Custom Wedding Invitations and Stationery

Stationery Blog

Professional tips on wedding stationery, paper, printing, and design.

Black and White Wedding Invitations: Adding a Touch of Timeless Elegance

Illustrated wedding invitations

Black and white wedding invitations are timeless. They are the epitome of class and elegance, a style that surpasses wedding trends. Whether you’re planning a traditional southern wedding or envisioning a sleek, modern event, a black and white wedding invitation can beautifully set the tone for your big day. In this blog, we’ll share some of our favorite black and white designs, including one that features stunning graphite artwork.

Black & White for Traditional Elegance

If your vision leans towards old-world charm and traditional sophistication, black and white wedding invitations are the perfect choice. Pair elegant script fonts with a timeless layout, and you’ll achieve a look that feels effortlessly refined.

Example 1: Angela and Christopher

Angela and Christopher tied the knot at the historic Elms Mansion in New Orleans last spring. For their invitations, they selected my most classic semi-custom suite, Southern Romance, and gave it a personal twist. They used my Elms Mansion venue illustration as the artwork for their envelope liner — their one subtle pop of color. The high-textured, bright white cardstock gave a light and airy vibe for their spring wedding that contrasted elegantly with the black lettering. And as a bonus, the black script was also reminiscent Elms Mansion’s intricate ironwork.

Example 2: Elizabeth and Brandon

Elizabeth and Brandon also selected my Southern Romance suite, but their styling created a different vibe for their fall wedding. Choosing an off-white cardstock brought warmth to their design, while an intricate script font gave formality to their autumn event. A metallic copper belly band tied the suite together, subtly adapting this black and white wedding invitation for the fall.

Black & White for a Clean and Modern Style

The beauty of a black and white wedding invitation is its versatility. If you’re drawn to a modern aesthetic, this classic color palette can take on a whole new life. Clean lines, airy white space, and a touch of contemporary styling can make your invitations both chic and unique.

Example 1: Hannah and Corey

Hannah and Corey embraced a modern style by choosing a handwriting script font. Their names were displayed prominently at the top of the invitation, creating a bold yet airy vibe. To elevate their suite further, they opted for torn edges on the invitation cards, lending a soft, textured element to the crisp black and white design. Their invitations also featured a venue illustration of Il Mercato, a Spanish-inspired historic venue in New Orleans that’s known for its chic, upscale weddings. All together, their illustrated wedding invitation was a perfect blend of the classic with the modern!

Example 2: Sabrina and Frank

Sabrina and Frank also said “I do” at Il Mercato and loved including the venue illustration with their black and white wedding invitation as well. They chose my semi-custom suite Modern Vines, a design with a non-traditional layout, and selected a modern serif font and handwriting script. This combination gave their suite a clean and polished aesthetic while maintaining a hint of romance. It’s the perfect example of how a black and white wedding invitation can rock a modern style.

Black & White for Illustrated Wedding Invitations

For couples seeking something truly unique, black and white wedding invitations featuring original graphite illustrations are a breathtaking option. Hand-drawn artwork adds an artistic, personal touch that transforms your wedding stationery into a keepsake.

Elizabeth & Nicolas

My favorite suite this year was created for Elizabeth and Nicolas, who married under the moss-filled oaks at the Audubon Tea Room. Their invitations were nothing short of extraordinary.

The design featured two stunning graphite illustrations printed on a luxurious gate-fold card made from seed paper — a textured specialty paper with plant seed inclusions. The first illustration showcased the Tea Room gates, which opened to reveal the invitation and a second drawing of a grand oak tree adorned with a chandelier. This romantic imagery beautifully set the tone for their wedding night.

Additional thoughtful details decorated the invitation cards themselves. The invitation featured an ornate border inspired by the molding of Uptown shotgun houses, while the scrollwork on the details and RSVP cards reflected the Tea Room gates and New Orleans ironwork.

Understated yet powerful, using a black and white motif for illustrated wedding stationery is a timeless way to create something both meaningful and beautiful for your wedding day.

Dreaming of Your Own Black and White Wedding Invitation?

Whether you’re drawn to timeless traditional designs, clean modern layouts, or custom hand-drawn artwork, I’d love to bring your vision to life.