Zaghrouta guides
What you need to know at every stage of your wedding, with the sources we used.
Bride preparationBridal makeup and hair: the trial, the timing and the bookingThe right makeup artist shows at the trial. When to book, what to ask before the deposit, and how to keep the wedding day on schedule without stress. Bride preparationThe bride's preparation, without the rushThe weeks before the wedding fill up with appointments. How the bride can spread her sessions and trials out calmly, and keep the last week for rest instead of running around. PapersPapers for a Coptic marriage in churchA certificate of no impediment, the engaged couples' course, the medical exam and two witnesses. What the church usually asks for before the crowning, and an order that gets the papers ready early. CustomsThe engagement in Egypt, step by stepFrom the first visit and reading the Fatiha to the engagement night itself. The steps many families follow, and a calm order for the preparations. Home setupBuying the gehaz on instalments and comparing the offersThere are many instalment companies, and their offers look alike. How to compare them on the figures that matter, and what the law says the seller must put in writing before you sign. Home setupThe full home setup list, room by roomThe kitchen, the bedroom, the living room, the bathroom and the linen. The list couples usually buy for the gehaz, approximate prices, and how to protect the warranty from day one. HoneymoonThe honeymoon: in Egypt or abroad, and how to plan itA honeymoon in Egypt or abroad? How to choose a destination that fits your budget, when to start on papers and visas, and how to count the whole cost, not just the flights. PapersKatb el-ketab papers in Egypt, step by stepIDs with copies and photos, the premarital medical certificate, the bride's guardian and two witnesses. What the ma'zoun usually asks for, the registration fees, and how to get it all ready early. The lawThe ma'zoun's fees and the marriage contract in EgyptEGP 600 to register the marriage, plus a fee based on the deferred dowry. What goes into the contract, how to check the ma'zoun, and how to agree on everything before the day. PapersThe premarital medical exam: where, the steps and the papersCompulsory before the katb el-ketab since 2023, and done only at approved Ministry of Health units. Where to go, what to bring, and how early to start. ShabkaThe shabka and how its price comes from the gold priceA shabka costs its weight times today's gram price, plus the workmanship. How to work it out yourselves, choose the karat, and ask the jeweller the right questions before you pay. CostsWedding budget in Egypt and how to split itA wedding in Cairo and Giza starts at about EGP 80,000. How to set your budget, what makes a wedding expensive, and where you can save without giving up what matters to you. VendorsThe wedding dress, bought, rented or pre-lovedBuy, rent, or a dress another bride wore before you? How the three compare on price and comfort, and what to ask the bridal shop before you pay. GuestsThe guest list and RSVPs, step by stepThe guest list decides the venue, the food and the budget. How to write it together, split it into groups, and know who's coming before the venue asks for the final number. InvitationsWedding invitations: the wording, the timing and sending on WhatsAppA clear, beautiful invitation makes life easier for your guests and for you. What to write, when to send it, and how to reach the family's elders on WhatsApp without confusion. VendorsChoosing the kosha and the wedding decorThe kosha is in every photo, and the decor sets the feel of the whole night. How to pick a style, what to ask the decorator, and what to put in the agreement. MoneyNuqta at the wedding, and how to keep track of itNuqta is a lovely Egyptian custom, but it gets muddled fast if nobody writes it down. How to record it without awkwardness, thank the people who gave, and remember it when it's your turn. VendorsBooking a wedding photographer, and what to ask before the depositThe photos are what stay with you for years after the wedding. What to look for in a photographer's work, what to ask before you pay a deposit, and how to check the drone permit. PlanningA month-by-month wedding planning timelineFrom the day you agree on a date to the night before the wedding. What to do first and what can wait, so you aren't chasing everything in the last month. VendorsChoosing a wedding venue and what to put in writingThe venue and the food take more than half the wedding budget. What to ask on your visit, what must be written down before the deposit, and how to compare two venues by the total.