Egyptian weddings typically call for dressy or semi-formal attire, with guests being allowed to wear anything seen as dressy or semi-formal. The best attire for evening wear is a dark tuxedo, a white dress shirt, a matching bow tie, and a cummerbund. Formal attire includes a suit for men and a dress for women. Traditional Egyptian weddings feature the bride wearing a bright and colorful dress in jewel tones, such as red and gold.
The engagement day (Khotoobah) is a crucial step in the Egyptian marriage process, where the groom’s family visits the bride’s home to formally ask for her hand in marriage. The traditional Egyptian wedding ceremony will occur in a marriage hall, local mosque, or the family home, with the families signing the wedding contract during the ceremony.
Egyptian weddings are a unique and beautiful tradition, with diverse attire, including veils symbolizing modesty and ensembles ranging from traditional to modern dresses infused with rich cultural touches. The typical Egyptian wedding ceremony involves hymns, prayers, ring exchanges, and celebrations to mark the occasion.
Egyptian weddings typically cost around $10,000 (156,200.00 Egyptian Pound) in 2020, with most couples spending more than this amount. The bride usually wears a long white dress in different styles and shapes, and a long veil. In proposal rituals, it is customary for a man to present his future wife with a gift before asking her parents for permission to marry her.
For women, a popular choice is a colorful and embellished outfit called a shalwar kameez, which consists of a long tunic, loose pants, and a colorful and embellished outfit called a shalwar kameez.
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What not to wear in Egypt as a tourist?
Pants, t-shirts, and long-sleeve shirts are acceptable as clothes to wear in Egypt. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts to fit in with local customs. Men do not need a head-covering scarf to enter mosques.
Climate in Egypt. Which clothes to wear on vacation in Egypt depends on when you go. In the summer, temperatures in Egypt average 104 degrees. That’s really hot—and exactly why most tourists visit the country during the winter instead. But winter isn’t the only time you can go on a tour of Egypt. As fall arrives, the summer heat lets up as temperatures begin to drop to more moderate levels.
So, what is the weather like in Egypt in September? The temperature tends to range from an average of 68 to 91 degrees in Cairo with lots of sun and little rain. Then, as you head into October and November, it cools off even more, with nighttime lows hovering around 51 degrees by late November. The cooler weather makes exploring the busy streets of Cairo, gazing at the Pyramids in the sunny desert, and exploring ancient tombs more comfortable and enjoyable.
Egypt weather tip: Even if it’s not going to be as hot as it is in the summer, bring a hat. You’ll want to shield your eyes from the sun.
What is the dress code for Egypt wedding?
Egyptian wedding attire. Some Egyptian couples wear traditional clothes, while others mix in modern elements. Brides can choose white or jewel-toned dresses. Brides wear veils as a symbol of modesty, no matter the style of dress. Grooms can wear a black suit or tuxedo, or traditional ethnic attire. Some couples have more than one ceremony or change clothes on their wedding day.
Egyptian wedding guest attire. Wedding guests at an Egyptian wedding can wear whatever they want. Dressy or semi-formal attire is acceptable. Wear a nice, colorful dress or suit. However, shorts are seen as underwear in Egypt, so it is best to leave them at home.
Egyptian Wedding Traditions. Egyptian couples often have engagement parties, but they can be more extravagant than Western ones. The bride’s family will host it at a hotel or fancy restaurant. It involves decorations, entertainment, and a feast where the shabka is presented. After the party, the couple may start looking for a new home together. Even after a marriage is arranged, the two can’t meet alone without a chaperone.
What not to wear to an Egyptian wedding?
What to Wear (Bride and Groom). In traditional Egyptian wedding, the bride wears a bright jewel colored dress. The groom on the other hand, would wear a ceremonial tribal costume. For guests, it is imperative to dress appropriately to the event so as not to disrespect the couple. For women, they can wear a traditional Egyptian dress. As a country, Egypt is mostly home to Christians and Muslims, and both religions are against women showing too much skin. Dont wear shorts because they are regarded as undergarments! Instead, you should go for a long, flowing skirt that perfectly falls below your knees. You can also opt for loose-fitting cotton trousers as skintight clothing is considered disrespectful and provocative in an Egyptian setup.
Cover your chest, shoulders and belly with a fitting button-up top and t-shirt. For men, trousers or cotton trousers with a polo or cotton button-up shirt is acceptable. You can bring along a sports coat if you feel out of place without a suit. It is not allowed to wear shorts no matter how casual the wedding seems to be. If you have children, model their outfits after your own.
Who Pays for What. In an Egyptian wedding, families decide between them what should be paid by the bride and what should be paid by the groom. Mostly, the groom buys head-turning shabka, deluxe house, state-of-the-art electronics, kitchen and bathroom equipment among others. Brides on the other hand, pay for the engagement party, kitchen utensils, the elegant engagement party, posh furniture all of which are usually covered by El Mahr. Upon deciding to propose, the groom-to-be is expected to shower his wife-to-be and her family with expensive chocolates on every occasion, from “Erayet el Fat” to “Katb el Kitab”.
What is the gift etiquette in Egypt?
