If you’re seeking a dedicated Persian wedding planner who understands the intricacies of your traditions and specializes in high-end decor, look no further! Luxury Persian wedding planner Denise Lillie Engagements offers full-service planning and design for Sofreh Aghd ceremonies and receptions. Our favorite part of Persian Wedding planning is the meaning behind each ritual and item present at the ceremony. Let’s review what you may find at a more traditional ceremony…
Sofreh Aghd – The civil and religious marriage
The sofreh aghd is a traditional wedding spread where traditions (both legal and ceremonial) are exchanged. These traditions have been practised for thousands of years, and the spreads are customary for Persian Weddings.
In a Persian Wedding ceremony, the couple often sits on a chair or bench in front of or behind the Sofreh Aghd.
Honey dipping during Aghd
One of my favorite Persian Wedding traditions involves the honey you will find on the Sofreh Aghd. On the Sofreh, the honey is often in a small bowl or a beautiful vessel. The idea is that if a couple begins their marriage with something sweet (honey), it will help them have a sweet and joyful marriage for the rest of their lives. After each one of them gives their consent to be married, one may hold the bowl while the other feeds them a taste of honey with their pinky finger, and then this is repeated by the other.
Sugar Grinding
During the ceremony, the couple will be seated, and their loved ones will be called up to spread the cloth of unity over their heads. Sometimes this is done by happily married women, who will be on opposite ends of the spectrum. Then, other loved ones will take turns grinding sugar above the cloth. This reflects the couple’s sweetness throughout their marriage, even during times of conflict.
The Sofreh Aghd table contains several highly symbolic items:
(Depending on the families other items may be included along with lots of flowers)
Mirror & Candelabras
The couple is gifted a mirror and candlesticks, which will later be used in their home to commemorate their wedding. In Persian culture, the mirror represents immortality. The couple will sit in front of it and look at one another in the mirror. The candles represent light and warmth.
Sangak Bread
Sangak bread is an Iranian bread baked in stone-covered fire ovens. The bread is elaborately designed and represents prosperity for the couple.
Termeh or Praying Mattress
The Termeh is an Iranian hand-woven cloth that is always a part of the Sofreh Aghd. It’s typically converted into a praying position and placed directly in front of the mirror.
Crystallized Sugar
This represents sweetness in the couple’s life.
Colored Eggs
Similar to the Haftseen table that is arranged for Nowruz (Persian New Year), colored eggs symbolize fertility.
Gold Coins
This represents wealth and financial prosperity.
Rosewater
Rosewater is widely used in Persian culture to add fragrance to food, desserts, and to scent a space. It is added to provide a lovely fragrance to the Sofreh Aghd.
Almonds, Walnuts, and Hazelnuts
These items represent abundance and are tastefully decorated in a basket.
Honey
This represents the sweetness of the couple’s union and blessings for a sweet life.
Espand
A special incense that is burnt to ward off the evil eye from the couple’s life.
Fruits
Nature’s gift, which is always present at any Persian gathering.
Kaleh Ghand (Sugar Cones)
During the ceremony, sugar cones are rubbed on the couple’s heads to shower their lives with sweetness.
7 Symbolic Spices
A tray of 7 colourful spices is arranged and displayed to protect the couple from the evil eye.
Khastegari – Asking a girl’s hand in marriage
In traditional Iranian families, marriages were largely arranged by families. When a son became eligible for marriage, his family would take him to the houses of several eligible ladies. In the Persian tradition, families are extremely important, so ‘eligibility’ was largely based on the professions, community involvement, religious affiliations, wealth, and cultural preferences of both families. After visiting one or more potential matches, the suitor’s family would ask the bride’s family for her hand in marriage.
Bale Boroon – Literally ‘Taking the Yes!’ in Persian
Once enough sessions of Khastegari have been completed and both families and the couple are satisfied with the plan, they set a date for Bale Boroon. Bale Boroon is a ceremony held in the bride’s/partner’s house, where only close relatives are invited, and the couple’s marriage is announced publicly. At this point, the couple has decided to get married. The groom’s/partner’s family comes bringing gifts such as elegant fabrics, silk scarves, a white chador, cake, and, of course, the engagement ring.
