Reception
15:00 - 16:00
Guests will arrive and take time to meet one another, settle in, and enjoy tea, juices, and light snacks. A traditional Sai’di (Upper Egyptian) band will play during this time, setting the atmosphere as everyone gathers before the ceremony begins.
Ceremony
16:00 - 17:00
The ceremony will include the officiation, exchange of vows, and the giving of rings. There will also be a short reading, and together these elements will mark the formal moment of marriage.
Celebration
17:00 - 24:00
Guests will share dinner and drinks, followed by speeches and a video slideshow. The evening will then open into music and dancing, with plenty of time for conversation and enjoying the setting along the Nile.
Venue
The wedding will take place on the western shore of Bisaw Island, facing views of the famous Gebel el-Silsila cliffs along the Nile. With sweeping Nile River views, it’s the perfect setting for our sunset ceremony followed by a private dinner and celebrations.
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How to get there
For those not joining the dahabiya, there will be boat transport provided from a TBD port location (with parking) in Kom Ombo or Daraw, directly to the wedding venue on Bisaw Island.
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Traditional Egyptian Wedding Customs
Shabka
In Egyptian wedding tradition, the shabka is a set of gold jewelry that the groom presents to the bride during the wedding celebrations. Families may showcase the shabka as part of the festivities, and the pieces are treasured heirlooms the bride carries into married life.
Henna Night (Laylat el-Henna)
The night before the wedding, the bride gathers with all her female family and friends to do traditional temporary henna tattoos on her and each other. The groom gathers with male family and friends to do the same.
Galabeya Attire
In Upper Egypt, the galabeya - a long, loose robe - is classic wedding attire for men. It carries a sense of heritage, modesty, and ease, perfect for lively Sa‘idi music and dancing. Grooms and close family often choose finer fabrics or subtle embroidery.
*(Male guests are welcome to wear a suit or a galabeya; if you’d like a made-to-measure galabeya, let us know in advance.)*