White feathers, gold leaves, and a little theatrical flair at the Folger Shakespeare Library
There’s something undeniably magical about the Folger Shakespeare Library, especially when it transforms for a black-tie spring gala. As floral designers, we loved the opportunity to create one of our favorite DC gala flowers installations to date. This year’s annual fundraiser for the Folger Shakespeare Library leaned into drama with white ostrich feathers, gilded monstera leaves, and a monochromatic floral palette that whispered Gatsby without getting costume-y.
The evening unfolded inside the historic Folger Shakespeare Library, and the florals took their cues from the architecture: classic, sculptural, and a little moody. Tall arrangements towered over guest tables atop gold Harlow stands in a monochromatic floral palette of white hydrangea, white roses, white stock and white hybrid delphinium, softened with floating ostrich feathers and flecked with gold-painted palm foliage for just the right amount of shimmer. The low arrangements played the same tune in a quieter register, textural, tonal, and candlelit.
The band front was our favorite moment: a luxe fringe of white baby’s breath and feathers that wrapped the base of the stage and caught the light just so. It’s not often we get to do florals that double as set design, but when we do, this is what we love.
We kept everything in that white-and-gold lane, letting the textures carry the room: velvety petals, metallic shine, soft feather movement. No neon. No overkill. Just layers of softness and shape that felt right for the space and the crowd.
Designing DC gala flowers means striking the balance between opulence and storytelling, something the Folger Shakespeare Theater makes especially rewarding. For a gala like this, one that aspires to be formal, cultural, and a little over-the-top, the key is editing. Let one or two bold floral moments take center stage, then keep the rest polished and intentional. That’s what makes it feel luxe, not loud.
Elman Studio
Venue: Folger Shakespeare Library
Photography: Elman Studio
Caterer: Design Cuisine
Rentals: DC Rental
Tenting: Curated Events
Lighting: 4Wall Entertainment
Florist: Petal’s Edge
