Holiday Cards | A Few Tricks to Make it Easier


Getting holiday cards has always been one of my favorite things about December and when Gary & I got married (almost 3 years ago) I was excited to start sending out our own cards to friends and family. We haven’t gone the professional photo route yet, but it’s something I look forward to doing and one decision I hope that will make choosing a photo that much easier! Working with Minted on our holiday cards this year was such a treat! It was quick, easy and painless – just what we need to start the holiday season! 

Holiday Cards from Minted


Since I use a photo (or two) of us from the year – I narrow it down and then used Minted’s “Find It Fast” option. 


I can’t even tell you how awesome it is to see the photo you like on every card design. I always filter my search by using one picture and the one dollar sign ($) for how much I want to spend. Then I get to choosing! 


You can see in some of the options the font goes through our faces, our heads are cut off or the picture just looks plain wrong with the card choice. Makes it easier to narrow down the card choice. You personalize the card and here’s where it get’s really great – 


You can have the addresses printed on the cards free of charge – I mean is that not a time saver or what?! I’m a little mad at myself for not choosing that option, but next year it’s a no brainer! After the digital proof came through, I approved the cards and less than a week later had them at my door! 


To make getting the cards out a little easier this year – I pre-printed our return addresses ahead of the holiday cards getting to me. This is a constant address, so I was able to choose a cute design for all of them to have. I also used these clear avery labels. To keep the front of the card “clean” if you will – I used the return address as the closure for all the cards – that way the front only had the recipients address. I used the same clear avery labels for people’s addresses, but used a calligraphy type font to dress the labels up a bit more. I made the mistake of addressing 80+ cards in years past and since people just throw the envelope out – I didn’t want to spent that time again. 


Gary and I had a little assembly line going one Saturday night and we were done within 20 minutes! That my friends is a holiday card success! 

Holiday Cards from Minted




As much as I love Minted, I hope you guys do as well because they have been kind enough to offer two of my readers $125 towards anything on their site! 






How do you go about ordering your holiday cards? Have you ever ordered through minted? 




A portion of my holiday cards were paid for in exchange for my honest review.




 


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80 Comments

  1. Andrea Nine
    December 9, 2015 / 11:37 am

    You're brilliant!! I love how you show the different versions!! Um, ok lets be honest, besides brilliant…you are GORGEOUS with a capital G my friend!! Oh and hubby is not bad himself, lol!! Just an ahhhmazing couple and such pretty cards!! GREAT job!! Think I may try Minted next year, very class!y

  2. Jenn
    December 9, 2015 / 11:47 am

    Easy peasy! You're so good! You were the first holiday card that we got (which you already know and saw on my Christmas card display). Love your card this year–a great photo of a gorgeous couple! πŸ™‚

  3. Whitney and Blaire
    December 9, 2015 / 11:53 am

    I just ordered my cards, and I can't wait to get them in the mail. You guys look gorgeous on every card, and I love the one you picked.
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

  4. Anonymous
    December 9, 2015 / 12:04 pm

    Beautiful card Biana ! Love Minted and may have to use them next year for our card πŸ™‚

  5. Ashley G
    December 9, 2015 / 12:38 pm

    We ordered ours though Minted and love them, per usual! They do such a great job!

  6. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    December 9, 2015 / 12:43 pm

    Your cards were so cute this year! I haven't gotten mine in the mail yet… eek! Guess I should get on that this weekend if I want them there before Christmas haha! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

  7. Rachel Emily
    December 9, 2015 / 12:48 pm

    Your cards turend out soo great! That layout is perfect for that photo!! I thought I was doing great getting mine done in one evening but 20 minutes?? That has to be a record!!

  8. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    December 9, 2015 / 12:48 pm

    Got mine from you! It was the first one, always on top of it as always πŸ˜‰ Have it on my fridge! I need to get a card tree or something finally to start displaying all of these. Minted is the best! Loved them for all of our Wedding invites etc.

