If you’re a London based bride planning your wedding and you’re searching for some London wedding invitations options, then you have come to right place! Prepare to be pretty inspired!
London Black Tie Wedding Invitations: Luxurious & Decadent
As weddings adapt to more modern, stylish trends, so do the traditions that we have associated with them for so long. Many couples are opting to host black tie celebrations, to add that element of formality and elegance to their party, and in doing so are exploring new ways of defining luxury. Today’s article is all about the history of Black tie and the appropriate stationery etiquette, and will also give you an overview of my most timeless and dynamic London wedding invitations for Black tie themed weddings.
These are the topics we’ll be exploring:
- About me & my design journey
- What is the origin of Black tie, and what does it mean today?
- Examples of Black tie wedding invitations that can be used for London wedding Invitations.
- Black tie wedding invitation wording
- Getting in touch
Before we dive in, I’d love to introduce myself.
About me & my design journey. A wedding stationery designer serving London and worldwide.
I’m Rubana Gaspar, a dynamic, boutique wedding invitation designer, specialising in stand out, hand painted, lavishly designed wedding stationery. I’m a British designer and artist, born and raised in the heart of the West Midlands and happy to serve all people searching for London wedding invitations as well as worldwide clients. I’m passionate about all things creative, and adore intricate, classical, and opulent European design. I travel as much as I can with my Portuguese- Parisienne husband, and fuel my imagination with inspiration from art, architecture, cultural diversity, and history. I believe luxury is in the detail, and I absolutely adore creating suites that are unique, highly refined, stylish, and completely bespoke to you.
Photography by Auras Studios.
YES THAT’S RIGHT, I DO QUITE LITERALLY HAND PAINT MANY OF MY INVITATIONS!
I began my creative journey three years ago. When I first started to design, a mass of colourful madness came flowing out through my collections but thankfully over these three years, I have worked hard to hone my skills as wedding stationer. The more I designed and pushed myself ahead (mostly through creative collaborations) the more I realised that I had a tendency to constantly go back to a darker, moodier style. Black and gold has certainly become my signature look. I’m not sure what it is about dark wedding stationery, whether it’s the contrast between black and gold, or whether I’m excited because I have never seen any black tie wedding stationery that has such a stylish edge, or whether its is just the artist in me that gets to play.
Black tie wedding invitations don’t have to be drone, overly conservative or without character.
Photography by Auras Studios.
If you’re on the hunt for London Wedding Invitations, then perhaps I can inspire you by showing you my very favourite designs, from my Black Tie collection so far!
What is the origin of Black tie, and what does it mean today?
Although it may seem counterintuitive, Black tie actually originated around 1885 as a result of the well-to-do looking for more comfortable, informal alternatives to the day and evening tails that were de rigueur at the time – particularly as outdoor activities increased in popularity among the middle and upper class. Famously, Edward VII swapped his tailcoat for a blue silk smoking jacket with matching trousers, and so this new look started making waves through Europe and then America. Terms like dinner jacket, tuxedo, “smoking”, and cravate noire soon became staples of menswear in the Victoria Era.
Originally worn only for events after 6 p.m., Black tie is one of the few remaining traditional dress codes, and is all about detail, respect, and uniformity. Though officially only a semi-formal dress code, it is now widely used to indicate that wedding guests should go all in when it comes to their choice of outfit. The strict definition of the dress code has relaxed over time, but men should generally be seen in matching midnight blue or black dinner jacket and trousers a third piece such as a waistcoat or cummerbund, coordinated metals (watch, cufflinks, wedding band…), and a self-tie bow tie.
The jacket should feature contrast lapels, while the trousers should have a ribbon weaving down the leg, all the way down to a sleek shoe. The shape of lapel, the fabric (silk, wool, velvet, and so on), and the combination of elements is up to you, but should be balanced – the key is for the cut and fit to be seamless, and for everything to feel understatedly luxurious. For women, this dress code has fewer rules attached – but will usually translate to a formal evening gown, ballgown, or cocktail dress, accessorised with a wrap or stole, gloves, a small purse, and some statement shoes.
When it comes to décor, Black tie weddings will be glamorous, stylish, and luxurious down to the most minute detail. This inspiration below can also be used for your London wedding invitations, or wedding.
