78 South Bay Accent cultural touches added to each ceremony, such as the Peninsula couple who arrived at the Four Seasons accompanied by a traditional Arabic zaffa, a procession including dancers, horns and drums. Patten explains that ethnic weddings have been a “strong” part of the Fairmont’s clientele for the past 15 years. “I do think that the trend is catching on, and we’re doing more now than we’ve ever done. Indian weddings alone are probably 30 percent of our wedding business.” Years ago, the couple’s parents would advise Patten on cultural traditions. Today, he is the one walking Americans of ethnic descent through the ritual’s steps, he says. FORK IN THE ROAD Sit-down dinners and buffets still dominate at weddings, say industry analysts, but food trucks are picking up speed. At the Fairmont, full receptions and dinners are most popular while the Four Seasons has seen a shift toward more four- and five-course dinners. The type of wedding can dictate the meal service: Indian and Persian weddings generally have buffet receptions while Asian weddings traditionally feature eight courses served as familystyle banquets. Food trucks have taken the Bay Area by storm, so it’s no surprise that they’ve become popular for receptions. “People love the comfort and casual concept,” says Brand, and the myriad choices they offer “from doughnuts to tacos, noodle bowls or lobster rolls.” While the trucks most often provide late-night nourishment for guests after the reception, Forrest sees them playing a larger role: “I’ve seen couples bring in multiple food trucks in place of the reception meal,” an informal but effective way to please guests, many of whom have food allergies or other dietary restrictions. Both Tan and Patten mention their hotels’ eagerness to customize wedding menus, taking a variety of dietary requests into account. Patten says the Fairmont sees more gluten-free requests than ever, and the chefs’ commitment to “lifestyle cuisine” covers religious and ethnic as well as health-related options. Tan notices that ethnic couples at the Four Seasons “are now more open to the possibility of having a menu that is prepared by the hotel’s chefs versus hiring a traditional caterer.” Conflicted couples should consider Patten’s tip: “Probably the best way to accommodate all those different dietary restrictions is with a buffet.” In fast-paced Silicon Valley, it’s not surprising that engaged couples wouldn’t dawdle on their way to the wedding. Lyndsey Hamilton, owner of an event design and planning firm in San Francisco and New York, says, “I am not certain whether it is a coincidence or not, but I have definitely noticed that couples from the South Bay/ Silicon Valley area embrace the shorter wedding planning timeline.” Often, she notes, the wedding occurs within six months of the proposal. CUSTOM SITES AND SIGHTS Marriage venue choices are all over the map, according to industry experts. Forrest notes the current popularity of barns and ranches for weddings. Brand sees more and more outdoor sites and Hamilton handles many requests for estate properties. Regardless of where they end up, lots of couples these days look for oneof a-kind places to wed, often reflecting their shared interests. Darla Arndt is the events sales coordinator for Club Auto Sport in San Jose, a posh condominium complex and event center that has become increasingly popular as a wedding site. “Most of our couples come for the atmosphere,” she explains. The site draws not only well-heeled car buffs and collectors, but also people who appreciate the luxury center’s “unique structure of metal, glass and marble floors and the ability to create any theme they want.” “Where else can you be driven right into the ballroom?” Arndt asks. Local, upscale hotels, where brides and grooms can turn facility spaces into themed settings, continue to draw wedding parties. Tan, from the Four Seasons Silicon Valley, says most couples choose to “celebrate both their ceremony and reception in the same location, mainly for the convenience of not having to transport their guests from one place to the other.” She notes that couples don’t worry about seasonal expectations when choosing wedding decor. Bright pink and lime green appear even in winter, with purples and metallic accents always popular. Patten, from the Fairmont San Jose, favors lighting that projects subtle colors or patterns on the walls, or even the couple’s initials on the red carpet. Both Tan and Patten say ethnic weddings are now a staple component for the hotel industry. Tan notes they are “carrying the lead in the Bay Area,” often with larger guest lists numbering 350, compared with the average 150 guests. Especially interesting, Tan says, are the More couples are choosing to honor their cultural heritage with ethnic weddings at venues like The Fairmont. COURTESY OF FAIRMONT SAN JOSE (2) At The Fairmont, couples can satisfy every taste bud by customizing each cake tier with different icings and flavors.
South Bay Accent - Jun/Jul 2015
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