reminded me that we need to get on the ball !
xx. Gracie
snappedbygracie.com
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for checking out my article!
When my oldest was born, I made sure to do personalized Christmas cards every year. Then the second kid came along and it didn’t seem so important anymore. I need to get back into the habit of doing them, because I love them much more than the generic cards from Walmart!
It’s so nice to have them with both kids! You can keep some for yourself as a memory too.
Great tips! I actually try and get my clients to follow many of these and to plan early! I always take our own family photos (thank goodness for remote shutter releases) early. We are taking ours this weekend. Typically I like to do them in October, but last month was hectic!
=) Bridget | http://texasphotog.com
That’s great you already have them planned! You’re way on top of things for the holiday season.
So being a Brit these cards are new to me. This year my husband and I want to send cards like these. Thanks for inspiring me to look into it. I love to be organized.
That’s so interesting. I had no idea that Brits didn’t send Christmas cards. Is that a typical thing there?
LOVE Basic Invite! I reviewed their cards too on my blog and found them to be high quality and with a million options to enhance the cards to really stand out!
That’s so cool! Thanks for your honest input about how your experience was with them.
We love photo cards. We always do our picture early but for some reason, not this year. Rats.
Aw, you can still get it together in time!
Yes! I need to do this! Last year I totally dropped the ball and didn’t send any 🙁
Me too! I got Santa pictures a couple days before Christmas and I just didn’t have time to send cards.
Love this! I’m a photographer so I have had our pictures planned for a while! I love getting a head start on my cards because I like to display the cards I get from others so I love having them and seeing them during the month of December.
That’s great you’re so on top of things for the holiday season! I like displaying cards too.
Photo cards are my favorite at Christmastime. I love to see everyone’s kids as they are growing up. Yours all look fantastic, can’t wait to see which you choose!
I love seeing everyone’s children and learning about what’s happened during the past year for their family too.
I love the dresses they are wearing! I am going shopping this weekend for outfits for my kids so I can do their pics in the next week.
Thank you so much! That’s a great idea. I hope you find something awesome!
I love making Christmas Cards with my boys. I love the idea of second Card, it looks simple and ready to send out to my relatives and friends.
That sounds like so much fun! I enjoy having my children make their own cards too.
These are such good reasons to start now! I wouldn’t have thought of mocking up the cards before the pictures, but now that you say it, it makes perfect sense!
I’m glad you enjoyed my tips and that they might work for you!
I am horrible with Christmas cards…I can’t even count the times that I got them all ready and never mailed them!!! I do love getting cards though and seeing all the beautiful family pictures!
I love receiving them too! I don’t want anyone to stop sending them if I forget to send mine, so I’m going to make sure to mail some out this year.
Ekk!! I am so excited to read anything that involves the word “Christmas”! I think that Christmas cards are almost like a contest.. who’s is more thoughtful that others. I think that planning ahead is a great way to ensure that you have exactly what you want in time to send out to love ones! Great post.
Absolutely, planning ahead can be so beneficial! Hopefully people stay in the spirit and don’t just compete to give the best cards, right? 🙂
Very cute. I usually take a photo on Thanksgiving weekend, but I do like to write my letter sooner. Very cute photos.
That’s a really good idea to take it when everyone comes together and looks nice anyway!
My christmas cards are already done and sitting on my dresser! I only get enough for immediate family now and supplement with Christmas cards for the store for friends.
Wow, you are more ahead than I am! That’s awesome you are so organized.
The Family Christmas Card is a new idea for me as I’m British but it looks so fun and sweet as a keepsake! I have to get my Christmas cards out early anyway since most of them are going to Family back in England so I have to make sure they get there ahead of the Holiday rush!
I had no idea this would be a new idea to people in England. How interesting!
Such great advice and these pictures are too perfect 💟
Thank you! Glad you stopped by to read my article.
I was just thinking about Christmas cards – you have officially motivated me to get the ball rolling! Thanks for the post!!
Thank you, I’m so glad it inspired you to get started!
Such good tips! I am so bad at sending Christmas cards ! I wait till the last minute and then decide to just skip it. I will have to try and plan in advance this year!
Thanks for reading, and I hope it convinced you that it’s worth it to send out cards!
Omg just loving the cards!!!! I was just planning our cards with hubby last night. He thought I was nuts since it’s the beginning of November lol
That’s so funny. It’s the right time, though, or you’ll be late sending them out!
These are so cute! I love holiday cards; it’s always nice to know someone’s thinking of you!
Absolutely, I love receiving them too!
We are getting our photos done Saturday, so excited to get our cards ordered!
How exciting! Hope they turn out well.
Great tips! I just booked our Christmas photos so perfect timing to start thinking about this!
That’s great! I’m sure you’ll end up with awesome pictures to use.
Omgoodness….this reminds me that I have to get it done! And you’re right, better to send them early. I’m guilty of waiting so long that they don’t get sent at all…..
