Top of the Class: Three New Workshops In Seattle For A Fun, Nontraditional Pre-Wedding Party

For brides and their crews looking for a less conventional, out-of-the-box kind of pre-wedding celebration (think bridal showers, bachelorette parties and more), here are some ideas. Three new workshop spaces have popped up in recent months, all of them dedicated to classes focused on community building and learning something new. We can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon or evening with close friends or your bridal party, celebrating friendship, love and what’s to come.

Carpe Diem Collective (above)
“Dedicated to providing meaningful experiences to spark connection and creativity in real life,” Carpe Diem Collective, located in West Seattle, is a bright, open, inspiring space that provides just such experiences. With classes ranging from calligraphy to watercolor to candle making to macaron baking and more, it’s easy to find something to suit you and your party’s interests. “Carpe Diem Collective is a dynamic place of community and modern renaissance, intersecting art, style, culture, lifestyle, business and ever-evolving vision,” says founder Grace Kim. How to attend: Visit the collective online or follow along on Instagram for class details and to purchase tickets.

Flower arranging at the Glasswing Greenhouse (AJ Ragasa)

Glasswing Greenhouse
Located on Capitol Hill, the Glasswing Greenhouse (the newer of the store’s dual spaces) hosts an ongoing workshop program in their dedicated gallery space, “featuring guest teachers and in-house plant and floral arranging classes, which vary from
introductory to hands-on to the more advanced,” says Glasswing co-owner Alisa Furoyama. Taught by the Greenhouse’s floral director Kristen Griffith-VanderYacht of Wild Bloom Floral (whose work has appeared in People magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, New York Magazine and on The Knot), attendees are sure to walk away with a slew of tips and tricks for creating their own special arrangements at home for years to come. How to attend: Tickets can be purchased online through Glasswing’s website or in person at either of the store’s locations on Capitol Hill. Looking to host a private workshop for your special event? Glasswing can also curate a class based on the interests of your group. Contact the store directly for more information.Opened in May, Capitol Hill–based The Works Seattle offers an airy space to convene and create, as well as a pop-up retail program that provides a space for local makers. Founded by entrepreneur Kellie Phelan, The Works Seattle hosts five creatives who lead the diverse curriculum, ranging from macramé to mixology. The single-session classes are offered on various days each month—convenient for getting all your crew on board. Check out  to view an online calendar of all class offerings and reservation information.