Mehriyeh – ‘A gift of love’ if you may!
Mehriyeh is a gift the groom/partner promises to the bride/partner. It’s usually equivalent to gold coins. The numbers can go as high as thousands, and there’s currently a lot of debate over how much it should be in Iran. Mehriyeh is a girl’s right to be asked whenever she pleases. It is written into the marriage contract, and the groom/partner would be legally liable if the bride/partner filed a court request.
The Cake Knife Dance (or Raghseh Chagoo)
This playful tradition begins when the couple is ready to cut their cake. A family member or friend will begin dancing away with the knife, so the couple must earn it back. The couple can do this by offering money to the person dancing with their knife. The dancer may accept the money but pass the knife on to someone else to continue the dance. This continues until someone decides they have been won over by the money and returns the couple’s knife. Then they dance the night away!
Venues for Persian Weddings in the Bay Area:
- The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay: A stunning coastal setting with unparalleled luxury.
- Mountain Winery: Features breathtaking views and exquisite outdoor spaces.
- Villa Montalvo features charming gardens and artistic settings set against historic architecture.
- Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery: A luxurious estate with elegant interiors perfect for high-end celebrations.
- The Fairmont San Francisco: Iconic and timeless, ideal for an unforgettable Persian wedding experience.
Why Hire a Wedding Planner for Your Persian Wedding?
- Expertise in Cultural Traditions: Hiring a wedding planner who specializes in Persian weddings ensures that all cultural customs, such as the Sofreh Aghd and honey-dipping rituals, are executed flawlessly. They understand the significance behind each tradition and can incorporate them respectfully into your celebration.
- Personalized Planning: A professional wedding planner takes the time to understand your vision and preferences, tailoring every detail to reflect your style and desires. They can help you create a unique celebration that honors your cultural heritage while also being distinctly yours.
- Vendor Connections: Experienced wedding planners maintain relationships with local vendors in the Bay Area, including caterers, florists, and decorators specializing in Persian weddings. They can recommend trusted professionals, negotiate contracts, and ensure you receive the best services available.
- Design and Decor Expertise: Persian weddings often feature high-end decor and intricate designs. A wedding planner can help you achieve a stunning aesthetic, from the Sofreh Aghd setup to the overall venue decor, ensuring that every detail aligns with your vision.
- Logistics Management: Coordinating a wedding involves many moving parts. A planner handles logistics, including timelines, seating arrangements, and vendor coordination, allowing you and your family to focus on enjoying the celebration without stress.
- Budget Management: Wedding planners can help you create and stick to a budget by identifying areas to save and where to invest for maximum impact. Their experience ensures that you achieve your desired quality without overspending.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Weddings often present unexpected challenges. A professional wedding planner is skilled at troubleshooting issues as they arise, ensuring your day goes smoothly.
- Timely Execution: With a wedding planner, you can rely on their experience to ensure each part of the ceremony and reception is timed perfectly, from the procession to the cake cutting, making your event flow seamlessly.
- Stress Reduction: Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, especially with the complexity of Persian traditions. Hiring a planner allows you to offload much of the stress to a professional, enabling you to enjoy the engagement and your wedding day to the fullest.
- Full-Service Convenience: Opting for a full-service planner means you get comprehensive assistance throughout the entire wedding process, from initial planning and design to day-of coordination, ensuring that nothing is overlooked.
Hiring a wedding planner for your Persian wedding is an investment in a seamless, beautiful celebration that honors your cultural heritage. With their expertise, creativity, and logistical skills, a wedding planner can transform your vision into reality, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—celebrating your love surrounded by family and friends.
We love Persian Wedding planning and would be honored to work with you and your family. Book an appointment HERE to chat.