I’m glad you’re going to remember to do them now!
I literally just had this conversation with my husband! I told him I want to get started on them and he was like “It’s way too early!” Take that hubs!
That’s so funny. It’s just the right time! 🙂
All great points. I never get around to sending Christmas cards but want to!
Glad you enjoyed reading it!
I’m so excited to do our holiday cards this year! We’ve done them the last few years and they’re so much fun!
That’s awesome, it’s good to have enthusiasm when you’re working on them!
How adorable!! Great post!
Thank you, Michelle!
Great tips! Thanks for the reminder. I need to get going on my Christmas cards. I am determined to be on schedule and not behind this holiday.
Hope reading this article will help you get started!
Great tips and Great pictures of your girls they are adorable – must take my Christmas Pictures
Thank you! They love Christmas.
We didn’t get to send out Christmas cards last year because I procrastinated so much so I HAVE TO have it together this year. This post is super helpful. Thanks for sharing.:)
I’m glad you enjoyed reading it!
Great tips! And reminding me to order early! It always seems like I wait until the last minute every year. This year I already have our holiday photos done!
There are so many options to choose from makes my head spin!
Wow, you’re really ahead of things! Way to go.
[…] 5 Reasons To Plan Your Christmas Cards Early […]
You’ve inspired me… starting on these next week!
Awesome, so glad to hear it!
Just got my Christmas cards in the mail today! I will be addressing them and sending them here in a week or two!
What a good idea! I should be thinking about sending mine soon too.
Christmas cards are my favorite things to design! I am always so early with mine! Haha! I totally agree with all of this!
That’s awesome! Glad you see the point I’m making with this post. 🙂
I just love these photos!! I really need to start planning now.
Glad you enjoyed reading it!
Thanks Theresa, I did. This is a great Holiday post and I will be sure to share 🙂
Love this and super love the designs! I will have to check the company out!!
Nice, good idea! I really liked my cards from them.
Indeed, planning ahead solves many of life’s problems. This year we’re doing New Year’s cards, as we’re living abroad in a country where Christmas is not widely celebrated, and don’t want to have to make multiple sets. Either way, getting ahead of the game is crucial to getting the cards in friends’ and families’ hands in time!
New Year’s cards are a good idea too! I’ve done those before when I’m too late for Christmas.
All of your cards are great! I have set a date to do my cards early this year because the stress of doing them late is a nightmare. This inspired me! I do like trying the sample cards online like you suggest!
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed reading and learning something that would help you.
I have to get better at sending my cards out earlier. I swear I am always late.
I usually do plan ahead when it comes to ordering our family Christmas cards. Last year time got away from me but I will definitely plan ahead this season.
Oh I didn’t know you could order sample cards! Great idea! 🙂
I love to make my own or write them myself. But this is such a fab idea. Never thought todo this. Thanks for sharing.
Great advice – I can’t believe it’s Christmas card talk already…
Youre right we should plan them early. I need an ugly sweater I want to do mine ASAP.
This is a great idea. Your munchkins are so adorable! Thank you for this reminder. I tend to wait to the last minute to do Christmas cards. I will to get on it earlier this year.
I need to get working on my Christmas cards ASAP. Your girls are so beautiful! I love all the cards you chose too.
I personally love the foil one! We used to do this too, plan our cards early. I always enjoyed going in October before the weather was too cold for the kids to cooperate. We don’t live in the USA, and we won’t be doing the photo cards this year. In a way, it’s a bit nice to be relieved of the duty! But, if we were, I would surely be headed straight to this company to check out their cards.
Great advice! I almost always order mine in October, but I am so far behind this year! Ugh, I need to get on that asap. I’ve never ordered sample cards though, I like that idea.
I need to get to work on this! It’s crazy to me that it’s already November!
We do not celebrate the festival but these points are applicable for any festival I suppose.enjoy the festive season.
We just got our cards. So excited!
It’s 70 degrees when it should be like 40 – I can’t believe it’s Christmas card time already.
This has reminded me to get on this, lol. I have three little ones and Haven’t started yet!
Great tips! Just gave me a rrality check as to how soon Christmas is!
Great tips! I’m getting pictures this weekend, so I’m checking out cards now!
I agree that its so much better to start early! It can be so stressful the closer Christmas gets!
Great tips! I just wrote about Christmas Cards too (so weird) and the hardest thing for me is finding just the right design
I can’t wait to send and receive Christmas cards!
Love these tips! We always try to have our done right after Thanksgiving plus lots of places have deals on them black Friday and cyber Monday!
Ugh. I still haven’t ordered my cards yet. I’m so behind on everything this year. Thank you for the reminder!
I did not know about basic invite until I read your post. Such a handy resource
[…] check out the paper quality, order a sample before placing your final order. I ordered samples for my Christmas cards this past year, and I liked seeing the prints in person. Some other things that make Basic Invite […]