15 Persian Wedding Traditions That’ll Bring Your Celebration to Life

Need to know all about Persian wedding traditions so you're prepared before you throw your affair? Or maybe you've been invited to a Persian or Iranian wedding for the first time and you're wondering what to expect. Either way, educating yourself ensures you'll be able to fully appreciate the customs woven throughout the wedding day. (Psst: You can do this for other wedding traditions from around the world too.) To give you the best insight, we connected with industry experts to bring you an in-depth look at Persia wedding traditions.

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Persian wedding traditions in this story: History | Prewedding | Attire | Ceremony | Reception | Food, Drinks & Desserts | Postwedding

A Brief History of Persian Wedding Traditions

Many elements seen in traditional Persian weddings date back to Zoroastrianism, which was the main religion of modern-day Iran before Islam became the country's official religion. So, while many modern Persian weddings are Muslim, Persian weddings are as beautifully diverse as the multi-ethnic roots from which they originated. Especially for Persian weddings in the United States, not all are Muslim. Nonreligious-Persian, Persian-Christian and Persian-Jewish wedding traditions are also frequently celebrated in the United States.

"Muslim and Jewish religions are what we see most commonly observed at Persian weddings in the United States," Sarah Kazemburg, the award-winning founder and creative director of Sarah Kazemburg Events & Styling, explains. "Many Persian weddings are also performed secularly and focus more on the cultural traditions than religious aspects, especially with fusion weddings," she adds. While there are many cultural details that the majority of Persian couples choose to infuse into their wedding day, if they're also honoring their religion, they may opt out of some Persian wedding traditions or customize the day to fit their needs. Ultimately, it's up to the couple what their Iranian marriage will look like.

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Prewedding Persian Traditions

Depending on the couple and their families, sometimes Persian weddings are multiday affairs. If that's the case, you can expect to see one or all of the following prewedding traditions.

Khastegari

Also spelled khastegāri, the custom was historically the first step in the traditional Iranian courtship process. "This is the traditional ceremony where the groom's family visits the bride's home to formally ask for her hand in marriage. It's a symbolic gesture of respect and unity between families, often accompanied by tea, sweets and heartfelt conversation. The cultural significance lies in honoring family involvement and setting the tone for mutual understanding and harmony," Mahin Huschmand, an Iranian-born wedding officiant who's officiated over 200 weddings, says.

Baleh Boran

Following the couple's decision to wed is the baleh borān, which is the official engagement ceremony. "This is a joyful gathering when the bride formally says, 'Baleh,' which means 'yes' in Persian or Farsi, to the proposal. There's usually a presentation of gifts, like jewelry for the bride, and an exchange of sweets by the couple to begin their union on a sweet note. This tradition values the bride's decision and celebrates the relationship moving from a courtship to the engagement phase, as well as bringing the families closer," Nilou Nouri, the founder of Nilou Weddings who has extensive event planning and officiant experience, says.

Huschmand tells us that this Persian wedding tradition also involves discussing wedding logistics. "During baleh borān, families often discuss key wedding details such as the date, location and financial responsibilities. Traditionally, the groom's family assumes the cost of the wedding itself, while the bride's family hosts and organizes the engagement celebration," she says.

Namzadi

One of the last wedding proposal traditions is namzadi, which is the formal announcement of the couple's intention to marry. "While Western engagements might be more private or casual, namzadi is often a festive, community-centered event, filled with music, dancing and traditional Persian cuisine. During Namzadi, symbolic gifts are exchanged, and the couple may receive their engagement rings, signifying the beginning of their shared journey," Huschmand says. This celebratory event carries great significance because it honors new beginnings, strengthens bonds with loved ones and is an act of preserving tradition while being open toward modern and personal alterations.

Traditional Persian Wedding Attire

Curious what Persian marriage traditions are associated with the wedding outfits? Then keep reading to see what the to-be-weds and guests typically wear.

Persian Wedding Attire for Couples

Photo: Supér Weddings

"While modern brides often wear Western-style white gowns, many incorporate traditional Persian elements, such as intricate embroidery, gold jewelry and a sheer veil that evokes ancient elegance. The mirror and candle symbolism often appears in accessories, reflecting light, clarity and purity," Huschmand says.

For the grooms, Huschmand tells us that they may wear a suit or get inspiration from Persian royalty by donning embroidered jackets or sashes. "The attire reflects dignity, respect and readiness to lead with love and responsibility," she adds.

Persian Wedding Guest Attire

Sebastian Nandryka, the famed founder, lead photographer and filmmaker of Supér Weddings, says guests always dress in their most elegant attire for Persian weddings. Huschmand agrees and says the outfits usually are vibrant and have gold accents and traditional patterns.

Persian Wedding Ceremony Traditions

"Persian weddings are more than ceremonies, they're cultural tapestries woven with poetry, symbolism and soul. They're living expressions of who we are and who we hope to become," Huschmand says. Learn more about the rich Iranian marriage traditions incorporated into the ceremony below.

Sofreh Aghd

Photo: Clouds Inside

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Sofreh Designer: Nilou Weddings

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Florist: Bellevue Floral Co.

