Folger Shakespeare Library Gala

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.

Tall design of feathers and gilded foliage for DC gala floral design — Elman Studio

Folger Shakespeare Library gala with tables set up among the bookshelves — Elman Studio

Flowers for DC gala floral design at the Folger Shakespeare Library included gilded monstera leaves, white roses, and bleached Italian ruscus. — Elman Studio

Harlem Renaissance inspired floral and feather centerpieces for Folger Shakespeare Library gala — Elman Studio

Folger Shakespeare Library gala flowers — Elman Studio

Petal's Edge florist provided flowers for Folger Shakespeare Library Gala — 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

Oh the places we go! Working inside Folger Shakespeare Library is such a full circle moment for me. I once worked in art museums, so being back in a space like this (now with flowers?!) just makes me so happy. Truly honored to be part of this Friday’s gala 💫 , but in the meantime, here’s a throwback to last year’s event!

📍 @folgerlibrary
📷 @elmanstudio
🍽️ @designcuisine
🪑 @dcreventrentals
⛺️ @curatedeventsdmv
💡 @4wall
💐 @petalsedgedc
📋 @thesidelobby

43 8

Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 17942991783012236

Oh the places we go! Working inside Folger Shakespeare Library is such a full circle moment for me. I once worked in art museums, so being back in a space like this (now with flowers?!) just makes me so happy. Truly honored to be part of this Friday’s gala 💫 , but in the meantime, here’s a throwback to last year’s event!

📍 @folgerlibrary
📷 @elmanstudio
🍽️ @designcuisine
🪑 @dcreventrentals
⛺️ @curatedeventsdmv
💡 @4wall
💐 @petalsedgedc
📋 @thesidelobby

Time is not a florist’s friend. From the time this ever so perishable product arrives to when we set things up in meager timelines while dodging people - not to mention waiting for others to finish their part before we can start ours… Let’s just say it’s a challenge, but one we meet head on each week with ingenuity. Planning, pre-planning and even more planning. It’s not always sexy but it gets the job done.

📍 @nmwaspecialevents
Cover 📷 @maddywilliamsphotography
💐 @petalsedgedc
📋 @glowweddingsandevents

8 0

Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 18087180950014382

Time is not a florist’s friend. From the time this ever so perishable product arrives to when we set things up in meager timelines while dodging people - not to mention waiting for others to finish their part before we can start ours… Let’s just say it’s a challenge, but one we meet head on each week with ingenuity. Planning, pre-planning and even more planning. It’s not always sexy but it gets the job done.

📍 @nmwaspecialevents
Cover 📷 @maddywilliamsphotography
💐 @petalsedgedc
📋 @glowweddingsandevents

Winter weddings just hit different. 🥹

📍 @theatriumatmeadowlark @meadowlarkbotanicalgardens
📷 @lavish.photography_wed
💐 @petalsedgedc

29 1

Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 18147631945469652

Winter weddings just hit different. 🥹

📍 @theatriumatmeadowlark @meadowlarkbotanicalgardens
📷 @lavish.photography_wed
💐 @petalsedgedc

Alexandra & Brian’s wedding at River Farm had that early summer, just-gathered feeling that never tries too hard but still feels completely considered. The palette stayed soft. Think pastel wildflowers with a little movement, nothing too tight or overly styled. Everything felt natural to the setting.⁣
⁣
The ceremony unfolded under the big tree with an arch that felt like it had grown there, loose and garden-inspired in shades of pale pink, light blue, cream, and lavender. It set the tone for the entire day.⁣
⁣
For the reception, long tables were filled all the way down with milk glass, blue mason jars, and pieces of depression glass, each one holding a slightly different mix of flowers. It created that full, abundant look that makes a space feel warm and inviting, while still leaving room for everything the evening needed to hold.⁣
Personal, relaxed, and quietly layered in a way that lets the setting - and the people in it - shine.⁣
⁣
📍@riverfarm_va⁣
📷 @jodiandkurtphoto⁣
🍽 @eatandsmilecatering⁣
💐 & 📋 @petalsedgedc

