A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Christmas Card Size
When it comes to sending out your holiday greetings, the size of your Christmas card can play a significant role in how your message is received. Shutterfly offers three popular sizes: 4×8, 5×7, and 6×8. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best option for your festive cards!
1. 4×8 Cards: The Sleek Choice
The 4×8 size is perfect for those who want a modern, streamlined look. This size is great for showcasing a single stunning photo or a minimalist design. If you’re looking to send a photo Christmas card that stands out in a stack of traditional cards, this is a fantastic choice. Plus, it’s easy to fit into standard envelopes, making mailing a breeze!
2. 5×7 Cards: The Classic Favorite
The 5×7 size is a timeless classic that offers a bit more space for creativity. This size is ideal for including multiple photos or a more elaborate design with festive graphics and heartfelt messages. It strikes a balance between elegance and practicality, making it a popular choice for families who want to share their holiday spirit in style.
3. 6×8 Cards: The Statement Maker
If you want to make a bold impression, the 6×8 size is your go-to option. This larger card provides ample space for vibrant images and intricate designs, allowing you to tell a story with your holiday greetings. It’s perfect for showcasing a beautiful family portrait or a collage of cherished memories from the year.
Tips for Choosing the Right Size
- Consider Your Photos: If you have a standout photo, the 4×8 or 6×8 sizes can highlight it beautifully. For multiple images, the 5×7 is a great option.
- Message Length: Think about how much text you want to include. More space means more room for your heartfelt wishes!
- Recipient Preferences: If you know your recipients prefer traditional cards, the 5×7 might be the safest bet. For a modern twist, go for the 4×8 or 6×8.
Ultimately, the best size for your Christmas cards depends on your personal style and the message you want to convey. Whichever size you choose, your holiday greetings will surely bring joy to those who receive them! Happy card making!
Plan Your Christmas Photo Card
With the holidays right around the corner, it’s always a good idea to start planning early for gifts, festive home decor, and Christmas cards. So if you’re starting to plan your family Christmas card, read some of our tips below to help you get the perfect shot. We include everything from budget-friendly alternatives to how to pick the right time of day.
1. Book Your Photographer Early
When booking a photographer, it’s important to keep in mind the season you’d like to have your photos taken. Most photographers are busiest during the fall season so booking early is key. If you’d like to shoot your photos during the winter or snowfall, make sure you have enough time to mail your cards before the holidays.
2. Coordinate Your Attire
We recommend focusing on clothes you and your family feel confident and comfortable in first, and then consider adding patterns, textures and colors. Make sure not to choose garments that your kids will constantly feel the need to fidget in, so be sure it’s soft, breathable and movable fabric.
For patterns and color, it’s always best to go for solid colors like red, green, blue and white mixed with one or two fun patterns.
3. Choose A Festive Location
Choosing the perfect festive location for your Christmas card photos can elevate your holiday greetings! Consider settings that reflect the spirit of the season, like a beautifully decorated park, a cozy cabin adorned with lights, or even your own home with a warm, inviting backdrop. Look for spots that offer natural beauty or festive decor, ensuring your photos capture the joy and warmth of the holidays. Don’t forget to think about lighting—golden hour can add a magical touch to your images!
4. Pick The Right Time
Your photographer will be able to recommend the right time of day to take your photographs. Typically early morning or evening help capture the best light, as well as provide the ideal weather to shoot comfortably in.
We also recommend keeping your family’s schedule in mind. You don’t want to feel rushed or tired so choose a time that works with your work schedule and outside of your kid’s nap time.
5. Mail Them On Time
The best time to send out your photo Christmas cards is two to three weeks before Christmas Day or during the first week of December. For relatives outside the country, try sending them out during the last two weeks of November.
6. Keep A Few Extra Prints
Keep a few copies of your Christmas cards handy in case you miss a certain friend or family member on your mailing list. Whether you’re attending a holiday party or hosting one, having some extra cards for those who ask will be easier than having to make copies later.
7. Choose The Right Style
Many photographers specialize in either traditional, posed photography or more lifestyle and candid shots. A good rule of thumb is to go with a style that works best with your family and a photographer who can do a balanced mix of both.
8. Include Your Furry Family Members
Including your pets in your Christmas card is a must, so plan ahead and ask your photographer for cute ways to incorporate them into your photos. If you are buying them an outfit, try it on before the photoshoot to make sure they’ll feel comfortable in it. Hanging a funny sign or prop on your pet is also a great way to include your furry loved ones.
9. Make It Fun
For a family with kids, making your Christmas card photography session fun is a must. Enlist your kid’s help and make a few DIY props and signs. Having a few leaf piles to play with or a snowball fight is great for some awesome candid shots.
10. Send Them Quickly & Easily
Sending your Christmas cards has never been easier with Shutterfly’s free online address book and address collector! Simply gather your friends’ and family’s addresses in one convenient place, making it a breeze to send out your holiday greetings. Plus, the address collector tool allows you to effortlessly request addresses from loved ones, ensuring you have everyone covered for your festive mailing list!
Final Thoughts on Christmas Card Sizes
Christmas photo cards are a great way to send family and friends well wishes during the holidays and capture some sweet moments with your spouse and kids. Once you’ve shot the perfect Christmas photo, you’re ready to choose the right size and layout of your card.
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