Dear Reader,
It is with utmost delight that I am able to spill all of the tea about the most anticipated event of this year’s social season. The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience, hosted by Netflix and Shondaland, has garnered plenty of attention across all social media platforms. Inquiring minds want to know all about this exclusive event. This author is happy to provide an exclusive tell-all, and can report that the evening did indeed make good on all it promised. It was a truly enchanting soiree.
I was able to attend the Washington, D.C. event on its opening weekend. Reader, there was much trepidation about the locale. Other balls are being held in historic hotels or grand, scenic locations. The D.C. ball is held on the outskirts of the city in an event space that formerly housed a television studio. There were murmurings of doubt if the ball would be as glamorous and refined as those in its sister cities. Just as an unassuming lump of coal can be transformed into a sparkling diamond, the interior of this Queen’s Ball was simply divine and did not disappoint. After all, a blank canvas can be just the thing on which to paint the most entrancing of scenes.
Regency inspired dress for the occasion is, of course, highly encouraged. One of the hallmarks of Bridgerton is its reimagining of period dress and style. While the costumes are inspired by Regency era clothing, the show has cultivated an aesthetic entirely its own. It is a tale of Regency romance viewed through a lens of modern, diverse storytelling. Fortunately for the contemporary socialite, this makes finding something perfectly Bridgerton to wear a much easier task. Or, you could sew your own gown as our friend did (pictured below, left). Once dressed, we took public transport and had a mere half mile walk to the event.
The evening begins with time to mill about and take in the breathtaking elegance of the queen’s reception hall. Attendees are greeted by footmen in gold and blue livery and ushered past the modiste, where there are plenty of tantalizing items that may be purchased before and after the ball. After passing under a lit tunnel of purple wisteria, guests may stop by the refreshment table to purchase a Bridgerton themed beverage, view several costumes from the show, and marvel at the general splendor of the decor.
Then, the queen’s arrival is announced. Make sure to have practiced your curtsey, for as soon as the stylish sovereign arrives, you will be under scrutiny. Who will shine the brightest, and be deemed the diamond of the evening? Only those who are truly accomplished will be considered for the esteemed appointment. Not only by the queen herself, but by the mysterious Lady Heretell, who sees all.
Watch: Bowing to the Queen
As the party officially begins, one must be officially received by her majesty. If she is pleased by your bow you may receive a special card, indicating that you have impressed her. I was able to secure such a card, and my heart nearly fluttered straight out of my chest when it was presented to me on a silver platter.
Lady Heretell provides commentary throughout the reception, especially when one has impressed the queen, “How bold, how graceful, the deepest bow yet!” And, as I took my bow, “It bows and fans,” (Yes, I am a very accomplished woman). The queen’s musicians serenade all with renditions from the show’s soundtrack. They are very talented, and the music was one of the many highlights of the evening.
As the hopefuls make their bows, guests may visit the portrait station to have a court artist render their likeness with magical speed. Footment instruct guests on where to stand and place their belongings, while engaging in small talk. The queen’s staff are exceptional. They help move along the neck-craning Ton with kind, delicate efficiency so that all may partake in the splendors the evening has to offer.
Now Reader, prepare yourself for a truly titillating tidbit. A moment straight from the pages of a romantic novel came to life before me. As we were standing in line to have our portrait taken, a mysterious gentleman in a velvet coat happened to pass us by. A glimpse, a catch of the eye, and this distinguished man bowed to me. Of course, having been instructed in proper manners and decorum, I returned the gesture, and he began making his way to the queen. My companions, my sister and our friend, whispered excitedly, “It is the duke!” Of course, I did not believe them. However, to my shock and delight, the handsome man proceeded to make his bow before the queen in the form of an acrobatic dance. It was indeed the duke!
Introductions formally made, the queen leads a procession to another room. Black velvet curtains are parted to reveal a ballroom dance floor. An entire room has been hidden from view! All make their way to the ballroom, and are entertained by two incredibly talented dancers who reenact the duke and Daphne’s love story. The dancers perform acrobatics, use a swinging chandelier and Bridgerton-blue drapes, and involve the guests in the retelling of their romance. Commentary is provided here, too, by Lady Heretell.
If you come to participate whole-heartedly in all the evening has to offer, your efforts will be reciprocated. Daphne herself invited our party to dance, and instructed all in a simple, modern version of a country reel. Then, our companion who is a princess by trade, was invited by none other than the duke himself to dance! She danced beautifully, and there was much applause as she returned to our ranks. She divulged that he was a most skilled dancer, providing kind instruction as to make his partner shine.
Then, the moment that all had been waiting for: the selection of the evening’s diamond. The queen took her place on the dais in the center of the ballroom, scanning the crowd for who should be crowned the diamond of the evening. Her majesty has a most critical and discerning eye, and chose a worthy diamond. A shower of silver sparkles rained down upon her in an enchanting scene as the quartet played the iconic rendition of Vivalid’s “Spring” that had become synonymous with romance, triumph, and Bridgerton.
Watch: The selection of our evening’s diamond
The evening concluded with dancing to a few modern songs to celebrate. All were sad to depart, but all good things must come to an end. Our efforts to return to the previous reception room were thwarted, as the queen hosts two balls per night and the room must be made ready for the next group of attendees. Take advantage of each room while you can, for you may not return once you have left! As we made our exit, the duke once again made his way to our party, and bowed farewell to my sister. It was the perfect close to the evening, as now we had all had an opportunity to interact with his grace.
Cidney Mayes 