9 0

Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 18170716780409444

Alexandra & Brian’s wedding at River Farm had that early summer, just-gathered feeling that never tries too hard but still feels completely considered. The palette stayed soft. Think pastel wildflowers with a little movement, nothing too tight or overly styled. Everything felt natural to the setting.⁣
⁣
The ceremony unfolded under the big tree with an arch that felt like it had grown there, loose and garden-inspired in shades of pale pink, light blue, cream, and lavender. It set the tone for the entire day.⁣
⁣
For the reception, long tables were filled all the way down with milk glass, blue mason jars, and pieces of depression glass, each one holding a slightly different mix of flowers. It created that full, abundant look that makes a space feel warm and inviting, while still leaving room for everything the evening needed to hold.⁣
Personal, relaxed, and quietly layered in a way that lets the setting - and the people in it - shine.⁣
⁣
📍@riverfarm_va⁣
📷 @jodiandkurtphoto⁣
🍽 @eatandsmilecatering⁣
💐 & 📋 @petalsedgedc

It’s planning season for the Scout Guide launch party, and we couldn’t be more excited. 💃🏻

Any guesses on what we’ll see this year? 🤔

@tsgalexandria
📍 @hotelheronalexandria
📷 @costola_photography
💐 @petalsedgedc
📋 @cherryblossomeventsdc

22 6

Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 18098523019990968

It’s planning season for the Scout Guide launch party, and we couldn’t be more excited. 💃🏻

Any guesses on what we’ll see this year? 🤔

@tsgalexandria
📍 @hotelheronalexandria
📷 @costola_photography
💐 @petalsedgedc
📋 @cherryblossomeventsdc

There is something especially beautiful about bringing soft garden flowers into a space like St. Francis Hall. The historic stone walls have a certain weight to them, and loose, romantic florals create a lovely contrast that keeps the room from feeling too formal.⁣
⁣
For Marina & Kosta’s wedding, the goal was to make the reception feel like a garden had quietly taken over the hall. We designed lush arrangements in peach, cream, and fresh greens that felt natural and abundant on the tables. Against the warm tones of the room and the glow of candlelight, the flowers softened the space and made the entire evening feel relaxed, welcoming, and full of life.⁣
⁣
📍@stfrancishall⁣
🍽Catering by Chef⁣
📷 @sarahbradshawphotography⁣
💐 @petalsedgedc⁣
🍰 @classicbakery⁣
🎶 Midnight Sounds⁣
💄 @carolamyers⁣
💡 @bialeks⁣
🪑 @partyrental⁣ltd
📋 HJ Planners

29 2

Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 18455395813129632

There is something especially beautiful about bringing soft garden flowers into a space like St. Francis Hall. The historic stone walls have a certain weight to them, and loose, romantic florals create a lovely contrast that keeps the room from feeling too formal.⁣
⁣
For Marina & Kosta’s wedding, the goal was to make the reception feel like a garden had quietly taken over the hall. We designed lush arrangements in peach, cream, and fresh greens that felt natural and abundant on the tables. Against the warm tones of the room and the glow of candlelight, the flowers softened the space and made the entire evening feel relaxed, welcoming, and full of life.⁣
⁣
📍@stfrancishall⁣
🍽Catering by Chef⁣
📷 @sarahbradshawphotography⁣
💐 @petalsedgedc⁣
🍰 @classicbakery⁣
🎶 Midnight Sounds⁣
💄 @carolamyers⁣
💡 @bialeks⁣
🪑 @partyrental⁣ltd
📋 HJ Planners

Follow on Instagram

2 Responses

Wedding Photographer in Washington DC says:

September 9, 2025 at 12:09 am

I have attended a show here and I thought it would make a beautiful and interesting wedding space.

Reply
1. Gerry says:
  
  September 9, 2025 at 9:01 am
  
  I don’t know if they open for weddings, but it was fun to do a gala there!
  
  Reply

Folger Shakespeare Library Gala

Folger Shakespeare Library Gala

Categories

2 Responses

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Let's Connect!

Love Flowers?