FAQs

Question

What the heck is cocktail casual?

Answer

It's everything below "tuxedos and ballgowns" and everything above "shorts and T-shirts." For women, you could wear a cocktail dress; a summer dress; a jumpsuit; or trousers, a skirt, or nice jeans with a blazer or blouse. For men, you could wear a suit; slacks and a jacket; chinos and a vest; nice jeans and a button-up... all with or without a tie. You're going to look amazing.

Question

Do wedding guests have to pay to get into the zoo?

Answer

No way. For those attending the family-friendly reception during the day, present your "For Our Favorite Kiddos" invitation at the front entry Admissions, give them your name, and your family's entry will be covered. For those attending the adult reception in the evening, you do not need to bring your invitation or any other form of ticketing to gain entry.

Question

What's the difference between the family-friendly reception and the evening reception?

Answer

The family-friendly reception is a daytime event primarily geared toward kids. Basically, families can enjoy a day at the zoo, and stop by to see us while you're there. This is come-and-go (and very casual). The evening reception is an adults-only celebration that will look more like a traditional wedding reception. This is for cocktails, dinner, cake and toasts, a romantic stroll around Africa... the whole shebang.

Question

What age defines "adult" for the evening reception?

Answer

Guests age 16 and up are welcome to join us in the evening.

Question

I have kiddos... do I have to choose between the two receptions?

Answer

Noooooo! Parents, please join us at both! Brings the kids to the family-friendly reception, then join us again in the evening for a grown-up celebration.

Question

Does the family-friendly reception invitation only permit zoo entry from 10:00 to 1:00?

Answer

Nope! It gets your family into the zoo anytime during regular summer hours (8:30 to 5:30) on May 11. Mike and Sarah will only be around from 10:00 to 1:00, but you are welcome to come enjoy the zoo for as long or as little as you'd like.

Question

How do I get into the Zoo for the Evening Reception?

Answer

Through a special entrance near the Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley habitat. Don't try to enter through the Zoo's main gates. They will not be open after hours. Park on the south end of the Zoo's parking lot. There will be helpful people and some directional signage to guide you from there, but in case you're still not sure... just walk toward the enormous white building. That's the elephant boma, and you can't miss it.

Question

Where are you registered?

Answer

Zola, Target, and Bed Bath & Beyond

Question

Where do wedding guests park?

Answer

If attending the private wedding ceremony on May 10, please park on street along Amidon near our home. If attending the evening reception on May 11, please park in the Zoo's south parking lot (near the large white elephant boma).

Question

Why are you having three different events?

Answer

We wanted to be able to savor this time! We heard from so many people that it would all be a blur. So, given that we're both OK with being a little weird, we dreamed up a way to have our cake and eat it too.