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PHOTO BY LOGAN COLE WEDDINGS, Stationery by Greenwich Letterpress
A black and white color palette isn’t a new concept when it comes to weddings. Classic and traditional, a black and white wedding invitation can actually play both sides of the fence: cool and modern on one, elegant and luxurious on the other. “The invitation really does help to set the tone for what is to come so it is only right that it reflects the type of wedding that is to come, says stationery designer Oluwa Dami.
Meet the Expert
By Dami Studios is a Harlem-based stationery design studio owned and operated by Oluwa Dami, who, in 2011, founded the company in order to create custom stationery and invitations for clients all over the world.
Dami finds that black and white can be a sophisticated opening line (your wedding invitation, after all) no matter your wedding style. “I don't think there is a style that is more appropriate for black and white paper,” says Dami. “Most of the suites that we have created in black and white are either super modern and chic—think Kate Spade, stripes, and dots—or super traditional and elegant.”
Whether opting for formal invitations with heavy cardstock and a custom monogram or a more laidback design, elegance can be found in both instances. “Traditional wedding invitations tend to have all the bells and whistles, but in a balanced way, rather than over the top,” says Dami. "Color choices usually don't make a difference in invitation costs. Materials used, printing method, and quantity usually determines the cost. For a 150 person wedding, you would need about 80 to 90 invitations total."
Read on for 19 stunning invitation suite options dripping in black and white.
Bold Graphic Line Art
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Courtesy of Minted
The Epithet wedding invitation suite designed by Nazia Hyder for Minted is available in white on black, or can be customized as black on white instead. Paper options include standard rectangular or rectangular with rounded corners (for an additional $35), with the option to add a touch of foil to personalization when it comes to names.
SHOP NOW: Minted, $234 for 100 invitations
Text-Focused Design
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Courtesy of Wedding Invites Paper
This type-focused invitation from Wedding Invites Paper is a bold and modern design that’s custom made for you. The slightly-larger-than-standard invitation comes in at 5x7.28”, and comes with complimentary white envelopes.
SHOP NOW: Wedding Invites Paper; $138 and up for 100 invitations
Fine Art Line Drawings
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Courtesy of Rosemary Lines
Clean and minimal, the floral accent on this botanical wedding invitation ties together the 3-piece suite, from details card to invitation to RSVP. Receive the digital download directly after purchase, and edit the template directly through your website browser prior to printing.
SHOP NOW: Etsy, $17 for digital download
Color Blocking
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Courtesy of Zazzle
A no-frills design by Gorjo Designs, this wedding invitation is full of simplistic minimalism, yet is still bold. Personalize the shape, font, paper, and even printing method for a fully customizable look unlike anything else.
SHOP NOW: Zazzle, $240 and up for 100 invitations
Marble Inspiration
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Courtesy of Paper
The Carrara Marble Wedding Invitation by Papier is a sleek and chic design from front to back. Choose from 33 unique font options printed on warm white Mohawk paper in a matte eggshell finish; white envelopes are included but can be customized and upgraded to black as well.
SHOP NOW: Papier, $205 and up for 100 invitations
Photo Backing and Bold Fonts
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Courtesy of Zazzle
The Minimalist Photo Wedding invitation by Origami Prints for Zazzle is a completely customizable design right down to the black and white photo on the back. Choose between vertical or horizontal orientation, and either of their printing options: standard or high definition. It is printed on semi-gloss paper with high quality, full color, full-bleed printing on both sides, with envelopes included.
SHOP NOW: Zazzle, $240 and up for 100 invitations
Letterpress Botanical Sketches
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Courtesy of Bella Figura
The Underwood Wedding Invitation by Bella Figura is a study in great font selection coupled with busy, yet refined botanical art. The design is letterpress printed on Bella’s light gray 2-ply paper, and envelopes are lined with coordinating florals.
SHOP NOW: Bella Figura, $855 and up for 100 invitations
Wide Brushstrokes
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Photo by Angie Silvy Photography
Custom designed by Aerialist Press, this couple’s San Francisco wedding invitation is a design you can take serious inspiration from. Brushstrokes and a custom monogram in black and white tied the suite together, from its modern city map to the black and white postage stamps.
SHOP NOW: Aerialist Press, price upon request
Elegant Script and Extra Embellishment
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Courtesy of Paper Source
The Ornamental Bow Thermography Wedding Invitation by Paper Source is a design crafted in partnership with jewelry designer Neil Lane, as an expansion of his invitation collection with Paper Source. Inspired by midcentury brooches, the invitation includes the addition of a small gem for an extra touch of elegance.