There are no set rules of course, and you can choose the colour palette, type of venue, and styling details that most resonate with you and your values – but do think about keeping it consistent, immersive, and experiential for your guests.
Photography by Carlos Hernandez
If you’re planning on hosting a sophisticated evening soiree with this calibre of dress code, then it’s important to tell that story from the very beginning. From the moment your guests open your Black tie wedding invitation, they should be daydreaming of looking their best in that outfit they save for only the most lavish of life’s celebrations, no corners cut or expenses spared. Your save the dates and invitations should be unforgettable, and set the tone for your event by shooting for the stars – just as you wish your guests to.
For London Wedding Invitations Inspiration, I’d like to Share Examples of Black Tie Wedding Invitation Suites.
Receiving invitations to a Black tie wedding is an experience, an unexpected delight, and the suite itself is an heirloom to treasure and display. They are themselves a luxury, art on paper, enjoyed equally by the discerning couple and their awed guests, who, in that moment, are connoisseurs of the finer things in life. Your Black tie wedding invitations should speak volumes, demand your guests attention at first glance, capture their imagination, and leave them reeling for more.
I have had the pleasure of creating a number of bespoke London wedding invitation suites that would seamlessly complement a Black tie event, and am delighted to share some examples of these with you today.
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Let’s dive in with the first collection, that you have seen a close up of above, my Black Tie Invitations – Sumptuous Luxury Redefined. It’s a very classical fine art wedding invitation suite, featuring only gold calligraphy and a beautifully hand painted gold floral wreath.
The above collection is the glorious result of a wonderful editorial that I collaborated on with some creative professionals from Portugal.
You can find them here on instagram:
Photography @aurasstudio Video @ninhofilms Model @dsrodriguescatarina Stylist @cristinfrancis_aqueduto Hair @thestoryimage Candles @silkandwillow Dresses and Accessories @Vabelaegostosa @nxt.management Silk Ribbon, napkins @seidenband
2) Secondly I’d like to share the London wedding – black tie invitations, called Black Aubergine Equinox that I created for a wonderful Dark Fire Editorial. It features a rather innovative envelope covered with hand cut black leaves and a large hand painted backdrop. Yes I do think that I rather got carried away with the backdrop a little, but I’m sure you will enjoy the rest!
- If your Black tie wedding is a sumptuous, moody affair, then this suite may be your perfect companion. The Black Aubergine Equinox collection boasts layers of texture, deep rich colours, and vivid, hand-painted floral brushstrokes – for those of us that want to combine sophistication with romanticism, and offer guests a feast for all senses. This palette blends deep tones of black, pale dusky pink-aubergine with accents of gold, white, and copper, all framed by a striking black envelope with hand cut black leaves. Artful and exquisite, this suite would be a heavenly embellishment for your Black tie wedding at the Victoria & Albert Museum.
My absolute favourite item from this whole suite the the sumptuously hand painted wedding menu. Yes I literally hand painted it with acrylic paint, then added the hand cut leaves. It is so worth it in the end!
Images above via Collaborative style shoot:
CARLOS HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY| KAMEA EVENTS| CRIMSON LETTERS MOLLY RYAN FLORAL| THE LIGHT ROOM PDX| CLAIRE LA FAYE| CASSANDRA KENNEDY BEAUTY| NATALIE DEHAVEN CAKES| BELLA BELLE SHOES| POINT NO POINT STUDIO| BBJ LINEN|LACE BYRD| REACTION MODELS & TALENT
3. Next, I’d like to show you another favourite of mine, the French Wedding Invitations – Chateau D’iter in the south of France. Again if you’re on the hunt for London wedding invitations, these black tie wedding invitations coming next exhibit how to weave black into your wedding stationery without it being too over powering. In this collection you will see, paler shades of gold, creams, blues and a very special hand painted deep blue and gold wedding menu that you will not want to miss!
- These luxurious wedding invitations were inspired by the Chateau Diter in France, with its ornate, renaissance and southern French charm. I wanted this design to conjure images of refined elegance and times gone by, where honour, refined manners, and good breeding were of prime importance. Lavishly painted and yet delicately subtle, these illustrations and flourishes of calligraphy decorate the most splendid hand-painted wedding invitations. Your guests will run their fingers over the brushstrokes and find themselves holding more than paper – these are heirlooms, and pieces of art. Nothing less will do for your Black tie celebrations amidst European masterpieces!
