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| · May 29, 2003 · |
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· Pan Pacific San Francisco Tosses Bouquet To Future Brides And Grooms SAN FRANCISCO - Despite the sluggish economy, Pan Pacific San Francisco's wedding related business services are in full bloom. After nearly doubling the number of weddings the hotel catered from 2001 to 2002, Director of Catering Barbara Lewis is expecting 2003 to be another banner year for the bridal business. Lewis comments, "Couples are tying the knot now more than ever with the trend towards making a commitment now and not holding off. Additionally, couples are booking in much shorter windows... sometimes only three months out."
As a matter of fact, in order to accommodate the anticipated new business and last minute nature of many weddings, Lewis is teaming up with neighboring retailer and premium wedding vendor, Gumps, to create a stunning "Wedding Showroom," featuring the very services and amenities for which brides to be are looking. Recently opened, the showroom houses everything from decor themes and props to attendant gifts and party favors. In addition to the Gumps products, pastry items from award-winning Pastry Chef Otto Eckstein's are on display. "The Wedding Room at the Pan Pacific is a stylish showcase for a selection of the products and services Gump's provides to couples getting married. The Pan Pacific is very well aligned with Gump's commitment to quality and devoted attention to everyone involved in the planning and celebration of a marriage," comments Jed Pogran, President and CEO of Gump's San Francisco. With over twenty years of wedding planning experience, Lewis has a vast number of resources at her fingertips. In addition to the brand new "Wedding Showroom," Pan Pacific San Francisco features several facilities to accommodate everything from rehearsal dinners and bridal showers for a handful of people to wedding ceremonies and receptions for up to 300. Of course, the hotel is an ideal location for all this matrimonial bliss due to the convenience of luxury rooms to accommodate out of town guests. While most couples opt for traditional wedding services, Pan Pacific San Francisco is seeing more in the way of specialized celebrations. In addition to providing popular menus with lots of personalized options, Pan Pacific also offers custom menus for multi-cultural weddings and receptions. Executive Chef Charles Hechinger's team of chefs represent a wealth of cultural background, and as a result, are able to provide authentic fare that ranges from Chinese banquets and Kosher-style menus to Russian, French, Thai, Persian and Italian to name a few. Lewis' services cover all the bases. She and her team can easily assume the role as primary wedding planner, saving the couple valuable consultant fees, or Lewis is also happy to merely facilitate an outside wedding planner's vision. The menu of available services includes: comprehensive planning services; hotel room blocks; rehearsal dinners and morning after brunches; full scale wedding ceremonies and themed receptions; menu selection and tastings; wedding and groom's cakes; personalized guest amenities, party favors and attendant gifts; place settings and florals; wine and Champagne selection; bridal registry; and a list of preferred vendors for photography, videography, calligraphy, DJs, bands, harpists and custom guest books. Pan Pacific San Francisco offers naturally breathtaking architecture, which provides picture book backdrops for all the functions associated with marriage. For instance, the hotel's private Olympic Ballroom features a majestic atmosphere, accommodating up to 300 for a formal dinner. Resurrecting the original grandeur of architect John Portman's visions for the most elegant San Francisco ballroom, the refurbished Olympic Ballroom reflects lush earth tones of sage, ivory, terra-cotta and bisque as well as rich textures of wool wall-coverings, brass accents and crystal chandeliers. The picturesque 21st floor Terrace and outdoor Solarium features sweeping panoramic views and accommodate up to 100 for dinner or 150 for a reception. Additionally the Board Room and The Gallery are ideal for smaller functions of up to 40 for rehearsal dinners, private showers and family meals. Although a menu of options is available, Lewis prefers to work within a client's specific budget by offering custom cost estimates. For additional information about Pan Pacific's facilities and services, call Barbara Lewis at (415) 929-2064 or toll free (800) 533-6465 or email her at blewis@panpacific.com. For information about Gump's bridal registry, contact Kathleen Mailliard Rende, Wedding & Gift Registry Manager, call (415) 984-9341 or (800) 444-0450 or email bridalregistry@gumps.com. Media Contact: Molly Cahill mocahill@aol.com |
| Produced by Judi Janofsky, Rich Steck and the Golf Press Association |