A Timeless Black Tie Invitation for a Washington, DC Wedding
We loved creating this classic monogram invitation suite for Allie and Mark as they planned their Washington, DC wedding at the St. Regis. One of our favorite suites of all time, from the refined monogram and elegant typography, to the vintage DC map, to the subtle use of gold foil and the soft gold organdy ribbon belly band that brings the suite together. The result was a wedding invitation suite that feels at home in a classic black-tie setting, while still carrying warmth, personality, and a sense of occasion that reflects the couple and their celebration.
Letterpress and Gold Foil Craftsmanship
The invitation, reply card, and rehearsal dinner card are printed using traditional letterpress, creating a textured impression you can see and feel. Gold foil is used sparingly and intentionally, adding warmth and a subtle glow without overwhelming the typography.
Each element is designed to work together, from the classic serif and script typography to the balanced layout and generous white space. This is a suite meant to feel timeless now and decades from now.
Vintage Washington, DC Map Reply Card
The reply card features a vintage Washington, DC map design, adding a meaningful local touch and a sense of place. This element works especially well for couples who love incorporating subtle geographic or historical references into their wedding details.
The contrast between the classic map artwork and the refined typography keeps the design grounded and timeless.
Monogram and Belly Band Details
A custom monogram anchors the design and appears in gold foil at the top of the invitation. The suite is finished with a gold organdy ribbon belly band that is affixed to the invitation and wraps around the back, holding the additional cards neatly in place.
This detail adds a soft, romantic layer while also serving a practical purpose. It creates a beautiful moment when the suite is opened and reinforces the sense of ceremony.
Designed as a Complete Wedding Stationery Experience
While these photos highlight the invitation suite, we began with a save the date and continued through the full wedding paper journey. From invitations and reply cards to day-of pieces such as programs, menus, escort cards, and signage, we design everything to feel cohesive from start to finish.
If you are planning a Washington, DC wedding and are looking for custom letterpress invitations with refined details and personal touches, we would love to work with you. Reach out to start a custom design conversation and explore how this suite can be tailored for your celebration!
The Filigree Border suite is designed for couples drawn to timeless elegance and rich, tactile details. Inspired by the formal Washington DC venue of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, this design blends traditional letterpress craftsmanship with velvet, gold foil, and refined typography.
The result is a suite that feels formal, polished, and enduring, perfect for black-tie celebrations and classic architectural settings.
Letterpress Invitations with Ornate Detail
The invitation and reply card are created using letterpress printing, leaving a deep, tactile impression in the paper. An intricate filigree border frames the layout, adding structure and ornament without overwhelming the typography.
Letterpress brings a sense of permanence and intention to the design. It’s a detail guests notice immediately, both visually and by touch.
Velvet Reception Card with Gold Foil
To complement the letterpress pieces, the reception card is die cut from velvet paper and finished with gold foil printing. The soft texture of the velvet paired with metallic foil creates a striking contrast to the crisp letterpress elements.
This piece is designed to stand apart while still feeling fully integrated into the suite.
Elevated Envelopes and Finishing Touches
The envelopes are finished with a custom velvet liner, adding an unexpected layer of luxury the moment the invitation is opened. Thoughtful finishing details like this are what turn a beautiful invitation into a complete experience.
Every element is designed to feel cohesive from the first impression to the final reveal.
From Save the Date to Wedding Day Stationery
Many couples begin with a save the date or invitation design like the Filigree Border, then continue the look throughout the wedding journey. From invitations and reply cards to programs, menus, escort cards, and signage, we design complete stationery suites that feel intentional and connected.
And yes, it often doesn’t stop there. We’ve been lucky to continue working with clients long after the wedding, designing everything from holiday cards to birth announcements.
Designed Just for You
The Filigree Border suite is just one example of our custom work. Colors, typography, paper selections, and printing methods can all be tailored to your event, venue, and personal style.
If you’re dreaming of a Washington DC wedding with classic elegance and elevated materials, this design offers a beautiful starting point.
Ready to Begin?
Whether you’re starting with a save the date or planning a full custom invitation suite, we’ll guide you through every step.
Get in touch to begin your custom invitation design.
Your wedding invitation sets the tone for everything that follows. This die cut formal invitation suite is designed for couples who want their celebration to feel intentional, elegant, and unmistakably refined.
Inspired by classic black-tie weddings and the iconic venue of The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC, this design showcases how sculptural paper, traditional printing, and thoughtful typography create an invitation that feels ceremonial from the moment it’s opened.
A Sculptural Die Cut Silhouette
We designed each piece with a custom die cut shape that elevates the paper into a defining feature of the invitation. Soft, scalloped edges add dimension and formality without overwhelming the design.
This approach works especially well for couples seeking die cut invitations that feel traditional yet distinctive—an ideal choice for formal weddings, luxury hotels, and historic venues.
Letterpress Printing You Can Feel
We print the typography using traditional letterpress, pressing the text deeply into thick cotton paper. This technique creates a tactile impression that communicates quality, permanence, and care.
Letterpress printing enhances readability while adding depth and character, making it a natural fit for formal invitations where craftsmanship matters as much as design.
Gold Foil Details with Lasting Impact
We apply gold foil accents to introduce warmth, contrast, and subtle drama. The foil crest anchors the layout and catches the light, creating an immediate visual impact while maintaining restraint.
By combining foil with letterpress, the invitation balances texture and shine—an approach often favored for black-tie celebrations and luxury Washington, DC weddings.
Refined Typography for Formal Celebrations
We pair expressive script lettering with structured serif text to create hierarchy, elegance, and clarity. The typography feels timeless and legible, ensuring every detail reads beautifully while reinforcing the formal tone of the event.
This balance allows the design to remain classic rather than trend-driven, making it well-suited for couples who value tradition and longevity.
Designed for Washington, DC Weddings and Beyond
This invitation suite reflects the type of work we offer to couples seeking Washington, DC wedding invitations that feel polished, elevated, and thoughtfully designed. Whether your celebration takes place at a luxury hotel, historic venue, or formal ballroom, this style demonstrates how die cut paper, letterpress printing, and gold foil can work together to create a powerful first impression.
Interested in a Custom Version?
This design serves as an example of our approach to formal, die cut wedding invitations. We customize every suite to reflect your venue, aesthetic, and vision.
Inquire to begin a bespoke invitation design with Digby & Rose!