  9. Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often
    December 9, 2015 / 12:50 pm

    I like that you can see all the designs. I haven't used Minted but used a similar process. Very easy, and saves a lot of time.

  10. Rosy Outlook - Fashion & Lifestyle by Kelly Rose
    December 9, 2015 / 12:50 pm

    I LOVE Minted! We're thinking about using them for our wedding invites! These holiday cards are GORGEOUS! Looks fun and easy to use!

    rosyoutlookblog.com

  11. Kate at Green Fashionista
    December 9, 2015 / 12:51 pm

    Still LOVING your cards – gorgeous! And I love that they were double sided. Look at you go knocking those out in 20 minutes! Minted seriously has some beautiful cards <3

    Green Fashionista

  12. Danielle
    December 9, 2015 / 1:05 pm

    The card you chose is beautiful! I love that you show the different designs. I haven't heard of Minted before; I should check it out.

    Danielle
    spring2spring.com

  13. Zelle B.
    December 9, 2015 / 1:21 pm

    Love this! Your card is so beautiful! Minted always has such beautiful products.

    Zelle
    Southern Style

  14. Elle Sees
    December 9, 2015 / 1:24 pm

    your cards look great. i love minted! they can do no wrong in my book. they have tons of options and make it all easy!

  15. sara [at] journey of doing
    December 9, 2015 / 1:29 pm

    Love your cards!! It's so perfect!! The use my photo feature is GENIUS… and the envelope addressing feature has totally simplified my life!

  16. kerri @ cheshire kat
    December 9, 2015 / 1:41 pm

    your cards are so pretty! well it helps you two are a gorg couple πŸ˜‰ minted sounds like a great choice!

    xoxo cheshire kat

  17. Veronica-VeroSays!
    December 9, 2015 / 1:47 pm

    Hey are so pretty! Love that you can see the photo on so many cards! It's great so you can narrow down quickly which do not work at all! Xo

    • Veronica-VeroSays!
      December 9, 2015 / 1:48 pm

      They* πŸ™‚

  18. Paige @ An Uncomplicated Life Blog
    December 9, 2015 / 1:54 pm

    Pretty cards! We did them last year but have opted for New Years cards at some point this Jan. so that the new baby will be included πŸ™‚ We also used Minted for Henry's birthday party invites and decorations, and I loved how everything turned out! They really have a great selection and were super fast with custom printing and shipping.

  19. Katie @ Champagne and Suitcases
    December 9, 2015 / 2:02 pm

    These turned out so good! I love the design that you chose on the front, and your red really pops! Love that they address the envelopes for you, it takes so much time off your hands!

  20. Marie
    December 9, 2015 / 2:05 pm

    The cards came out so well!! That is a beautiful picture of you both. I love getting picture holiday cards.

  21. Unknown
    December 9, 2015 / 2:10 pm

    Great tips!! Thanks for sharing! xo
    publiclivessecretrecipes.com/2015/12/mac-cheese-pancakes.html

  22. Caroline @ Windy City Chic
    December 9, 2015 / 2:12 pm

    Beautiful card!! I have never used Minted, but they do have a lot of pretty things! I have used Tiny Prints for the past few years and its always been a good experience. Maybe Minted for next year. πŸ™‚ Thanks for sharing lady!! πŸ™‚

  23. elle jo
    December 9, 2015 / 2:27 pm

    Wow I am loving how easy minted is! Such a cake walk. We use Shutterfly because I get so many good deals from them, (we got our holiday cards free!) but they don't offer so many options like that where you can see your picture on so many different cards at once.

    We just used the same template as last year, but it was a pain searching for a new template this year, which is why we took the original template and re-used it.

    liz @ sundays with sophie

  24. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    December 9, 2015 / 2:35 pm

    Your holiday cards came out gorgeous! Love the design you chose. I found a Groupon this year and went that route but will definitely use Minted in the future… Lucky you for getting discounted cards!