During a traditional Persian and Iranian wedding ceremony, the couple will be seated at an elaborate sofreh aghd. This term translates to "spread ceremony" in English and is the Persian wedding table custom. "The sofreh aghd is always the heart of the ceremony and it's one of my favorite things to photograph. Every sofreh is unique, laden with symbolic items like honey for sweetness and herbs for protection and often designed with stunning artistry," Nandryka says.

Nouri tells us about the other components incorporated that represent well-wishes and blessings for the couple. "These include but aren't limited to mirrors for reflection and contemplation, candles for diving light, poetry or a holy book for wisdom and tradition, crystalized sugar for sweetness, eggs and nuts in shells for fertility, bread for abundance, flowers for beauty and wild rue to ward off any negative energies. It's one of the most beautiful and inclusive displays of Persian culture and is celebrated by all Iranians regardless of their ethnic or religious background," she says. Each object placed on the Persian wedding table is symbolism for the multifaceted nature of relationships and the depth of the couple's commitment to each other.

Here's a breakdown of the elements used during a sofreh aghd:

• Asal (Honey): "After the couple exchange vows or give their consent to marriage, the groom may pick up a jar of honey and dip his pinky finger into it and feed it to the bride," says Kazemburg. "The bride then does the same, feeding honey to the groom. Then the groom will kiss the bride," she continues. The Persian wedding honey tradition symbolizes the couple's commitment to sustaining each other.
• Badoo, Gandem and Gerdoo (Nuts): Almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts are included as a symbol of fertility.
• Ayeneh (Mirror): The inclusion of a mirror symbolizes bringing light and brightness into the couple's future. During the ceremony, the couple typically looks into the mirror together.
• Esfand (Wild Rue Incense): Wild rue is an herb that is traditionally burned as incense during sofreh aghd as a means of purification. A manghal, or coal brazier, is used to burn the wild rue incense to help drive away negativity and keep evil at bay.
• Golaab (Rose Water): Rose water is included to perfume the air.
• Holy Book: Generally the Avesta, Quran, Bible or Torah is included in the sofred aghd spread in front of the couple. "The ceremony often includes readings from Persian poets Rumi or Hafez, alongside spiritual blessings. These elements connect the couple to their cultural and spiritual roots, infusing the union with wisdom, love and divine guidance," Huschmand says. If you're interested in adding spiritual readings to your celebration, look at this collection of meaningful wedding prayers.
• Kaleh Ghand (Sugar Cones): Did you know there are Persian wedding traditions with sugar involved? Also written as kalleh ghand, this sugar-grinding ritual is when several women close to the couple rub sugar cones over a cloth that's held over the seated to-be-weds' heads. "Traditionally, the powder from the sugar is gathered from the cloth and stirred into water. The couple drinks this mixture to bring sweetness to their marriage," Nouri says.

Photo: Supér Weddings

• Khoncheh (Seven Herbs): Khashkhash (poppy seeds), berenj (rice), sabzi khosk (dried herbs), salt, raziyane (Nigella seeds), chai and kondor (frankincense) are included on the tabletop. They are said to help protect against the evil eye.
• Miveh (Fruit): Fruit symbolizes the couple's commitment to sustaining each other and is said to represent a joyful future for the newlyweds. Usually, pomegranates, grapes and apples are included on an Iranian wedding sofreh but any seasonal fruit could be selected.
• Nabat (Rock Candy): As with the fresh fruit, the inclusion of rock candy is another symbol of a sweetened life for the couple.
• Sangak (Flatbread): The decorative flatbread display symbolizes prosperity. It may be accompanied by naan-o paneer or feta cheese as a representation of the basic food needed to sustain life. These elements are generally fed to the wedding guests at the conclusion of the traditional wedding ceremony.
• Seekeh (Gold Coins): Gold coins represent a wish for wealth and prosperity for the couple in their life together.
• Shamdoon (Candles and Candelabras): The inclusion of candles and candlesticks as part of sofreh agdh is a symbol of purity. The fire that's produced represents the energy and clarity of mind the couple will have as newlyweds.
• Soozan Nakh (Needle and Thread): The needle and thread represent prior generations, unity and two becoming one through marriage.
• Sheereen (Sweets and Pastries): Noghl, baklava, toot (Iranian marzipan), nan-e berenji (rice cookies), nan-e badami (almond cookies) and nan-nokhodchi (chickpea cookies) are typically included in the spread. The pastries symbolize the sweetness of life and are enjoyed by the guests after the ceremony is completed.
• Tokhme Morgh (Decorated Eggs): Decorative eggs represent a wish for fertility for the couple.
• Termeh (Cloth): At religious Persian weddings, there is generally a cloth placed at the center of the spread. For Muslim weddings, it is typically jaa-namaaz, a traditional prayer rug. Some couples may opt for a Persian silk or embroidered cloth that's been handed down through generations of family members as a way of including their loved ones in the display.

