The Narod: Sacred Cord & Crowning Table Styling

What the narod is

During the crowning (psak), the priest ties the narod around the couple — traditionally looping it across their heads or necks — and then blesses and removes it. The two colors together represent the union of the couple under the blessing of the church. Some families keep the narod after the wedding as a keepsake, often framed with the crowns.

The narod is provided by the church or the family, not the florist. Our role is to design the setting that surrounds it.

Styling the crowning table

The crowning table holds the crowns, the cross, the Gospel, the candles, and the narod. We keep the table itself uncluttered so the priest can work, and design low florals along the front edge and a fuller arrangement behind it, so the table reads as the focal point in photographs without blocking the altar.

White roses, orchids, and greenery are the classic choice; some couples add pomegranate or apricot tones as a nod to Armenian symbolism.

Altar and khoran florals

The Armenian altar (khoran) is raised and often ornate. We design arrangements at the base and sides of the altar steps, and at the entrance and along the aisle, always within the parish's guidelines. Each parish has its own rules about what can be placed near the altar, and we confirm them before finalizing the design.

Moving to the reception

The larger altar and aisle pieces can usually move to the reception venue after the ceremony. We plan the crowning-table florals as pieces that can travel to the sweetheart table or stage, which stretches the budget across the whole day.