Zanqet Essettat is the oldest and most famous wholesale market in Alexandria, particularly as a wedding market where brides-to-be flock before their weddings. The prices in the market are affordable to all social levels and offers  fabrics, jewelry, perfume, cosmetics and household items.

Yasmine Qennawy who is getting married in a year is buying most of the items for her trousseau from Menshiyah, especially from Zanqet Essettat “due to the diverse exhibits and affordable prices,” she says.

Zanqet Essettat is the oldest and most famous wholesale market in Alexandria, particularly as a wedding market where brides-to-be flock before their weddings. The prices in the market are affordable to all social levels and offers  fabrics, jewelry, perfume, cosmetics and household items.

Yasmine Qennawy who is getting married in a year is buying most of the items for her trousseau from Menshiyah, especially from Zanqet Essettat “due to the diverse exhibits and affordable prices,” she says.

Qennawy has decided not to buy certain things some brides traditionally and culturally find important, like the ‘Neesh’ which is a cupboard decorated with glass and mirrors and filled with china. “It is never used,” says Qennawy. “It is just for decoration and is very expensive”

She considers other things to be more important, like mattresses, cups and china. “All brides should buy china,” says Mahdi Hassan, a vendor of household items and china. “China vary in prices.”

In Zanqet Essettat, France Street is known for its gold and fabrics. Qennawy is looking for simple and affordable bridal jewelry. She has already agreed with her husband and family to only buy a ring with one diamond stone because diamond prices are fixed compared to the fluctuating prices of gold.

“Gold is now way more expensive than before,” says goldsmith Ahmad Arabi, “Couples-to-be used to take a whole set, but these days, they just take a ring, or a ring and a bracelet, according to their budget.”

Qennawy prefers tailored to readymade garments where she can imagine the styles that she wants rather than having trendy styles. “I am not going to buy a dress because I do not want to have a wedding party,” says Qennawy. She believes that instead of having a wedding party with huge costs, she and her husband-to-be can have a honeymoon abroad.

Before leaving the market, Qennawy also buys perfumes, hand soap,  items for the bride’s bath, and oils for skincare and hair.