While marriage is a moment of celebration and joy, the financial burden associated with marriage can be overwhelming, particularly for poor families in Egypt. 

In Egypt many poor families struggle financially to get their children married. They have to take into consideration the dowery, wedding expenses, housing, etc. These factors are often the reason why many families from poor backgrounds hesitate to get their children married because they can’t afford it. Egypt, like many countries, faces economic inequality and there is a large wealth gap between the rich and poor. Poor families may feel pressured to conform to societal expectations, often resulting in them spending beyond their means to match the celebrations of wealthier families. 

For Egyptian culture the brides’ side of the family are expected to cover part of wedding for example, furnishing the house, the food that is provided during the ceremony, etc. These kind of traditions are harder for families who lack financial stability. Employment in Egypt is also difficult for women and when it comes time for marriage it ends up putting a strain on her family.

One of the main causes of the financial stress of marriage in Egypt is the tradition of providing a dowry and covering wedding expenses. The groom is typically expected to offer a dowry to the bride’s family, and both families are expected to host elaborate wedding ceremonies. These expenses can add up quickly, making it difficult for poor families to meet these financial expectations. 

Establishing a new household is another financial hurdle new couples go through. Renting or purchasing a home can be expensive, and this cost alone can deter many couples from getting married, especially if they come from poor families. In most cases the newlyweds are forced to live with their in-laws until they can afford to move out on their own but that can create more issues.

Social and cultural norms also have a big impact in Egyptian society. The pressure to host lavish weddings and provide substantial dowries can be extensive, even if it means going into debt. Many poor families are hesitant to break tradition and be labeled by others so they are forced to go into financial burden.

Marriage is a beautiful and cherished institution in Egypt, but for many poor families, it represents a daunting financial challenge. The combination of traditional expectations, high unemployment, and economic inequality creates many hurdles for couples with economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Addressing these issues would not only alleviate the financial burden but also contribute to greater social and economic stability for all Egyptians, regardless of their financial circumstances.