Unveiling the inaugural The Duchess of Richmond’s Ball at the grand Bolling Haxall House in Richmond, Virginia.
Experience an era bygone, as we pay homage to the over two-hundred year old ball of the century — The Duchess of Richmond’s Ball of 1815 first in Brussels, Belgium. A night which, tragically, was never given its rightful conclusion due to France's unexpected invasion. We seek to correct history's omission by celebrating this historic ball, ensuring it receives the grand ending it truly deserves.
View more of the ball’s history here.
Highlights of the Eve's Festivities
Location: The illustrious Bolling Haxall House, an epitome of historic grandeur in Downtown Richmond — Constructed in 1858.
Live Music: Waltz and sway to period-authentic tunes and melodies, recreating the atmosphere of 1815 Brussels. We will have some modern flair paired with some classics.
Food and Tea Delicacies: Indulge in exquisitely crafted, delicacies, designed in true ball style to tantalize your taste buds while satiating your appetite. Perfectly complementing these treats will be a curated selection of teas, each brew capturing the essence of the evening. For those seeking a burst of flavor without the buzz, our handcrafted ‘mocktails’ and sparkling teas promise to dazzle and refresh. Please be assured that the event remains alcohol-free and special accommodations will be available for all dietary needs.
Capture the Moment: Professional photographer will be present to immortalize the elegance and charm of the evening.
En Garde! A special fencing demonstration showcasing the martial artistry of the period.
A Step Back in Time: Revel in the ambiance of a ball that’s known as "Arguably the most famous party in History".
Surprises! There will be surprises along the way to truly connect us with the history of The Duchess of Richmond’s Ball from 1815.
Why the Duchess of Richmond’s Ball?
This isn’t just another ball – it's a chance to be part of history, to experience the grandeur and significance of a timeless event. Our mission is to honor the Duchess of Richmond’s Ball, offering it the graceful closure it was denied over two centuries ago.
We have selected the Historic Bolling Haxall House for its history in Richmond provided by The Woman’s Club at The Bolling Haxall House. We honor their contributions and are proud to showcase their important work during the event.
Invitations
$155/person. Limited to 250 guests.
Once your invitation is purchased, you will be mailed a physical invitation with important details for entry to the event.
Add-ons available now — view here.
Ballroom Classes – We will be hosting a series of Ballroom Dance Classes. You are welcome to book a class to be ready for truly dancing in style. More information soon!
Hairstyles Fit for a Ball Workshop – You are welcome to be part of a hair tutorial workshop to learn how to do a classic updo ballroom style. This will be a lot of fun to learn some classical techniques with a modern twist.
Experience some of Richmond Favorite’s – Add on a hotel stay or an after hours option at one of our neighboring hotels with special promo codes to be provided. We also will be working with some dress/suit shops and other fun partners we would recommend as you prepare for the ball (with hopefully more discounts).
Artisanal Tea Blends: Special tea blends inspired by the ball and its history, available for purchase to commemorate the evening prior to the event.
Jewelry and Accessories Pop-Up Shop: Collaborating with local artisans to offer jewelry and accessories fitting for the ball's period theme. We will have some pop-up shop options to get the best and brightest pieces for the big day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any additional costs? There is no additional cost associated with this event. You can even leave your wallets at home so you can dance the night away! There will be some add-ons available to enhance your experience before the event but not during the event.
Is there a VIP option? No VIP option - Our goal is to provide a VIP experience for every guest.
Are children welcome? Children under the age of 18 are not permitted to be part of this event. We hope to host a more family-friendly ball in the future!
Will there be alcohol present? No, this is an alcohol free environment however we will have some fun sparkling tea and mocktail options.
Do I need to dress up in a costume? No, not necessarily. We do encourage ball attire. This may be more like a costume or rather a dress/suit with extra flair.
Food accommodations and dietary restrictions? Yes, we are able to accommodate. This will be more of a grazing food event so we can showcase many food options during the event. There will grazing options for gluten free, vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan.
ADA? Yes, the Bolling Haxall House does have ADA entrances, bathrooms, and accommodations.