Know Before You Go
Event Dress Code
The dress code is “Summer Chic.” What’s that? Think typical attire that you’d wear to a glamorous Hamptons afternoon wedding. Still unsure? Take a look at this helpful guideline we’ve put together for you.
Summer Chic Guidelines
For a summer chic look, guests can opt for light, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton, and consider bright colors or floral prints to achieve a summery feel. Flowy maxi dresses or chic midi dresses in floral patterns or solid tones are versatile options. Men can opt for light-colored suits or dress pants paired with breathable shirts and accessorize with a silk tie or bow tie.
Women:
Fabrics: Chiffon, silk, linen, and cotton are excellent choices for their lightweight and breathable qualities.
Styles: Maxi dresses, midi dresses, and fit-and-flare dresses are all flattering silhouettes.
Colors and Prints: Pastel colors, floral prints, and bright colors can be incorporated to create a summery vibe.
Accessories: Fine jewelry, elegant heels, and a stylish hat can add a touch of sophistication.
Men:
Suits: Light-colored suits or dress pants with breathable shirts are suitable.
Fabrics: Lightweight wool, linen, and cotton are good choices for summer weddings.
Accessories: Silk ties or bow ties can add a touch of elegance.
Shoes: Dress shoes or loafers can complete the look.
General Tip: If the event is outdoors, consider a light-colored suit or dress.
Time of Day: For daytime weddings, lighter colors and floral prints are appropriate, while darker tones can be considered for evening weddings
Comfort: Choose outfits that are comfortable and breathable for the warm weather.
Avoid: Heavy fabrics, dark colors, and overly form-fitting styles may not be comfortable in the heat.
Accessories: Don’t forget to accessorize with fine jewelry, a stylish hat, or a statement piece to complement your outfit.
Please note that the event will be held outdoors in a park-like setting. You will be walking on uneven ground including grass and light mulch. We recommend wearing flat or low-heeled
shoes that can accommodate such terrain.
Although the weather is warm now, you may want to bring a light wrap, sweater, or jacket, as it
may become cool and lightly breezy in the evening.
Event Location and Directions
The gala is being held at the Wilbur D May Arboretum and Botanical Garden in Kleiner’s Oak Grove, located inside the Rancho San Rafael Park Complex. The best way to arrive is from North Sierra Street. We’ve included the following map to help you.
1. Event Location
2. Handicap and VIP Parking – note, handicap or VIP parking pass is required
3. General Parking
Parking
Handicap Parking
Limited Handicap Parking will be available for guests with a handicap placard or handicap
plates.
VIP Parking
VIP parking passes for spots located directly in front of Kleiner Oak Grove are available for $20.
For those with VIP parking, your name will be added to our VIP parking list and our parking attendants will direct you into the VIP parking area upon arrival.
General Public Parking
Complimentary general public parking available will be available in the parking lot in front of
the May Museum. Parking attendants will be able to guide you upon arrival.
Events of the Evening
VIP Reception, Sponsored by PBS RENO
If your registration includes access to our VIP Reception, please arrive between 3:45pm – 4:00pm for registration. When you arrive, please go check-in at the registration area located in the driveway next to the Ranch House, as indicated on the map below.
Once you are checked in, you will be guided through the Ranch House, where you can browse our silent auction, and then out to the lawn area, where you will be welcomed with your complimentary Prickly Pear Lemonade signature cocktail (with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic version available). Here, you can enjoy your cocktail and light charcuterie, all while viewing our storyboards, which depict the life of Dr. Ed Kleiner.
At 4:15pm, you will be guided down to Honey’s Garden for the VIP Reception, where you will further enjoy an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres.
At 4:30pm, Juliette Leong, local violinist, takes the stage with a private recital for our VIP guests.
At 5:45pm, we will escort you over to Kleiner Oak Grove to seat at your table for the start of our evening’s main program.
Guest Reception
Our main reception for guests without a VIP reception pass will begin at 5:00pm. We encourage guests to arrive between 4:45pm – 5:00 pm to complete check-in at our registration area, which will be located in the driveway in front of the Ranch House. Please refer to the map above.
Once registered, you will be guided through the Ranch House, where you can view our silent auction, and then out to the back lawn, where you will be welcomed with our Prickly Pear Lemonade signature cocktail (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions will be available). Enjoy your beverage with sampling of appetizers from our charcuterie table.
At 5:45pm, you will be asked to make your way to your table. Our evening’s program will begin at 6:00p.m.
Online Silent Auction Bidding
Our online silent auction will open on Monday, June 16th at 9:00 am and close on June 21st at 8:00 p.m. If your email address and cellphone number are on file with us, you will receive an invitation to register for the auction. You will be able to browse and bid on over 70 silent auction items during this time, as well as preview the details about our exciting live auction items.
Dinner Menu
Dinner will be served family-style with dishes chosen to accommodate a variety of dietary needs. If you have a severe food allergy, please click here to let us know by Tuesday, June 10th. We will work with our caterer to accommodate allergy-related restrictions.
Additional Opportunities to Enhance Your Experience
VIP Reception
We have a limited number of VIP Reception tickets available. They are available for purchase at $60 per ticket.
For details on the VIP reception, please refer to the information above.
Garden Tour at the Event
If you would like to experience a complimentary tour of the gardens adjacent to Kleiner Oak Grove hosted by our Arboretum staff and volunteers, please register here.
We will be hosting tours between 5:00pm – 5:45pm for guests who are interested in this guided walk that will highlight the beauty of the May Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
Other Event-Related FAQs
Q: Will the tables at the event be level?
A: We will do our best to arrange tables and chairs in areas that provide the most level surface we can to ensure you have a comfortable experience. However, please note that the event will be held outdoors in a park-like setting, so there will be areas of uneven ground.
Questions
For any additional questions, please email Frances Munoz at frances@mayarboretumsociety.org