And the 2 shall become 1

Although cultures can be so varied in many instances, it is surprising number of similarities between weddings around the world! Here in Egypt, you will see many things that you instantly recognise:
• A lovely young lady in a fancy white gown
• A suave young man in formal suit and tie
• A wedding car with flowers on the bonnet
• And music wherever they go!!!

The engagement

What would have happened prior to this day, is that the 2 families would have met together to discuss and agree if this wedding was possible. If both parties agreed, there would be a buying of the wedding gold. This is usually a ring, a necklace and a bracelet, usually as a set, and possibly a bangle or 2. The number of items will depend on the income of the bridegroom.
These would have been presented to the bride at an engagement party: cake, soda, music and the gold being presented to the future bride, being vital aspects of the engagement party.
After the engagement there would have been a flurry of purchasing: the bridegroom buying most of the furniture for the house, and the bride the electronics and equipment for the kitchen. When the contents of their new home have been purchased, the wedding can proceed.

The wedding

There is usually a signing of The Book. This will usually be done in the presence of representatives from both families, the couple themselves, and an Imam (leader of a Mosque). This can be done before the wedding day, at a mosque, or at the celebration venue on the day of the wedding.

The bride and groom arrive (usually) to much music, cheering, clapping and dancing, with a video crew and a photographer following them. Inside the venue will be beautifully set tables, a huge draped couch for the bridal couple and a large empty dance floor. There are normally many large screens around the room, and there is video streaming of the couple live throughout the celebration!

Depending on the venue, which depends on the income of the groom and his family, there will be some sort of entertainment: men with large swords, rising stages, love mist (smoke), and a huge trolley bearing the massive and multiple-layered wedding cakes!

Of course there must be lots of food. Again, depending on the budget this will range from sandwiches and small savory pastries to a full buffet. Then comes the dancing! Continual loud music, very very loud, with energetic dancing. Usually the women dance separately from the men, except the bridal couple, who have a few dances together!

The wedding is a night of much celebration, happiness and fun Children are always welcome and run around the place at dizzying speeds! Relatives and friends would have come from all over and the party usually goes on until the small hours of the morning, or until sunrise, as is the fashion at the moment.

And the happy couple will head to their brand new, shiny and sparkly home, to begin their life together.