Persian Weddings: Sofreh Aghd

{Persian wedding at the Fairbanks Ranch Club. See more Persian Glamour}

Persian weddings are so rich in Islamic traditions, and their rituals and decor reflect the elegance and mystique of the Middle East. The “Sofreh Aghd” or sometimes spelled “sofrehye aghd” is a ceremonial spread used during the wedding ceremony, the first stage of a traditional Persian marriage. Usually set on the floor, facing the east or direction of sunrise, the elaborate spread is full of food and decor. These items include:

-The Mirror of Fate and two candelabras which symbolize light and fire, and the brightness of the bride and groom’s future.

-The Seven Herbs/Seeds: poppy, rice, angelica, salt, nigella seeds, chai, frankincense/kondor (to burn the bad spirits)

-The Blessed Bread:  a specially baked flatbread with a blessing written in calligraphy on it

-Symbols of Fertility: a basket of decorated eggs, almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts

-Heavenly Fruits: a basket of pomegranates and apples

-Sweets and pastries: to be served to guests after the ceremony, and usually include: naan-berenji, baklava, noghl, tout, naan-badoomi, naan-nokhodchi, and sohaan a’sali

-Rose: a cup of rose water and a rose extracted from the Persian flower, Gol-e Mohammadi

-Honey: a cup of honey to sweeten life. After the ceremony, the bride and groom each dip a pinky finger into the cup and feed each other

-Silk shawl: or any fine fabric to be held over the couple’s heads for the grinding of the sugar candies

-Kalleh Ghand: rock sugar that is ground atop of the couple’s heads while they wear a scarf, to symbolize sweetness and happiness

-A needle and seven strands of colored thread: Meant to figuratively sew up the mother-in-law’s lips from speaking badly of the bride. This same shawl that is held over the couple’s heads throughout the ceremony will have a corner sewn in using the needle and threads

-The Sacred Text: a bible or Qu’ran or Torah to symbolize God’s blessing of the couple

-Prayer Rug/Kit: a prayer rug is placed in the center of the sofreh aghd to remind the couple of the importance of prayer to God during happy and trying times. The prayer rug also has  prayer beads or a cube of clay with prayers written on it

-Gold Coins: a bowl of coins to represent prosperity and wealth

-Esphand: The sphand or frankincense is sprinkled over a brazier holding hot coals as a purification rite. The smoke produced is thought to ward off evil spirits, keeping the evil eye away and bringing on good health

By tradition, the sofreh aghd is held at the bride’s parent’s house.

{Loved this Persian wedding in Italy? This sofreh aghd was created in the U.S. and then flown out to Italy! See more at Destination Real Wedding}

{Here’s a gorgeous shot of the sofreh aghd we created for a couple we worked with. Photo taken by True Photography}

Superbowl/Football Party Ideas

The 46th Superbowl is taking place on February 5, 2012 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN with the New England Patriots taking on the New York Giants. We found some great ideas to use if you’re hosting a football or Superbowl party at your home. Just because the sport has been traditionally male dominated doesn’t mean you can’t put a creative and festive twist on a Superbowl party!

{Cake Pop Basket, Patriots Cookies, Giants Invite, Ticket Invitations}

We are totally digging the idea of football themed snacks! They’re fairly easy to make, and great finger foods. Chicken fingers, buffalo bites, french fries, chicken wings, quesadillas, salami and cheese crackers, deviled eggs, and our favorite: chili in mason jars! Pictures courtesy of Hostess with the Mostess.

{Hostess with the Mostess}

Indian Weddings: Sangeet Ceremony

A sangeet is a traditional Hindu Punjabi ceremony held before a baraat. It is considered a ladies-only event, but men can participate if they are close to the bride and groom. The day is filled with dancing, singing, and a joyous celebration of the couple’s relationship. Depending on the size of the sangeet, it can be held in a large venue or at a house. To put it in a more Westernized term, it’s similar to a rehearsal dinner but differs because it’s a grander celebration of the couple’s history and journey towards marriage.

{Maharani Weddings}

{India Forums}

{South Asian Bride Magazine}

{Lin and Jirsa}

{Lin and Jirsa}

The two pictures above were from a wedding we worked on last year. The theme was a fun luau that had many natural elements in the sangeet decor.

Holiday Centerpiece Ideas

Once you’re done decorating the tree and house, don’t forget to dress your table as well! Whether it’s a wedding reception or a holiday dinner, centerpieces really do complete a meal and set the mood for your guests. Plus, it’s something great to look at while you’re wining and dining. Wedding Elegance skimmed through the great world of the Internet, and found some really inspiring and gorgeous holiday centerpieces you can create or borrow ideas from. Choosing natural elements like pine cones and garlands offer a great rustic chic feel to your tablescape; while ornaments and candy create a sophisticated take on holiday cheer. Happy holiday decorating!

{Pine Cones, Silver and Apples, Candelabra, Fleur de Lis, Bowl of Silver and Candles, Dove, Candles and Canes, Peppermint Swirls}

An Anthropologie Inspired Holiday

Have you stepped inside of an Anthropologie store before? Well, you should! Even if it’s not to purchase clothes, their store displays are inspirational and worth doing the “No thanks, I’m just looking” speech. Anthropologie’s aesthetic ranges from comfortable luxury to glam boho chic, which makes sense since the parent company is Urban Outfitters, Inc.  Wedding Elegance Assistant, Buu, recently walked into Anthropologie and was amazed by the displays and gifts in the store. They literally encompassed an outdoorsy, cozy, and crafty holiday spirit inside their store!

So here’s some holiday inspiration for you! Whether it’s a whole tablescape, or just some do-it-yourself items, you can host a holiday party or create a rustic, but cozy wedding theme based on Anthropologie.

All items can be found on Anthropologie’s site. All photos were lovingly borrowed from Anthropologie.