- It is traditional for gifts to be wrapped twice in Egypt, in bright colou It goes back to the time, when peasants presented gifts to the Pharaohs. The gift was wrapped once in a simple cloth and then, in a more elaborate cloth. Since the gift itself was usually simple, the external bright wrapping gave the impression of something more valuable than it was.
- Flowers are not given as Valentines Day gifts, birthday presents, or just to show someone you care about them. In Egypt, flowers are strictly reserved for weddings,funerals or for someone who is sick.
- If a man wants to give a gift to a woman, the gift must be presented as a gift from his mother, sister, or wife.
- Avoid gifts relating to pigs and pork or gifts with religious connotations.
- A compass makes a great gift for a Muslim because it directs them to Mecca.
In ancient Egypt, gifts were given to please the gods. The ancient Egyptians believed that their pharaohs were earthly gods and so they showered them with gifts in the hope that the pharaoh would talk on their behalf with the gods. Many of these gifts, including jewellery, grains, gold, clothing and furniture, were buried in pyramids along with the Pharaohs.
Learn more about Etiquette. For information on Etiquette training and Luxury Training, please visit the link below.
What are the colors of Egyptian weddings?
There are two main styles of traditional Egyptian wedding dresses: gold and white. Egyptian wedding dresses can be very ornate with gold fabric. The dress is long with a train. All the jewelry is gold, including the headdress. What about the embroidery? The echo of that special day with beautiful decorations. Everything is made with gold. There’s a reason for this fancy look at Egyptian weddings. Ancient Egyptians thought wives were very respectable and wealthy. Egyptians spend a lot of money on weddings. Another traditional Egyptian wedding dress is white and long. It is comfortable and elegant. Gold jewelry is usually worn with a white gown, but not as much as the other style. This style is called wealthy simplicity because the dress is simple but of high quality. White dresses often have golden embroidery or elements on top and on the hem.
How do female tourists dress in Egypt?
Women are held to a more conservative dress standard than men in Egypt. While the expectations for travellers are less strict than for local women, you will draw less attention (and have a more immersive journey) if you pack clothes that cover from at least shoulder to below the knee.
The looser your clothes are, the better. Form-fitting clothing can be just as poorly received as exposed skin. Packing a couple of tunics and long-sleeved shirts that you can slip over the top of your outfits is also a good idea for easy layering in more conservative areas.
For mosque visits, female travellers should wear clothing that covers from ankle to elbow as well as decolletage and hair. Dont worry if you have a few stray strands hanging out beneath the head scarf; its more about being seen to make the effort. Aside from mosque visits, female travellers are not expected to wear a headscarf.
Who pays for an Egyptian wedding?
In Egyptian culture, it is generally expected that the groom and his family will cover the costs of the wedding. This includes expenses related to the wedding ceremony, reception, and associated celebrations.
The groom is traditionally responsible for providing the Mahr, which is a gift for the bride, as well as bearing the costs of the wedding venue, catering, entertainment, and other wedding-related expenses.
However, its essential to note that modern Egyptian weddings can vary, and some families may adopt more flexible arrangements when it comes to covering wedding expenses. In some cases, the brides family may choose to contribute to certain aspects of the wedding, such as the brides attire or specific elements of the celebration.
What do you wear to an Egyptian wedding guest?
This one usually brings up the most questions for fear of being either overdressed or underdressed. Cocktail frocks and jumpsuits are a failsafe or opt for dressy separates such as a full skirt or palazzo pants. Dont forget a blazer or wrap in case you need to cover your shoulders during the ceremony.
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Floor-length is usually preferred however you can get away with a smart midi-length frock or tailored suiting. If the wedding is on grass or cobbled stone its perfectly acceptable to wear smart wedges over heels – your soles will thank you for it the next day.
What is the traditional gift for an Egyptian wedding?
2. The mahr and shabka. The marriage agreement has two parts: the mahr and the shabka. The groom must give two gifts to the bride’s family. The mahr is money paid by the groom to the bride’s family, while the shabka is a tradition where the groom gives jewelry to his bride.
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3. The engagement. The engagement period lets the couple get to know each other. The bride’s family will host the engagement party at home or at a hotel with decorations.
What to expect at an Egyptian wedding?
#4: Sharbat and Cutting the Cake. An Egyptian wedding always includes an elaborate, multi-layered cake, which the couple cuts and feeds to each other.
They then drink a traditional sweet drink made from fruit and herbs known as Sharbat.
#5: Dancing. Music is a huge component of any Egyptian wedding.
Since the time of their engagement, it is likely that the bride and groom have been practicing their moves, and the newlyweds will show off their dance skills in front of their guests.
What is the most important color in Egypt?
White was the color of purity, sacredness, cleanliness, and simplicity.
📹 How to dress when visiting Egypt? (Men & Women) | What to Pack for Egypt? | What to Wear in Egypt?
