Many independent printing companies complain that the use of social media websites have caused a massive decline in their profits. Twitter, Facebook and social media websites have all damaged the long term prospects for many of them.

Bayan Madani, a 26-year-old Saudi who manages her own private event management company, told Saudi Gazette that she cuts cost of printing invites by using social media.

“I host major fashion events on a regular basis and run the whole operation of marketing, PR and invitation through social media websites. It is a very fast and direct way to hit the right audience, choose the people you want to invite and instantly you can be aware of everything. Just in a few minutes.”

Madani said the problem with printing cards is that not only do they take a long time, but you have to order them in advance which burdens event managers with unnecessary pressure. “The day we decide we want to host a launch, I go on Facebook and update our page, select all the people I would like to invite and publish instantly. Within a few minutes people RSVP and everything is in place for a successful show.”

Shams Badr, a 35-year-old graphic designer, told Saudi Gazette his print company had to shut down due to disappointing sales. Shams freelances for major event companies. “I have kept myself updated with technology and innovation. Wedding invitations and albums are now posted online compared to previous ways of publishing albums and cards on paper.

Sarah Mohammed, a 48-year-old mother, testifies to the power of social media.

“Once my daughter’s wedding date was fixed, I told my daughters to come up with some wedding card designs. In a few hours they showed me Facebook and I was amazed to see what they had done. I would have spent up to SR8000 on publishing traditional paper cards. Instead they had a theme, guest list who can RSVP, an album of the family, music choices, and list of festivities.”

Sarah was perturbed that the whole world would know about the wedding. However she was reassured when her daughters showed her the privacy settings.

Hatem Sharif, a 43-year-old manager working in an advertising company in Jeddah, has seen a similar shift with advertisers.

“We stopped dealing with printing companies because it is easier to hire a graphic designer who brings so much more to the table. Firstly, it’s fast. The invites are sent and received within minutes. Secondly, with much competition, we have the latest designs ready with our logo and we email them or post them on social media websites which can actually reach thousands of people.”

Hatem said printing companies and old methods of distribution of invitation cards, pamphlets and brochures are slowly becoming obsolete due to the new online media services.