Photo: Danny Dong Photography

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Officiant, Planner and Sofreh Designer: Nilou Weddings

Kelling

One of the most fun Iranian wedding customs is kelling. During this part of the wedding ceremony, the officiant asks for the couple's consent to enter into a marriage contract. Traditionally, the officiant will ask the groom to which he responds "balé" or "yes." Following that, the officiant will ask the bride for her consent, and this part of the ceremony is filled with some jest. "It's customary for the bride to not respond the first nor the second time. Her close female guests will yell, 'The bride has gone to pick flowers' and 'The bride has gone to bring rose water.' The tradition demonstrates the importance of the decision to marry and the bride's deliberate and thoughtful acceptance," Nouri explains. After being asked to respond a third time, the bride typically consents and the wedding guests start joyfully kelling (or cheering with a lee-lee-lee sound) and clapping.

Persian Wedding Reception Traditions

Following the Persian wedding ceremony, the couple will invite their guests to celebrate with a wedding reception. Persian wedding receptions are generally filled with lots of merriment and plenty of dancing.

Raghseh Chagoo

The Persian knife dance or raghseh chagoo is a tradition where the couple must retrieve the cake-cutting knife from a dancer so they can cut the wedding cake. During this lighthearted tradition, dancers are usually wedding party members who'll tease the couple and keep passing the knife around to other guests. Sometimes the groom or couple offer money or bribe the dancer to obtain the knife. "While not an ancient Persian tradition, raghseh chagoo is a modern twist that has become a beloved part of many Persian wedding receptions, especially in the diaspora. It blends humor, flirtation and communal joy while adding theatrical flair to the celebration," Huschmand tells us. Nandryka says this playful movement is a great opportunity for photos and videos.

Lots of Dancing and Music

Photo: John & Joseph Photography

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Planner: Nilou Weddings

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Florist: Flowers by Hamid

"The reception is filled with high-energy dancing to Persian pop, classical and folk music. From bandari to baba karam, these dances celebrate cultural pride, community joy and the rhythm of life," Huschmand says. Need at least one traditional Persian wedding song for your reception? Consider including one of the following.

• "Aroosi" by Leila Forouhar
• "Mobarak Baad" by Khaknegar
• "Beraghsa" by Mohsen Chavoshi
• "Namehraboon" by Fataneh and Moein
• "Toyi Entekhabam" by Behnam Bani

Traditional Persian Wedding Gifts

Wedding gifts are accepted and customary for Persian weddings. If the couple has skipped a wedding registry, giving money as a wedding gift is an acceptable present for the newlyweds at an Iranian wedding.

Traditional Persian Wedding Food, Drinks and Desserts

Wedding catering reflects a person's or couple's background in a tasty and beautiful way. Whether you're in the process of multicultural wedding planning and want to include a few Persian beverages or are a guest curious about what a typical Persian feast looks like, read about what traditional options are served.

Mouthwatering Food

Nandryka says Persian wedding food usually includes saffron rice, kebabs and stews such as ghormeh sabzi. Huschmand adds, "These meals are rich in flavor and symbolism, saffron for luxury, herbs for vitality and rice for abundance."

Tasty Drinks

"Tea and sharbat, a sweet, refreshing drink, are often served reminding everyone of Persian hospitality, which is at the heart of every celebration," Nandryka says. Nouri tells us that you can also expect rose water and cardamom to be included in each drink. Garnishments of pistachio and Persian dried rose petals are also seen on traditional Persian beverages.

Delicious Desserts

"At every Persian wedding, just like at other celebrations, there'll be plenty of sweets. In addition to the wedding cake, mini sweet bites will be prepared and arranged in beautiful and artistic set-ups for guests to enjoy. These range from mini pistachio baklava, chickpea cookies, marzipan berries to walnut bites," Nouri says. Our other experts also mentioned zoolbia (sweet fritter), bamieh (small doughnut-like treats) and noghl (sugar-coated almonds) as Iranian wedding dessert staples.

Persian Postwedding Traditions

Some cultures have a special wedding send-off for the couple after the celebration and Iranian marriage traditions are no different. Find out what two rituals traditionally happen after a Persian reception.

Pagosha

As you've read above, Persian marriage customs are all about being with and cherishing loved ones. Pagosha (or pagoshā) is a sentimental tradition when newlyweds take the time to be with their family and companions. "After the wedding, close relatives then friends take turns inviting the couple to their homes during the weeks following the wedding. This is meant to 'open a step' or for the couple to 'take a step' together as a couple into a larger community," Nouri says.

Jahaz Baran

Another one of the many Iranian marriage customs is jahaz baran (also spelled jahāz barān), which is the bridal gift presentation. "In some traditions, the bride's dowry or personal belongings, known as jahāz, are ceremonially presented to the groom's family in a festive procession. Items may include household essentials, heirlooms and symbolic gifts that reflect both practicality and cultural pride. This ritual honors the bride's transition into her new home and showcases the care, love and preparation invested in her new life," Huschmand explains.

Jahaz baran is also the perfect chance for wedding guests who didn't bring gifts to the wedding to offer them in this instance—sometimes these are thoughtful contributions or blessings. "For the newlyweds, it's an opportunity to express gratitude and honor their elders, acknowledging the wisdom, support and legacy that have guided them to this new chapter," she says.

Additional reporting by Hannah Nowack.