What should you wear while visiting Egypt, and is it hot all year long? Is there a dress code, and what is the best clothing to wear …
This doesn’t reflect the whole life of women in Egypt what appears in this article. It just reflects a small percent of women clothing style, here you can find women and young women in jeans and shirts, there are those who wear hijab and also there are others who don’t wear hijab, there are luxuiours places, resturants and fashion and also there are folk ones, as any other country you can find upper, middle and lower-class and every class has its own traditions and habits even in clothing style.
I disagree with you ….. that’s happened because we have military governments, and military governments want to make the army from poor and ignorance people’s to can be leading the country as long time as they can, so many things it’s reflecting the poor and ignorance, but most of people is have no choice !!! This is what our people here can buy or do under poor life and available clothes in most of shopping, but rich people they not
I just wanted to say, as an Egyptian, what you wanna wear or not wear is no disrespect to the culture in anyway, anyone should be covering as much skin as they want, the only thing people should put into consideration is how much they’re comfortable with attention and stares and how safe they’d feel. Also, I just found out about your website recently and I absolutely love you and love your content!!
I lived in Egypt for 6 years and hope to come back one again and I spent my last 2 years in Cairo before I was in Hurghada. I miss it so much but had to come back for various family reasons but miss the culture so much. I brought many dogs back with me too and they are with me. Thing is I miss my friends SO much in Cairo and the chaos as I live in the country so quite an extreme!! Your website is the best I have seen on Egypt please keep posting it makes me feel like I am in my 2nd home!!! Thank you 🙏 ❤
Really appreciate your guidance in your article and having lived and taught in Cairo for three years, I totally agree with your take on everything! If I had made a vlog on dress in Cairo, I would have hit the points that you did. It can be bone-chillingly cold in winter in Cairo–maybe something about being between the desert and the Nile, I don’t know. I always had two pairs of boots and a wool wrap coat for winter. I’m actually Muslim, so I dressed a bit more conservatively in my normal daily around Cairo–although, I did go on a few motorcycle rides as a passenger as well and made sure my clothes were closer fitting ; ) I don’t wear hijab in the States as I like to be more below the radar as a Muslimah here, but I did wear hijab for a year in Cairo. It definitely made life easier out on the streets. I dropped the actual headscarf after spending my summer back in the States without it, as I wanted to walk through my life with more integrity, but I still wore long sleeves and cardigans on the streets and had a scarf to cover my chest and shoulders which felt like a nice middle-point for me. But, as you mentioned, you can wear whatever you wish, but you may have to deal with more unwanted attention from women and men when you are out of sync with cultural norms depending on the city and region. Thanks again for giving great advice for Westerners when visiting or living in Cairo/Egypt–it’s an amazing country, and the friends that I’ve made there are some of the best I’ve ever had to this day!
You will find in citys like Cairo & Alexandria, that a high proportion of muslim women do not wear the hijab unless they are praying. you will find they often wear western clothing, even tight trousers & jeans. In the more rustic areas it will be a totally issue. BTW it is very cold here in Alex right now in February, I am dressed up in warm clothes indoors at home.
Great informative article! Traveling to Egypt at the end of April for the first time on a 10-day tour and you honestly just saved me some extra cash that I was planning to spend on a couple of dresses that might solicit a few more stares than I would like. I’ll hold off on those until some more clothing-liberal destination I go to! Your sense of style is just fabulous 👌🏻
Hey! Thank you so much for these articles, they are so helpful. We are coming to Egypt in a week from the northern US, for 2 weeks. Do you think light pants and a t-shirt will be enough for all the sites in all the major cities? (Abu simbel to alexandria, and everywhere in between). Also, what would you recommend wearing in the last week of december to climb mt Sinai to the monastery? We are spending a few days in sharm.
I learnt to dress down after my last visit to Egypt. At Giza I mingled with the locals and one night I wore a Gore-Tex jacket. One of the younger guys got upset at me and walked off saying “you think you’re so good sitting there in your expensive jacket. We’ are all the same here, everybody…” I was gonna retort and say well if we’re all the same then why you’re getting upset, but his father told him in time to cool it. And he walked off looking at me in disgust. He was so young and proud. It didn’t occur to me that 500 dollars is about the average annual wage in Egypt. Definitely dress down.
I am Egyptian born, and from what I have read is by law there is a moderate dress code such as covering breast to ankles. But to be more exact you should check. However, unless extreme such as showing a lot of cleavage, there is generally no problem as I have seen in my 10+ years living in Egypt, but advisable check with authorities. And yes, a foreigner has much more leniency, but do not dress too revealing. There is a lot to know about Egypt to stay safe, but violence on the street is generally much lower than in the States. My feeling is there is more Domestic violence in the home vs in the street, probably a revere of the States. The Middle East in general is much safer than the US. When in Egypt be sure if you Rent everything is written in contract such as increase in Rent and what is to be repaired. Anything you buy with no price tag verify with a second or third party first. For Taxi only use an application Taxi, safer and low risk to be cheated. I recommend InDriver.
My wife only buys her clothes in the UK, from M&S etc.although she is careful about sleeve length and if its see through. Also about half her collegues at the school she works do not wear the hijab, there are only a handful christian teachers in her department. BTW we spent a few days in Cairo last week in Nasr City, and it was very cold especially at night in the hotel.