Folger Shakespeare Library Gala

Folger Shakespeare Library Gala
Room shot of DC gala floral design of Folger Shakespeare Library

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
Elman Studio
Harlem Renaissance inspired floral and feather centerpieces for Folger Shakespeare Library gala
Elman Studio
Folger Shakespeare Library gala flowers
Elman Studio
Elman Studio
Petal's Edge florist provided flowers for Folger Shakespeare Library Gala

Elman Studio
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

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When couples ask why large ceremony installations cost what they do, this is part of the answer.

The flowers matter, of course. But so do the ladders, mechanics, installation team, engineering, timing, and experience required to safely transform a space at scale.

This greenery-covered dome at the Omni Shoreham started as a simple structure and became a transformed garden canopy for a few short hours. Then, just as quickly, it came down.
That’s the strange thing about wedding flowers. Hundreds of stems. Hours of work. One beautiful moment.

And apparently one bee who felt qualified to supervise the entire project. 🐝

📍 @omnishorehamhotel
📷 @brigittereneephoto
💐 @petalsedgedc
📋 @smevents

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Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 17873327772505828
When couples ask why large ceremony installations cost what they do, this is part of the answer. The flowers matter, of course. But so do the ladders, mechanics, installation team, engineering, timing, and experience required to safely transform a space at scale. This greenery-covered dome at the Omni Shoreham started as a simple structure and became a transformed garden canopy for a few short hours. Then, just as quickly, it came down. That’s the strange thing about wedding flowers. Hundreds of stems. Hours of work. One beautiful moment. And apparently one bee who felt qualified to supervise the entire project. 🐝 📍 @omnishorehamhotel 📷 @brigittereneephoto 💐 @petalsedgedc 📋 @smevents

Rainy wedding weekends just hit different. Blue patterned linens, chinoiserie vases, garden inspired blooms in shades of peach, white, green, and blue, plus bridesmaids in the prettiest soft blue created a design that felt equal parts timeless and romantic. Proof that a little rain only makes the flowers look better. ☔️🩵

📍 @riverfarm_va
🍽️ @tastefulaffairscatering
📷 @vnessphotography
💐 @petalsedgedc
📋 @dragonfly_events_design

11 4
Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 17996049857783269
Rainy wedding weekends just hit different. Blue patterned linens, chinoiserie vases, garden inspired blooms in shades of peach, white, green, and blue, plus bridesmaids in the prettiest soft blue created a design that felt equal parts timeless and romantic. Proof that a little rain only makes the flowers look better. ☔️🩵 📍 @riverfarm_va 🍽️ @tastefulaffairscatering 📷 @vnessphotography 💐 @petalsedgedc 📋 @dragonfly_events_design

One more time for the people in the back! 😂 A night in St. Barth’s… right here on the Potomac!✨

We were so honored to help celebrate the launch of Vol. 11 of The Scout Guide Alexandria and toast the exciting next chapter under new owner Kerry Delaney at the beautiful Jula’s on the Potomac.
We leaned all the way into the St. Barth’s theme, with a cascading floral piece in the entry to set the tone as guests arrived. A daisy-filled installation over the bar brought that effortless island charm. Baskets overflowing with lemons and olive foliage added a French Caribbean warmth throughout the space, and touches of yellow kept everything feeling sun-drenched and joyful.

We’re so proud to be part of a guide that champions small businesses and celebrates creativity in our community. Supporting local means investing in the makers, doers, and dreamers who make Alexandria vibrant — and The Scout Guide does just that, beautifully.
Cheers to Vol. 11 and to all that’s ahead for Kerry and this incredible community! 🍋🌼

@kerry.delaneyy @tsgalexandria @kbellaevents @julastop @shockley.market @dj_mova @stitchedbynpk @smthingvintage @fabeventsdc @xiaoqiliphotography @photoshootfreshdc @stephgcallig @artsyervin @sproutscontent

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Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 18067062524376502
One more time for the people in the back! 😂 A night in St. Barth’s… right here on the Potomac!✨ We were so honored to help celebrate the launch of Vol. 11 of The Scout Guide Alexandria and toast the exciting next chapter under new owner Kerry Delaney at the beautiful Jula’s on the Potomac. We leaned all the way into the St. Barth’s theme, with a cascading floral piece in the entry to set the tone as guests arrived. A daisy-filled installation over the bar brought that effortless island charm. Baskets overflowing with lemons and olive foliage added a French Caribbean warmth throughout the space, and touches of yellow kept everything feeling sun-drenched and joyful. We’re so proud to be part of a guide that champions small businesses and celebrates creativity in our community. Supporting local means investing in the makers, doers, and dreamers who make Alexandria vibrant — and The Scout Guide does just that, beautifully. Cheers to Vol. 11 and to all that’s ahead for Kerry and this incredible community! 🍋🌼 @kerry.delaneyy @tsgalexandria @kbellaevents @julastop @shockley.market @dj_mova @stitchedbynpk @smthingvintage @fabeventsdc @xiaoqiliphotography @photoshootfreshdc @stephgcallig @artsyervin @sproutscontent
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2 Responses

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

    Reply

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