Style Spotlight: Formal Black and White Wedding Invitations at University Club of Chicago

There’s nothing more timeless than black and white wedding invitations. The color palette’s strong contrast connotes a celebration of unparalleled elegance! I worked with two couples to design invitations and day-of stationery for their black-tie weddings at the University Club of Chicago. Both had a distinctive vision for their wedding paper, resulting in two classic designs that share a color palette but differ meaningfully to tell each couple's unique love story.

Spotlight on Black and White Wedding Invitations

Madison and Mark

We drew from the University Club of Chicago’s Old World-inspired interior design when styling Madison and Mark’s wedding invitations. They selected our simple Emma Suite as a template. Then, we helped them personalize it with a few extra details, including a black layer behind the invitations and a monogrammed gold belly band. The result was a minimal and sophisticated suite that provided a first glimpse into the couple’s black-tie wedding celebration.

The couple also ordered their programs, place cards, and menus from us. We used the same font and custom monogram motif on every piece to ensure a cohesive look. We also tied in the black background on their invitation by adding a thin black border to the design.

Elegant black and white wedding invitations by Invited by LamaWorks

Bride holding a wedding bouquet filled with ivory roses and peonies

Bridal party portraits at the University Club of Chicago

Bridal portraits at the University Club of Chicago

Black and white wedding ceremony program in a calligraphy font

A welcome table displaying black and white place cards at a Chicago wedding

Wedding reception at the University Club of Chicago

Black and white wedding menu card by Invited by LamaWorks

Jackie and Eric

Jackie and Eric envisioned a wedding invitation suite with a classic calligraphy font and personalized details. After discussing their vision and reviewing our collections, we decided on the Jessica Suite as a template. Then, we incorporated the crest from the Ashley Suite and substituted the couple’s custom monogram for the usual design. The suite’s envelope liner and belly band were also custom and featured a pattern incorporating Chicago buildings meaningful to the couple.

We worked with Jackie and Eric throughout their planning journey, from their save-the-dates to their day-of paper. As a result, we ensured that all their stationery was cohesive. Their custom monogram and the distinct calligraphy font they chose were the design’s “anchors” and carried throughout every piece.

Invitation for a black tie wedding in Chicago

Black and white wedding place card with a custom monogram crest

Order Semi-Custom Wedding Invitations

Designing these couples’ black and white wedding invitations and day-of stationery was a pleasure! The University Club of Chicago is a beautiful venue that provided ample inspiration.

If you’re planning a black-tie wedding, you know first impressions are everything. Give your guests an unforgettable glimpse into your celebration with one of our semi-custom wedding invitation suites! Whether you’re drawn to the clean lines and sophistication of Mikah or the vintage-inspired elegance of Christina, we can help you create the invitation of your dreams. Share your vision with us and get started today!