Bridgerton-Inspired Ball in Detroit Leaves Attendees Disappointed
A Bridgerton-themed event in Detroit failed to deliver promised glamour, serving undercooked food and featuring inappropriate entertainment. Attendees, who paid up to $300 for tickets, expressed frustration with the poorly organized affair.
On September 25, 2024, a Bridgerton-inspired ball in Detroit left attendees feeling shortchanged and disappointed. The event, which promised a glamorous evening reminiscent of the popular Netflix series, failed to deliver on multiple fronts, leaving guests questioning the value of their expensive tickets.
Ebone Colbert, who paid nearly $300 for a "VIP" ticket, described her experience as "disgusting" and "disappointing." The event, which began over an hour late, forced attendees to queue in the rain, setting a poor tone for the evening. This delay is particularly ironic given that Bridgerton, set in the Regency era of 1811-1820, is known for its punctilious adherence to social etiquette and timing.
The promised "exquisite refreshments" fell far short of expectations. With insufficient staff to serve hundreds of guests, some attendees reported being served undercooked chicken. This culinary mishap stands in stark contrast to the lavish feasts depicted in Bridgerton, where the production design team created over 250 original paintings to enhance the authenticity of the sets.
Entertainment at the event also raised eyebrows. Instead of the expected classical music and period-appropriate performances, guests were surprised by the presence of a pole dancer in red underwear. This entertainment choice seemed particularly out of place, considering Bridgerton's carefully choreographed dance sequences and its soundtrack featuring instrumental covers of modern pop songs.
"Food apparently ran out after an hour, and some was raw. No one was there to pick up plates, so you had to deal with strangers' leftovers yourself."
The event's shortcomings were numerous. Promised elements such as a cash prize for best-dressed guests and the selection of a "Diamond of the Season" – a key concept in the Bridgerton series – did not materialize. The live music, advertised as a grand affair, consisted of a single violinist, a far cry from the show's elaborate musical productions that have sparked a renewed interest in historical romance and Regency-era culture.
Some attendees drew comparisons to the infamous Fyre Festival of April 2017, where guests paid exorbitant sums for a luxury experience that never materialized. While not on the same scale, the Detroit Bridgerton ball left many feeling similarly deceived.
The organizers, Uncle and Me LLC, issued an apology, acknowledging that "not everyone had the experience they hoped for" and promising to address concerns. However, for many attendees, the damage was done. The event's failure is particularly disappointing given the surge in popularity of Regency-themed events following Bridgerton's success, which has led to increased tourism in the show's filming locations and a revival of interest in historical fashion and etiquette.
As the dust settles on this ill-fated soirée, it serves as a reminder that bringing the magic of Bridgerton – with its 7,500-piece costume collection, meticulously designed sets, and carefully crafted "Bridgerton accent" – to life is no small feat. For now, fans of the series might be better served by rewatching their favorite episodes or exploring the Julia Quinn novels that inspired the show, rather than risking disappointment at poorly executed themed events.
