David's Tips:
- Assign bridal party to specific components: One bridesmaid should have an iPod cued up with all of your favorite music, in case the band doesn't show. One can be in charge of choosing replacement flowers and have a back-up florist on speed dial should your dream flowers show up dead and one bridesmaid will be in charge of rips and stains and will carry duct tape, a stain remover pen and a bottle of club soda.
- Invest in a Flip or small video camera: Assign a family member for back-up in case the photographer/videographer doesn't show.
- Request extra fabric at your dress fittings: So you can sew or tape small swatches of fabric over any damage.
- Choose a double entrée option: Make sure it has a veggie entree so that there is plenty of food available if you have last-minute vegetarian, or if a slew of waiters drops a table's worth of food you will still have enough for all of your guests.
- Choose top 3 things and let the rest go: is it your dress? Your flowers? The music? Inevitably, something will go wrong and you can't let it ruin the best day of your life.
- Spills, stains, rips: have duct tape on hand to fix a rip and adjust a bustle. Plus carry a stain stick or wipe to help get rid of stains like red wine.
- Choose your shoe before the first fitting: Make sure the shoe is the exact heel height you want at the first fitting - and stick with that shoe to ensure the dresses shape. The silhouette of the dress is perfected with the length alteration.
- Brides often worry that they won't fit into their dress: The last fitting should be done three-four weeks before the wedding, but the eating and exercise habits should be in place before that so there are no major fluctuations in weight in the weeks and days before.
- Choose a location with a seamstress on-hand will save you time and money: It also ensures that you won't have to hire one; and as well as fitting they can also help with rips and stains.
- Picking a photographer and videographer: Choose a photographer that can touch up pictures in the most natural way can be beneficial as a last-resort.
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco Wedding Fair 1/10/10
757 Market St. (between 3rd and 4th St.)
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tickets: $22 if purchased in advance or $25 at the door.
Brides will enjoy the sounds of a string quartet while sipping champagne, sampling the latest trends in hors d'oeuvres, tasting wedding cakes from top Bay Area cake designers, and speaking directly with more than 75 exhibitors offering services to plan the perfect wedding day. New for 2010, the San Francisco Wedding Fair.
For more information, visit www.sfweddingfair.com or call (415) 986-1141.
About David Robinson:
Born and raised in Gallipolis, Ohio, David got his start in food and beverage at a small burger and milkshake shop at the age of 15. After graduating from the University of Cincinnati, he was introduced to the world of hospitality by a friend who worked at Vernon Manor in Cincinnati.
Beginning with a part time job in banquets, he stayed on for two and a half years, learning all aspects of the business, from catering to room sales. David then moved to Tampa, Florida and took a position with Hyatt Hotels as a banquet captain.
His work with the company brought him to the Park Hyatt in San Francisco where he worked in room service, banquets and catering before beginning a six-year career with Ritz Carlton San Francisco, where he rose to Director of Catering.
After a short stint in corporate incentive travel sales for Pacific Agenda -- a destination management company, he came to Four Seasons in 2003 to lead the catering department, and has been delighting guests each day since - amid the four to 14 events that can run concurrently at any given time on the property.
About Jin Wang:
Jin Wang started her company in 1997 and opened her elegant atelier on Maiden Lane in Union Square 12 years ago. Ms. Wang specializes in couture bridal and evening gowns.
Her designs are a blend of classic lines and modern simplicity, emphasizing in luxurious fabrication and detailed workmanship. Additionally, she offers a collection of made-to-order gowns by other renowned designers from different parts of the world.
Jin Wang is a full service salon, offering bridesmaid and flower girl dresses and complete array of unique accessories to compliment the gown. Jin Wang and her staff is highly regarded in the industry for providing the highest level service and knowledge to all customers.
Ms. Wang personally does all gown fittings for each client to ensure the process goes smoothly.Jin Wang brings over 28 years of experience in the fashion industry.
Having focused on the business side of the apparel industry, she has held several management positions in some of the country's most successful apparel companies.
Born in Seoul, Korea, Ms. Wang immigrated with her family to the United States at the age of 7 and grew up in the Bay Area. The middle child of five girls, she learned by her mother how to make doll clothes at age 4.
Later, she becomes the family designer, making prom and wedding gowns for her sisters and friends. She has combined a passion for designing, a strong affinity for the fashion business, and a love for working with clients into a prosperous business in San Francisco.
About Four Seasons:
Four Seasons offers special, complimentary amenities for the bridal couple and bridal party, ensuring a seamless experience along with additional value.
For the bride & groom, Four Seasons offers a complimentary one-night stay for the newlyweds in a Four Seasons Executive Suite, with champagne, chocolate strawberries (point to the strawberries), rose petals on the bed and a bathtub filled with floating gardenias.
In addition, newlyweds receive three complimentary nights at Four Seasons Resort Whistler or Four Seasons Resort Hawaii, Lana'i at Manele Bay.
Special room rates are available for both the parents of the bride and groom, as well as wedding attendees and a complimentary menu tasting for six people, and customized menus with consultation from the Hotel's chef.
