Black Tie Party Invitations

Three formal invitations for a black tie party or gala evening: Bow Tie & Gloves, a fine-line bow tie and a pair of opera gloves under the label Black Tie and the headline A Gala Evening; Grand Staircase, a sweeping staircase and balustrade in hairline perspective over A Night to Remember; and Formal Card, a card within an engraved border worded the traditional way: The pleasure of your company is requested at an evening of Dinner & Dancing, given by Mr. & Mrs. Kenji Watanabe. Bow Tie & Gloves opens in Silver, Grand Staircase in Emerald & Gold and Formal Card in Burgundy & Gold.

3 designs

Pick one and customize it

Hosting tip

Write the dress code exactly as you mean it. Black tie means tuxedos and formal gowns; if a dark suit would be fine, write Black tie optional, as Formal Card's badge does. Guests plan around that one line.

How it works

Details, wording, colors, download

Open any design above in the maker. Type the hosts' names, the date and the place; the details sit in small capitals on the back, with one line for the dress code or what will be served. A smooth ivory or cream card stock shows the fine lines best.

Pick one of the three palettes drawn for the design, then download a 5 x 7 PDF (front and back), a two-per-sheet letter PDF for home printing, print-shop PNGs with bleed, 4 x 6 PNGs for a photo counter, a phone-sized PNG to text or email, or a Word file. For more lines to put on the card, see the party invitation wording ideas and the party etiquette guide.

More Signature Soirées

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Champagne Tower — Champagne Celebration party invitation

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Supper Club & Jazz Night

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Striped Bow — Black & White Party party invitation

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All elegant party invitations: the signature soirées

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between black tie and black tie optional?

Black tie asks for tuxedos and formal gowns or very dressy cocktail dresses. Black tie optional says a tuxedo is welcome but a dark suit is fine. Type whichever you mean in the badge or the note.

How is a formal party invitation worded?

Formal Card shows the traditional order: the request (The pleasure of your company is requested at an evening of), the occasion (Dinner & Dancing), then the hosts (given by Mr. & Mrs. Kenji Watanabe). Replace the names and keep the order.

Which design suits a gala or charity evening?

Bow Tie & Gloves, headed A Gala Evening, or Grand Staircase, with A Night to Remember and room on the back for dinner, dancing and a late supper.

Updated October 2026