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