The number of marriages across Egypt fell by nearly 3 percent in 2017, according to official data, and a lot of that appears to be down to rising costs.
adia Mohammad Salem started saving up for her wedding long before she got engaged. But getting married proved far more stressful than she’d imagined when her husband proposed a year ago.
The number of marriages across Egypt fell by nearly 3 percent in 2017, according to official data, and a lot of that appears to be down to rising costs.
“Things were very expensive,” said Nadia, 30. “I was feeling nervous and concerned.”
Tough economic reforms including a devaluation of the country’s pound in late 2016 have led to a dramatic increase in prices, notably for the imported goods bought by many newly-weds to equip their homes.
Read also: Real Crazy Rich Asian wedding to cost $100 million
In 2012, the average cost of a wedding was 61,000 Egyptian pounds, Salem said. Back then the currency traded at around 6.15 to the dollar, compared with nearly 18 now.
This year, Nadia spent around 80,000 pounds ($4,500) on just her “gehaz” - the kitchen equipment and other items a bride purchases ahead of her marriage. Despite help from her family, she had to save up for years.
On their wedding day in November, she and her husband had a small celebration on the street rather than a formal party.
Nadia said she hoped her children would find getting married less of a financial burden.
“If I have a daughter, I hope things will be much easier for her,” she said. “I want her to have everything she wants.”
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.