Images From a Style Shoot, Credits Here,
Via Instagram: Planner & Stylist – @savethedate.ae Photographer – @purpletreephotography Floral Designer- @tulipano_decor
Wedding Invitation Designer- @crimson_letters Wedding Dress – @houseofmoiraibridal Jewellery Designer – @inga.alexandrova
Table Runner & Silk Ribbons – @tulipano_decor Tableware rental @partysocialuae
4) Black Tie Party Invitations – ‘Evocative Luxury’. This collection was created by drawing inspiration from The Legend of Briar Rose and Burne Jones, a series of paintings by Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne Jones, dating back to 1885. The series depicts the encounter between a knight and a group of sleeping soldiers, entwined with thorns and flowers. Using rich hues, oranges, aubergines, and touches of gold, I designed a suite that would suit the most luxurious of events – while still being enchanting and magical, like a Black tie wedding at the Café Royal or One Great George Street.
All of these suites can be tailored to your style and colours, and enriched with details like hand painted envelopes, personalised wax seals, or initials embossed in our luxurious antique gold ink.
Here are Some Black Tie Wedding Invitation Wording that you can use for wording your London Wedding invitations.
When it comes to wording your Black tie wedding invitations, you will of course be looking for more classic alternatives – but formality doesn’t mean foregoing on the invites being modern and personal to you.
Here are some ideas on how you might word a formal invitation:
- With the bride’s parents as hosts:
Doctor and Mrs. Edward Black
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Vivian White
to
Mr. Alexander Smith
Saturday, the twentieth of June
two thousand and nineteen
at half after three o’clock
Aynhoe Park
Reception to follow
- Hosted by the bride’s parents, and personalised to each guest:
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Black
request the pleasure of
GUEST NAME
at the marriage of their daughter
Vivian White
to
Mr. Alexander Smith
Saturday, the twentieth of June
two thousand and nineteen
at half after three o’clock
Aynhoe Park
Reception to follow
- Hosted by the couple and their parents:
Together with their families
Vivian White and Alexander Smith
request the honour of your presence at their marriage
Saturday, the eighth of June two thousand and nineteen at eleven o’clock in the morning
Aynhoe Park
Adult-only affair to follow
- Hosted by the couple:
Vivian White and Alexander Smith
request the pleasure of your company
on their wedding day
Saturday, the eighth of June two thousand and nineteen
at eleven o’clock in the morning
Aynhoe Park
Reception to follow
Vivian White and Alexander Smith
invite you to join in the celebration
of their marriage
Saturday, the eighth of June two thousand and nineteen
at eleven o’clock in the morning
Aynhoe Park
Reception immediately following
Vivian White and Alexander Smith
cordially invite you to help celebrate their marriage
Saturday, the eighth of June two thousand and nineteen
at eleven o’clock in the morning
Aynhoe Park
Dinner and dancing to follow
- An adult-only reception:
The pleasure of your company
is kindly requested at the marriage of
Vivian White and Alexander Smith
Saturday, the eighth of June two thousand and nineteen
at eleven o’clock in the morning
Aynhoe Park
Adult reception to follow
Do make sure you specify the dress code in your invitation if this is important to you, so that your guests know what to expect.
Don’t use anything too ambiguous (like “preferred” or “optional”). Traditionally the dress code wouldn’t be included on the main invite, but rather as a footnote in the lower right corner of the reception card. Wording for the dress code could be Dress code: Black tie (tuxedos and formal gowns).
I hope this overview of Black tie weddings and Black tie wedding invitations has been useful to you, and inspired you to host your own sophisticated celebration. If you would like to get in touch, please reach out here.
If there anything else that I can help you with, or you have any questions, do drop a comment below, I would love to hear from you!
You also might find these articles helpful if you are interested in learning more:
Here is how I work on Custom Hand Painted Wedding Stationery.
If you’d like to know more about me and read some testimonials, pop over to my About page.
If you’d like to learn more about wedding invitation terminology read this Glossary here.
Perhaps you might like some wedding wording suggestions? Read this article.
Take a look at this article for a look behind the scenes at how I create bespoke wedding stationery and the process involved.
Are you up for some French inspiration? Look here at how I designed a custom wedding suite for a client with a destination wedding in Paris.
If you’d like to discover or look through more design, visit my Portfolio page.
