So I heard about this Brilliant Earth Gala thing from my friend Sarah last month. She kept raving about how fancy it was last year. I thought why not try going this time? But honestly had zero clue where to begin.
The Ticket Hunt Mess
First I tried googling “Brilliant Earth Gala tickets”. Big mistake – nothing useful popped up. Then I remembered Sarah mentioned some secret email list. Dug through my inbox spam folder for like 20 minutes before finding their newsletter signup buried in some jewelry promo email.
Signed up immediately and waited. And waited. Nearly lost my mind when nothing came for 3 days. Turned out I needed to click their stupid confirmation link that went to junk mail again. Finally got the ticket link! Paid $250 with shaky fingers – hope this ain’t some scam.
The Dress Code Panic
The ticket said “black tie optional”. Whatever that means! Checked their Instagram pics from last year and freaked out. Everyone looked like they walked off movie sets. Rushed to Macy’s that same night.
- Tried on six fugly tuxedos – made me look like a waiter
- Found this midnight blue suit on clearance rack
- Added shiny silver tie for $15
Total cost? $187. Way cheaper than renting!
Actual Night of the Event
Got there 30 minutes early like dummy. Stood outside freezing while rich people rolled up in Lamborghinis. The bouncer scanned my phone ticket three freaking times before waving me in.
Inside was crazy shiny. Crystal everywhere! Drank three champagne glasses to calm my nerves. Met Sarah who laughed at my sweaty forehead. Okay maybe overdressed a tiny bit but nobody kicked me out so success?
Learned two big things: Always check junk folder twice, and clearance suits save lives. Think I’ll go again next year… if I recover financially by then.