  25. Myra
    December 9, 2015 / 2:54 pm

    I love your cards!! Holiday cards are so fun and I want to send some out, but first, I need to learn how the Netherlands postal system works, hahaha. Y'all look incredible in your picture, btw! xo

  26. Unknown
    December 9, 2015 / 2:55 pm

    Your cards are darling! I'm a huge fan of Minted and used them for our wedding thank you cards. They just have the best designs. Jeff and I haven't gotten around to sending xmas cards yet, but I really hope we can in the future!

    Annessa
    seekingsunshine.com

  27. Rachel F
    December 9, 2015 / 3:01 pm

    Love seeing your face on my fridge every morning; our "new years" card is coming soon πŸ˜‰ You're always way on top of it!!

  28. Kaitlin {Little Goodies Blog}
    December 9, 2015 / 3:14 pm

    OH my goodness, I needed this post this weekend when I was FUMBLING for hours over another "unnamed" site – ugh, lol!! I needed that quick look option – that is amazing!! I am definitely doing this for any future cards.

  29. Emelia at Dream Big & Buy the Shoes
    December 9, 2015 / 3:16 pm

    I'm sharing our cards on Monday's post πŸ™‚ I LOVE yours…and love that you can do a find it fast option …because it's SO time consuming to see how the picture you chose works with different designs. I have never used Minted, but I'm saving and pinning this for next year because it sure will save a lot of time. Love your cards Biana, so gorgeous!

  30. Shannon Jenkins
    December 9, 2015 / 3:22 pm

    So cute!!! Your cards turned out amazing! That's one thing I've been slacking on this year because our photographer is taking forever to get pictures back! And now we're leaving for the weekend so I'm praying I can get them in the mail so everyone gets them before Christmas! Ahh!!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

  31. Laura
    December 9, 2015 / 3:22 pm

    I need to get my cards written and mailed! I didn't do personalized picture cards this year (opted for Paper Source to just buy pre-made) but I will keep minted in mind next year if I decide to create my own!

    Laura | Laura Aime Vous

  32. Kate Steadman
    December 9, 2015 / 3:27 pm

    Wow. Love, love, love the fact that they show you how it will look on all of the options!

    xo,
    Sara Kate Styling

  33. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    December 9, 2015 / 3:29 pm

    Your cards look great!

    I used Simply to Impress this year and was very happy with them, it was the first time I used them and the deal was excellent.

  34. Rebecca Jo
    December 9, 2015 / 3:38 pm

    Do you know I've been married 20 years & we've never done a picture for a card… that's kinda sad with me being a photographer.
    I love all the options to choose from – I'd have the hardest time deciding!

  35. Gold Coast Girl
    December 9, 2015 / 3:38 pm

    Such a cute Christmas card! You guys look great. Happy holidays!
    ~Sam
    goldcoastgirlblog.com

  36. Meghan @ Me as Meghan
    December 9, 2015 / 3:46 pm

    Your card looks great! I need to send my mom a link to Minted for our holiday cards! Its so cool you can have the addresses printed right on the envelopes…thats so helpful!

  37. Kristina @ Medicine and Manicures
    December 9, 2015 / 4:02 pm

    Your cards look gorgeous and I love Minted!! Can't wait to share my save the dates next week πŸ™‚

    xo, Kristina
    Medicine & Manicures

  38. a little bit of emily
    December 9, 2015 / 4:04 pm

    Love your cards! The pictures are gorgeous, too! Love the idea they will address them for you…just SO hand!

  39. Jalisa
    December 9, 2015 / 4:10 pm

    Biana, your cards came out beautifully! You look absolutely amazing in that red dress an dyou both are such a gorgeous couple! Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea and site with us! I hope you have a great day ahead, beauty!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    thestylecontour.com

  40. Kristina (Ms.Modify)
    December 9, 2015 / 4:11 pm

    I love Minted! I can't wait for next holiday season bc I'll be married and will be sending out cards!

