Our Persian inspired wedding: tradition, luxury and a dash of fairytale

A fairytale wedding venue in the North East

Our wedding wasn’t just a party, it was a celebration of growth, health, wealth, protection from evil, and all the beautiful things life has to offer. Lumley Castle in County Durham was our dream venue. Straight from a storybook, with landscaped gardens and historic grandeur, it made me feel like royalty. The dedicated events team made sure we felt exactly that.

Persian inspired flowers and symbolism

For our Persian-inspired theme, I insisted on roses and anaar shirin (red pomegranates), complemented with arbei (Persian blue or indigo). These aren’t just gorgeous, they’re symbolic: pomegranates represent fertility, abundance, and a blessed future. Our décor was steeped in history and meaning, from seasonal flowers to candelabras (shamdoon) symbolising light, purification, and eternal love.

Beauty preparations

Persian bridal make-up is bold, dramatic, and unapologetically glamorous. I prepped my skin with saffron masks (yoghurt and honey are magic for a glowing complexion) and used my daily kiseh and sefidab routine. When it came to makeup, I went for Persian blue eyeshadow and a dark, moody lip to draw attention where I wanted it, somewhat away from my teeth, which I’ve never been fond of. On the big day, I felt confident, radiant, and unmistakably Persian!

A multicultural touch

Having grown up travelling in Italy and Greece, I fell for the Garter State Room at Lumley Castle, with its high ceilings and 16th-century stucco. The historic décor evoked memories of ancient temples and Roman villas, a subtle nod to my wanderlust-filled childhood.

Candelabras and goldfish

Candelabras (shamdoon) are essential for Persian weddings, symbolising light and purification. We adorned each table with cream roses and seasonal blooms to perfume the reception. Our guests were intrigued by our quirky traditions: goldfish in bowls, breaking eggs under our Rolls Royce Phantom, and waving esfand (wild rue) incense to ward off the evil eye. Every element tied back to Persian symbolism of love, protection, and abundance.

Splitting the wedding between two countries

We had 200 guests we couldn’t fly over to the UK, so we split our celebrations: one party here, another in Persia. Planning two weddings in a month was intense, but the payoff, a truly personalised, culturally rich celebration was worth every sleepless night.

Sofreh aghd and Treats

We personalised every detail. The Sofreh Aghd featured gold coins, rosewater, nuts, fruit, and candy (noghl) to symbolise prosperity and sweetness in life. Our Persian-inspired wedding cake included pomegranates, roses in red, white, and gold, and a Persian blue ribbon echoing my engagement ring’s tanzanite. Each element had meaning: the Greek key for infinity, Faravahar for good thoughts, words, deeds, and loyalty. We even infused a touch of Farsi in my speech, reading heartfelt words to our guests in “Farsi Geordie.”

Managing with strategy

Planning a Persian-inspired wedding in the UK required clear organisation. We divided tasks, enlisted creative friends, and prioritised must-haves. Some compromises were inevitable, like using a venue screen for overseas videos, but by focusing on what truly mattered, we created a day brimming with love, culture, and celebration.

Hospitality and cultural fusion

Hospitality is vital in Persian culture. Guests were treated to beautiful décor, fireworks, and pomegranate juice for non-drinkers. Our tables bore Persian city names, educating guests subtly while celebrating our heritage. Roses, mirrors, and candlesticks tied it all together, symbolising life, eternity, and passion.

Reflections on a Persian inspired wedding

Looking back, our Persian-inspired wedding wasn’t about perfection. It was about authenticity, love, and meaning. We blended cultures, infused traditions, and celebrated in a fairytale venue. And despite the compromises, the day was full of joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Sometimes, midlife brides do get their fairy tale after all.

Have you ever blended traditions in a wedding or celebration? How did you make it personal and meaningful? I’d love to hear your stories.