Really $599?

Ok, so as I set out in engaged happiness I started to think about all the amazing DIY projects I could do for the wedding. I've always been a bit of a crafter (thanks Nana!) and even though our budget isn't small, well it's not unlimited either, so the projects can help save us money too.

For full disclosure, I am an engineer therefore it somewhat makes me graphically and artistically challenged. Therefore, I cannot draw/paint/sculpt my way out of anything. However, I did think that I should be able to design and make our Save the Dates (STD) and Invitations. So, like any good engineer, I started with research, lots and lots of research on how others have and advise the DIY Invites. I have seen many fabulous and creative designs, designs I would die for, things I wish my left brained brain would think up, but overwhelming I have noticed one thing, these talented brides and grooms have use more often then not Adobe Illustrator to develop their designs. After a quick google search I found out the this genius little piece of software costs $599???? Seriously, $599??? Am I missing something here? Are people really paying $599 for this software to design their wedding paper goods? Or do these people already have the software from other careers and adventures? Cause shelling out that much for software alone is just too much for me to bear without a guarantee that I will even create something splendidly wonderful for my invitations.

Maybe someone out in cyberspace is hearing me and can answer my question. For now, I'll just go sulk around Michael's and try to get the creative (damn right brain) going.