    Love the card you selected! πŸ™‚

  41. Unknown
    December 9, 2015 / 4:16 pm

    GORGEOUS photo! i love minted!! they make designing cards so easy. xo jillian – cornflake dreams

  42. Chesson | Magnolia+Main
    December 9, 2015 / 4:32 pm

    I cannot wait until next Christmas! First married Christmas = first Christmas cards! But right now, we're working on getting our Save the Date cards out the door and it didn't make sense to send out a Save the Date & Christmas card within weeks of each other. Love the option you went with!

  43. Rachel McCarthy
    December 9, 2015 / 4:47 pm

    Your cards look fantastic! I get so excited to send out our cards each year…I'm ordering ours tonight!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

  44. Kristin
    December 9, 2015 / 4:48 pm

    Love your cards! And your tips! My cards have been sitting here for a week and a half, probably time to get addressing. Whoops.

  45. Unknown
    December 9, 2015 / 4:54 pm

    Love this! My mom's in charge of Christmas cards…thank goodness
    ~~Megan~~
    poshprime.com

  46. Owen Davis @ Davis Duo
    December 9, 2015 / 5:11 pm

    I get all my paper products from Minted… LOVE their customer service and how nice their cards are. Just ordered mine this past weekend, can't wait to get them in the mail! And I always use the free address printing. SUCH a time saver!

  47. Anonymous
    December 9, 2015 / 5:39 pm

    I've never used Minted, but when I have a need in the future I'm sure I will since I've heard such good things. Love your holiday card! Gorgeous couple πŸ™‚

  48. Brittany@TheLadyLawyer
    December 9, 2015 / 5:43 pm

    So pretty! I really like the design you chose

  49. life of lo.
    December 9, 2015 / 5:52 pm

    I've heard so many good things about minted! I need to remember them for next year, I so dropped the ball this year..eek! Loveeee y'alls though, gorgeous!
    Linds @ Not A Mom

  50. Lindsay's Sweet World
    December 9, 2015 / 5:55 pm

    Oh wow, I love how you can view your picture on all of the different cards all at once… that right there is a life changer for sure! I don't know how much time I wasted inserting our picture into each card on Shutterfly to decide which one to get! I will have to check out Minted next year for sure.

  51. Karly @ What Karly Said
    December 9, 2015 / 6:12 pm

    You cards turned out beautiful, love the design that you chose!

  52. Brittany @ Perpetually Daydreaming
    December 9, 2015 / 6:39 pm

    Love your holiday cards! They look great! I used Minted for the first time and love the recipient addressing feature. #lifesaver

  53. Nichole @ casadecrews.com
    December 9, 2015 / 7:13 pm

    Love the way your cards turned out! I ended up ordering with Tiny Prints, but I love Minted so much, as well!

  54. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace}
    December 9, 2015 / 7:38 pm

    Love the photos you chose for your cards this year! Minted is such a great site and I love that they have prints and more now.

  55. Miss Erin
    December 9, 2015 / 7:45 pm

    Such a perfect Holiday Card!
    Xo Miss Erin
    See what I have to say at:
    misserinsays.com

  56. Nadine
    December 9, 2015 / 7:53 pm

    Love the way your cards turned out!!! And do I spy a Sephora bag that they are sitting in ready to go? LOL! This is the first year that I made custom cards with a picture on it and I had so much fun doing it! I haven't used Minted before but I will check them out!

  57. Unknown
    December 9, 2015 / 8:03 pm

    Wow this is such a great idea, I love how they look thanks for sharing.
    artadorned.com/

  58. Paige @ Reasons to Come Home
    December 9, 2015 / 8:10 pm

    I love Minted's find it fast option! It made picking out a card SO much easier! Beautiful card!

  59. Girl Meets Bow
    December 9, 2015 / 8:16 pm

    Your cards turned out perfect! What sweet delights to send to family and friends!

