| to-be often envision a gala wedding, a la Brittany | | | | their interests. |
| Murphy's, while working with a budget that includes | | | | "We've found that as the use of computers for other |
| college loans and a first mortgage. While the luxury | | | | crafting projects-such as scrapbooking-has become |
| honeymoon is tough to get for a steal, a savvy planner | | | | popular, consumers have become comfortable and |
| can create stunning invitations without spending a | | | | enthusiastic about using their computers for more than |
| fortune. | | | | just word processing," says Sundboom. |
| Initially attracted by price, wedding planners make the | | | | At the site, users are led through font color and style |
| decision to use do-it-yourself (DIY) invitations based on | | | | choices, plus verse options to create truly customized |
| time, flexibility and design. This style of invitations caters | | | | invitations while following proper layout and wording |
| to couples who want to send a customized, quality | | | | etiquette. Wedding planners can use a 12-month |
| invitation without a lot of cost and hassle. | | | | schedule feature to compose and manage the guest |
| Masterpiece Studios, creator of the Treasure Masters | | | | list, automatically calculate ceremony and reception |
| brand of imprintable invitations, has experienced a | | | | guest attendance, and keep track of gifts received |
| significant increase in the number of weddings served. | | | | and thank-you notes sent. |
| "Two strong consumer trends have worked in our | | | | Distinctive invitation embellishments such as satin bows, |
| favor," notes marketing and creative director Tamra | | | | overlays and rhinestones are also available. Invitations |
| Sundboom. "In the recent economy, imprintable | | | | may be purchased separately in groups of 25 and |
| invitations have become much more visible and our kits | | | | note cards in packages of 50. OfficeMax offers a |
| fit well with the do-it-yourself trend that is sweeping | | | | variety of designs and kit options for creating |
| the nation." | | | | invitations for showers and rehearsal dinners, as well |
| About a fifth of Masterpiece Studios' users list "crafts" | | | | as response cards, save-the-date cards, and marriage |
| as a hobby in response to an Internet survey about | | | | announcements. |