Our ceremony will be bilingual because FH's family only speaks German, and mine only speaks English. It probably be mostly German, but the special thngs like Hand Ceremony, and Unity Candle will be done in English, and I plan on saying my vows in German and FH wills ay them in English. Maybe we'll do the same for the rings too. But because I don't want any of the guests to feel left out and not know whats going on I am thnking of including translations of everythign in the program.
Anyone else have or plan on having a bilingual ceremony? How did it turn out, and how did you make it work?
Also..how was the reception? I'm afraid it will be so segregated, like my friends and family on one side, and his friends and family on the other. Thanks!
mtls06
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Re: Bilingual Weddings
I had a tri-lingual ceremony. Spanish, Polish, and English. Everyone that went to the ceremony knew us well enough to understand why we had the ceremony this way. I feel it included everyone and was the best way to do it. Honestly, I don't think your guests are going to sit there and read the translations. They will know what's going on just by seeing you light the candle or exchange rings. That's just my opinion. As for the reception. We had a good old time. Once you mix in alcohol, everyone seemed to be speaking the same language.
Oh, I also purposely spread the tables out so they wouldn't be segregated and I think that helped too.
erdbeere
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Re: Bilingual Weddings
yea I don't expect the guests to sit there and read the translations during the ceremony, but I feel liek they should atleast knwo whats going on, like what the officiant is talking about, if its a prayer or whatever else... the wedding is actually in Austria and I just don't want my family coming all the way over and not understanding anything.
Kara and Todd
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Re: Bilingual Weddings
Well, your programs will indicate what comes when. You can do them in two languages and maybe indicate there what language each portion is in. They'll be able to follow along with the programs without a literal translation.
portjeffbride
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Re: Bilingual Weddings
I went to a good bilingual ceremony. There were 2 readings, with one in each language. The Polish reading was written in the program in English, and the English reading in Polish. Therefore, everyone knew what was said at all times.
It worked out great!
july06bride
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Re: Bilingual Weddings
I had a mini bilingual ceremony
We had one reading in English and one in Spanish.
all readings, hand ceremony, and unity candle were in english since I do not speak spanish and as the bride I felt I should be part of the ceremony most...
oh, the program had a thank you in english and in spanish
