Our sister company, Exclusively Events [eventsbypg.com] is one of the premier couture Sofreh Aghd designers, having served the DC metropolitan area and the nation for close to 20 years. All of our elegant Sofreh’s are hand crafted with the utmost attention paid to detail. We promise to create a Sofreh that you will love, taking all your preferences and desires into consideration.

Although the Sofreh is a traditional aspect of the Persian culture, we make sure to create a Sofreh that's beyond your taste, style, and imagination. We will provide you with a wide array of color schemes, styles and sizes to choose from.  We will include the traditional items on the Sofreh, which are important symbols for your marriage, as well as incorporate additional items you prefer and give it a more elegant and contemporary decor.

ABOUT SOFREH AGHDS:
As with many other Persian traditions, the Sofreh Aghd and the items placed thereon have deep symbolic meanings.  The wedding vows are taken at the Sofreh in the presence of the bride and groom’s parents, family members and close friends.

One of the most significant items on the Sofreh is a large central mirror, placed directly in front of where the bride and groom sit, before taking their vows.  It should be sufficiently large so that the bride and groom can see both of themselves in it.  It also allows for all the gathered guests (witnesses) especially those standing behind the bride and groom to also see each other in the mirror.  Aside from its practicality, the mirror represents the bright light that shines into one’s future.

The mirror is flanked by two candelabras.  Candles and mirrors, which are also used in the Sofreh Haft Seen (Persian new year celebration) have are symbolic of the Zoroastrian faith.  The sun was the source of all energy and candles represent the sun and its energy.

A tray of bread also adorns the Sofreh representing prosperity.  Traditionally, a flat bread called Non-e-sangak has been used and can be decorated in many ways. Representing fertility are walnuts, almonds, and or hazelnuts.  These are usually painted in gold or silver colors. The sweetness of life is represented in many items including, a bowl of crystallized sugar or kaseh nabat, a small bowl of honey, and in one or more trays of assorted Persian sweets and pastry such as Baklava, toot, raisin cookies, and others. 

Additionally, behind the bride and groom, family and friends gather and hold a long scarf made of fine fabric or silk over the heads of the bride and groom.  Then the guests take turns rubbing two large pieces of rock sugar (Kale-ghand) over the scarf. Termeh is a traditional Persian embroidered cloth, generally having the paisley design.  It is used to decorate the Sofreh and symbolizes tradition.

A tray of esfand (wild rue), which can be decorated in many different shapes and colors is also represented.  Esfand is traditionally used to keep away the “evil eye.”  At the time that the bride and groom enter the house or place where the wedding ceremony is being held, a pinch of esfand is placed on burning or hot coal to ward off evil and bad eyes.  Burning esfand is similar to incense and had a wonderful smell. A small bowl of coins are also placed on the Sofreh representing wealth, a tray of fresh assorted traditional herbs, and a small bowl of apples.