A Modern Take on The Persian Sofreh-Aghd Ceremony

By: Bahar Salehpour, WPICC, of Bouvardia Events in Vancouver, BC

As a recently WPIC-certified wedding planner, I was thrilled to see Persian weddings featured in the WPIC textbook. As a Canadian with Persian heritage living in Vancouver, I’ve witnessed many stunning Persian weddings crafted by talented planners in the city. Inspired by them, I aimed to create a fresh take on the Persian wedding aesthetic while honoring the rich cultural elements that make these ceremonies so distinct.

To bring this vision to life, I collaborated with an exceptional team of vendors, many of whom share Persian roots. Together, we curated a styled shoot that celebrates tradition with a modern, personalized twist.

For the Sofreh-Aghd (traditional wedding spread), I sought to depart from the norm. Instead of the customary white tablecloth, I opted for an antique coffee table lending a vintage charm to the setup.

Vanna Floral provided a lush bouquet, while our venue—also a flower farm—completed the florals to complement the theme. Scenic Sofreh designed a stunning spread perfectly tailored to the table. To add a unique touch, I incorporated green candles as a refreshing alternative to the classic white.

Each item on the Sofreh carries deep symbolism: candles represent fire and energy, mirror brings light and clarity, and herbs and spices signify a rich life. Nuts, almonds, and eggs symbolize fertility, wild rue wards off the evil eye, and gold coins promise prosperity. The spread is completed with a holy or poetry book–often Hafez poetry book which is said to be the highest literary symbol of love in Persian literature.

On the day of the shoot, our bride prepared in the charming barn while I arranged the Sofreh in the picturesque Botanical Hall. The venue’s grassy area, adorned with a charming dance floor setup, provided a romantic setting for the couple’s first dance and cake-cutting ceremony.

Capturing key moments was essential. Close-ups of the Sofreh and the sweet Persian tradition of exchanging honey between the bride and groom which is a symbol of the sweetness that awaits them in life.