The Modern Magazine for Persian Weddings, Cuisine, Culture & Community

1. Create a Sofreh that you will love – The Sofreh Aghd, although traditional and Persian, should reflect your taste and style. There are so many different color schemes, styles and sizes that are open to you. Do not feel boxed in to create your mother’s sofreh. If you just don’t care, then put someone in charge of putting together a traditional one for you.

2. Use the Items on the Sofreh to personalize your event – Although you should certainly include the traditional items on the sofreh, which are important symbols for your marriage, you can also include other things that you like. One couple placed a portrait of their family on the Sofreh.

3. Use the Sofreh to express culture – If you are a mixed couple use the Sofreh as a spread that will unite the culture. Incorporate flowers, fruits, coins, books of scriptures, or other edible delicacies from the other culture. This will show respect to t

he family and show that you are one. One couple we know placed two beautiful and large flower arrangements from the Philipines to incorporate the partner’s culture. Speak to your partner’s family about any specific items that may be significant and make sure they are ok with you doing this.

4. Include family in the planning – If you are Persian, your mother has been looking forward to preparing your Sofreh since the day you were born. Make sure you speak to her and all other relatives and friends who get excited with details and preparation. They may give you some great ideas and they will feel honored that you included them in the preparation.

5. Put someone in charge – for the big day, make sure you put someone in charge who knows what they are doing. This person should ideally be older, and have experienced a few weddings, and should be able to communicate in the different lanaguages that may be present on your big day (English, Farsi, and so on. Be sure to hand out to your guests, wedding programs and explanations of the Sofreh.