SHOP NOW: Paper Source, $380 and up for 100 invitations
Die Cut Corners
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Courtesy of Smock Paper
The Halifax Invitation Suite by Smock Paper is a belmond die-cut invitation that boasts letterpress printing, edge painting, and a striking combination of fonts, all completely customizable. Opt for RSVP cards and envelopes or response postcards, and choose either square or rectangular invitations sized as square or rectangle.
SHOP NOW: Smock Paper, price upon request
Simple Handmade Paper
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Courtesy of Ink Crafts Shop
This design from Ink Crafts Shop is printed entirely on handmade paper, perfect for a naturally elegant, organic affair. Names are custom designed in calligraphy and then printed for an effortless design accompanied by your choice of either A5 or A6 envelopes; handmade paper envelopes are also available at an additional cost.
SHOP NOW: Etsy, price upon request
Modern Cityscape
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Courtesy of Aerialist Press
The GoldenGate Invitation suite by Aerialist Press is the perfect nod to San Francisco, whether you’re planning a destination wedding there or call the city your hometown. Opt for the letterpress printing option, and see the city come to life as the skyline artwork lines your envelopes. Choose between bright white or pearl Crane Lettra paper in 1 or 2 ply with crisp black ink for a striking study in contrasts.
SHOP NOW: Aerialist Press, $485 and up for 100 letterpress invitations
Jungle-Inspired Florals
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Courtesy of The Creative Printery
Black and white florals bring this sophisticated invitation suite by The Creative Printery to life. The invitation and envelope liner boasts an original floral motif, which is also tied into the RSVP card and its corresponding envelope. The design, priced per invitation, is available in a variety of sizes, both square and rectangular shapes, and four paper options, including glossy white cardstock or deckled edge cardstock.
SHOP NOW: Etsy, $4 per invitation
Border Outline Template
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Courtesy of Juicy Paperie
Bright and bold, this modern invitation suite from Juicy Paperie is an instant download available for instant editing. Customize the design directly on your computer for a set that includes the usual invitation suite essentials, like the invite and RSVP card, along with a favor tag, and folded thank you card.
SHOP NOW: Etsy, $20 for digital download
Blind Embossing
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Courtesy of Indy Bee Crafts
Modern and sophisticated, this all black invitation suite from Indy Bee Crafts uses UV Printing to create an embossed effect for your monogram design. Included is the coordination RSVP card with corresponding envelope, envelope with liner, and bellyband.
SHOP NOW: Etsy, $704 for 100 invitation
Luxurious Pocketfold Designs
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Courtesy of VO Handmade
Original art created by designer Vanessa Ottenbreit, this chic script invitation suite is professionally printed on high quality paper, available in linen texture cream, pearl luster, or 100% recycled craft paper. Opt for a digital or printed sample, with the additional option to print the final product yourself, should you so desire. As a pocketfold design, the full set includes the invitation with envelope, RSVP postcard, and bellyband.
SHOP NOW: Etsy, $485 for 100 invitations
Striking Typeface Combinations
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Courtesy of Amy Tarah Designs
A minimalist’s dream, this invitation suite from Amy Tarah Designs is simple on the design, but heavy on the stunning typeface. Purchase the digital download and receive the 5x7 invitation template, an RSVP card, and additional info card files as well.
SHOP NOW: Etsy, $32 for digital template download
Floral Sprig Sketch
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Courtesy of Paper and Script Design
Abstract line art is the focal point of Paper and Script’s Bouquet Invitation Suite, designed to draw the eye to the simple floral arrangement that rests front and center. The full set digital download includes invitation, RSVP card, a wishing well card for guests to give to the happy couple, and a details card, all with matching envelopes. Receive your design proof within just a few days of purchasing, with two rounds of editing available to you at no additional cost.
SHOP NOW: Etsy, $41 for full set digital download
Modern Calligraphy
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Courtesy of Aerialist Press
Described as a fusion of modern calligraphy and minimalist white space, The Rivers wedding invitation design by The Aerialist Press is available as a fine art or letterpress digital file. Customize elements like font, paper selections, and the inclusion of additional luxuries like vellum wraps or wax seals based on printing style.
SHOP NOW: Aerialist Press, $335 and up for 100 invitations