  60. Pink and Fabulous
    December 9, 2015 / 8:27 pm

    Such a cute card! I love the pic you chose!

  61. Nikki @ makeupHER
    December 9, 2015 / 8:39 pm

    I absolutely loveeee getting holiday cards and was so excited to make mine. I dropped the ball a bit and ran late so couldn't put too much thought, but the fact that you can see your photo in each design and filter accordingly is such a great feature!!

  62. Erin LFF
    December 9, 2015 / 8:49 pm

    Your cards are so cute! It's on my to-do list for tonight to actually get going on them! I've used Minted in the past and had a great experience with them too!

  63. The Siberian American
    December 9, 2015 / 8:56 pm

    Love your Christmas cards! Love the photo you picked! πŸ™‚

  64. Ally- Life as I know it
    December 9, 2015 / 9:21 pm

    I wish I would have known Minted addresses the cards for free! I definitely go with them next year!
    Ally – Life as I know it

  65. Lily (Beauty With Lily)
    December 9, 2015 / 10:36 pm

    Such a beautiful card, Biana! I love the one you went with. I would have had such a hard time picking.
    xo, Lily

  66. Sarita @ it's my girls' world
    December 9, 2015 / 10:47 pm

    What beautiful cards!!! I didn't know about minted addressing the cards!!!

  67. Katie Elizabeth
    December 9, 2015 / 10:58 pm

    Love love love!! They look awesome! I had no idea about Minted's 'find it fast' feature – talk about saving a TON of time!!

  68. Nina @ Flowers in my Hair
    December 9, 2015 / 11:08 pm

    So pretty

  69. Unknown
    December 9, 2015 / 11:24 pm

    I love how your cards turned out! They are so adorable. Minted is the absolute best!

    Wishes & Reality

  70. Chelsea Finn
    December 10, 2015 / 12:16 am

    This post makes me wish Derek and I had gotten cards done!

    xx Chelsea
    organizedmessblog.com

  71. Meghan at Champagne & Suburbs
    December 10, 2015 / 1:52 am

    I went with Minted this year too! I love how easy they make the process! Your cards look great! xo, Champagne&Suburbs

  72. Ashley Lillis
    December 10, 2015 / 2:22 am

    Printing out labels sounds like a much better idea than writing out addresses on all of the cards! It definitely gets exhausting after a while! I like the fact that Minted gives you the option to see your picture in multiple layouts of cards. I'll have to look into them next year!

  73. Dress in Sparkles
    December 10, 2015 / 4:16 am

    Love how your cards turned out! Seems like a great site to order from!

    xo Kylie
    dressinsparkles.com

  74. Evelina
    December 10, 2015 / 4:36 am

    Biana, your cards turned out fantastic!! I love the design you chose and that is a great picture of the two of you. This definitely makes me want to do a photo card next year!

  75. Elegance and Mommyhood
    December 10, 2015 / 3:40 pm

    Your cards came out great. I am so behind this year. Thanks for your tips.

  76. Amanda - Voyage of the MeeMee
    December 10, 2015 / 8:42 pm

    Your cards turned out awesome… great picture of you two!

  77. According to Kiki
    December 11, 2015 / 4:03 pm

    I LOVE sending Christmas cards! Actually, it's on my list of things to do today. (; Yours turned out so nice Biana!

  78. Jenna at Boston Chic Party
    December 12, 2015 / 4:14 am

    Your cards look awesome! Only thing I love more than sending holiday cards is getting them in the mail! It definitely makes December the best mail month of the year:) We used Minted for our Save The Dates and I couldn't have been happier with how awesome they turned out! xoxo, Jenna
    Boston Chic Party

  79. Kelli @ A Deeper Joy
    December 14, 2015 / 6:34 pm

    I made the return address labels! Yay! I did the round white ones and they turned out really cute πŸ™‚