16 Tips for The Queen's Ball: A Bridgerton Experience (NYC)

Dearest reader,

This author finds herself compelled to share tips for the event of the season: The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience. Scandal awaits.

If you are planning on attending, meet with your modiste and make haste because according to the rumour mill, the NYC experience concludes on July 30.

1.) As in the Regency Era where there was a royal hierarchy, so too, is there a line (well, queue) hierarchy at MediaPro Manhattan. Even though being a member of the ton has its privileges, there’s nothing quite like being a member of The Queen’s Court. This gets you into the VIP line (red roped and everything) and gives you and other members of Queen Charlotte’s Court early access to the event. Claim a small table with your clutch/purse - I cannot emphasize this enough. Space is limited. But don’t be too high in the instep that you don’t make space for other ballroom guests (who arrive later) who may be desperate to drop off their belongings before hitting the dance floor.

2.) Even if you have not purchased your tickets with an American Express card, if you have an Amex on you, place it delicately in your gloved hand, politely flash it at the staff, and they will upgrade you to a more VIP line (though not quite as VIP as Queen’s Court - Steph and I got a tour of all the lines as we were figuring out which one we belonged to - thank goodness for the friendly staff).

3.) As a member of the Queen’s Court, you will be presented with a dance card. Please wear it on your wrist instead of placing it in one of your bag’s compartments. There is no graceful way to adopt a serene countenance once your scrambling for it - you’ll need it first and foremost to be in the initial group to be presented to and curtsy before the queen.

4.) As a member of the Queen’s Court, your dance card includes a free drink and an exclusive gift (not sold in the gift shop - it really is exclusive). If you’re of debutante drinking age, The Lady Bridgerton is incomparable, and you may need the liquid courage later on. Drink early with your pinky out, after you’ve taken a few photos and claimed a table - you won’t have a ton of time before the ball begins. And as for the exclusive gift? Flawless. Redeem your dance card ticket at the gift shop to pick up the cutest tote and bee pin. Do this at the end of the experience as you are heading out so 1) you don’t have to carry them with you throughout the experience and 2) while there are security guards, you don’t want to risk any rakes out there taking off with your spoils.

5.) In the world of shillings and pounds, American Express reigns supreme. Bring your Amex card, steal an Amex card (just kidding - do NOT do that), or bring a guest who has an Amex card with you who you can Venmo later. The 20% off merchandise and more is worth it. You’ll have plenty of time to shop at the end of the experience. Check out this cute Duchess crop hoodie and Bridgerton floral and bee-themed tumbler.

6.) As a member of the Queen’s Court, take advantage of early access and snap as many photos as you can as the lights have not yet dimmed, and you’ll have less (if any) people to Photoshop out of your backgrounds. By the way, the black and white checkered dance floor is fair game (we weren’t all that sure when we first got there). The only thing you have to wait for is the Queen’s Throne - after her majesty has bowed out of the experience.

7.) Staff directed me with a “Your Grace.” A gal can get used to this. Also, for Regency Era folks, they sure know their way around cell phones, so don’t hesitate to ask for their assistance. Thanks for the photos!

8.) There’s always a line for the Wisteria Tunnel at the beginning, but I asked one of the “Brimsley’”s, and he recommended coming back at the end of the experience. He was absolutely right. Less people. More time. However, keep in mind that you will be dancing the night away - will your hair cooperate for photos at the end? Hell hath no fury like hair in humidity. I guess you can always edit in post.

9.) Sip. Smith. Hooray! SipSmith London has the best lighting for photos. Promenade over to this beautiful backdrop.

10.) Sit (or stand) for an oil painting. And, if you consent, your portrait will be featured throughout the experience at various locations throughout the ball. As skeptical as I was, we all somehow looked fabulous in oil. A filter for the ages, indeed.

11.) As great as the Queen’s Throne appears, the lighting isn’t the most favorable. Serves us right anyway as no one should sit on Her Majesty’s throne but her.

12.) A Diamond of the First Water will be selected, and Queen Charlotte makes no mistakes. The staff guides the Lady to a pedestal as glitter and confetti fall from the sky to honor the most deserving debutante. If you want to get picked, be sure you’re worthy - like Lady Whistledown, the staff is always watching.

13.) Practice some dance moves. At one point during the ball, we were all gathered around a pedestal as the orchestra played some bangers, and the stunning cast member in blue with an enchanting smile, much to my immediate trepeditation, pulled me up onto the pedestal…and then she stepped down. The Good Lord only knows how I busted moves I haven’t in years (and, frankly, no one has in years). Yes, I PANIC Discoed, Walked Like an Egyptian, Vogued, and Moonwalked (or something that vaguely resembled a Moonwalk) in front of my gracious ballroom party people. I knew I was reachiing the end of my dance repoertoire so I was hoping my date for the evening would join me. I reached for my beloved, but shy, cousin, Stephanie, who promptly stepped out of reach and tried to run away. To the Lady in Blue, thank you for such a memorable NYC moment. The lights, the music, the Regency attire - you took my long-gloved hand, and I now have a memory I will cherish and celebrate for seasons to come.

14.) Even if you don’t randomly get selected to bask in the spotlight, you will be dancing. A lot. It’s a ball after all! The staff does a fantastic job of teaching you multiple dances throughout the soirée. You will sweat. Please wear deodorant. God save the Queen (and also every other attendee).

15.) When the ball truly ends, a kind but stern voice will advise “esteemed guests” to GTFO and to please “continue your conversations outside.” Don’t overstay your welcome - the hardworking staff is resetting for the next group or calling it a night. Besides, there’s a Bridgerton Experience backdrop on the way out you won’t want to miss.

16.) Be sure to include #bridgertonexperience in your social media stories and posts. It certainly is a grand affair to remember! See below for ours.

To the cast, crew, ballroom guests, Netflix, American Express, and Steph, thank you for such an opulent experience. I had a ball!

Until next season,
Lady Perincheril