Wedding Themes

Are you looking for some Egyptian traditions for your wedding?

An Egyptian wedding is a very special historic ceremony that has been carried on from generation to generation since the times of the Pharaohs. Although Egypt has been exposed to many civilizations, such as Greek, Roman, and Islam, many of the traditions of ancient Egyptian marriages still remain in modern Egyptian weddings. Here is a complete list of Egyptian wedding traditions.

1. Egyptian weddings

Although arranged marriages are not quite the norm anymore, when it comes to Egyptian weddings, they still are not an unusual occurrence. Once both families have given their approval, a marriage agreement is drawn up.

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2. The mahr and shabka

The marriage agreement is made up of two parts, the mahr, and the shabka, where the groom has to bring two gifts to the girl’s family. The “mahr” is a sum of money that a groom-to-be pays to the girl’s family, while the “shabka” is a tradition where the groom gives to his wife-to-be jewelry.

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3. The engagement

The engagement period gives the couple time to get to know each other. The bride’s family will host the engagement party at home or more often at a hotel with wedding decorations of several kinds of flowers and lights.

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4. Wedding rings

The symbolism of the wedding ring is said to date back to Ancient Egyptian culture. Wedding rings are said to represent the perfect circle or marriage not ending.

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5. The Henna night

Egyptian women have a henna party for the bride and her female cousins and friends which is held a day or two before the wedding ceremony. This night is usually themed, mostly with girls wearing belly-dancing outfits.

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6. Egyptian wedding ceremony

The Egyptian wedding ceremony starts with a car parade with wedding decorations of flowers and ribbons. When the bride and groom reach the hotel they are received by a “Zaffa” (procession), another human parade of belly dancers and drummers. Christian couples celebrate their marriage in a church conducted by a priest with prayers and readings from the Bible.

Muslims hold a wedding ceremony called “katb el katb” which is performed by the Maa’zoun in the local mosque or at the house. The ‘Mahr’ and ‘Moa’khar’ are written in the contract during the ceremony. The ’Moa’khar’ is the money a Muslim bride receives in case of a divorce.

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7. Cutting of the cake

As elsewhere in the world couples cut the wedding cake, which is several layers high and feed each other. The bride then tosses her flower bouquet behind her back to other hopeful females. The wedding celebration is marked by plenty of food and drinking of a traditional sweet drink called “sharbat” which is prepared from various fruits and herbs.

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Looking for some Egyptian wedding ideas and more?

Call Clarence House today. Our professional and dedicated team will help you prepare, plan, and organize your special day, from start to finish, to make your luxury wedding the most memorable day of your lives.

Are you looking for some Italian inspiration for your big day?

Italy is well known for having a deep culture and unique tradition passed on from generation to generation, and their weddings are no different. Here we take a look at the best and unique Italian wedding traditions for you to consider.

1. La Serenata

In this intimate Italian wedding tradition, the groom organizes a serenade under the window of his bride, the night before the wedding. The groom then meets up with the band under the balcony of the bride and starts singing along with them.

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2. Confetti

Confetti is widely recognized internationally as colored paper shapes that are often thrown at the bride and groom after their wedding ceremony. In Italian culture, confetti is colorful sugar-coated almonds, with assorted colors and tastes.

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3. Bomboniere

Bomboniere is an Italian wedding tradition that stands for gifts given to guests to thank them for their attendance at the wedding. Bomboniere usually contains a present, confetti, and printed ribbons.

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4. The bride’s dress

he wedding dress has many superstitions, the major one being that the bride should not look into a mirror while wearing the wedding dress, before her big day. On the wedding day, only the bride should be in white for good fortune and blessings for the couple.

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5. The bridal bouquet 

For a perfect Italian wedding, the groom has to provide the bridal bouquet. This is considered as his final gift to his woman before they become a couple. The bride may be the one to choose the florals she wants, but the groom has to pay the bill.

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6. La Giarrettiera

In the southern part of Italy, its cultural tradition for the bride to wear a garter which is thought to bring the bride good luck. The garter is taken off by the groom in a special moment at the end of the wedding and thrown to the guests.

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7. Engagement

Engagement rings date back to the medieval ages and is now a common tradition all over the world. In the Italian culture, the man proposes to a woman, giving her a ring with a diamond representing love and a prosperous future together.

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8. Hen (bachelorette parties)

In the Italian wedding tradition, these parties are an opportunity for family and friends to have fun. A night out with friends usually happens a weekend before the big day.

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9. Groom’s tie

At the Italian wedding reception, the groom cuts his tie into many tiny pieces and offers it up for sale to the wedding guests. The money collected is used to contribute to the wedding expenses.

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10. First dance

At the first dance, it’s an Italian wedding tradition for guests to hold streamers attached to the bride and groom’s hands as they waltz, and wrap them up.

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Looking for some Italian wedding ideas and more?

Call Clarence House today. Our professional and dedicated team will help you prepare, plan, and organize your special day, from start to finish, to make your luxury wedding the most memorable day of your lives.