I don't speak Spanish and FH's family doesn't speak English

Aw that's sweet! I like your vow idea. Also the programs I would do both languages. I think it would be nice for them to be able to follow along.

Since it's a secret do you know anybody who is fluent that can help you with all of this? Spanish isn't too hard to pronounce but writing your own stuff will not be easy on your own (but not impossible).

I think your vows should be done in the language you speak to eachother as it will mean the most that way. Also, it may be way harder for you to say your vows in another language during an already emotional moment.

However, I would suggest having some of FH's family members do a reading or poem in Spanish during the ceremony, this way it is still incorporated.

Oh do I understabd your situation. Ours is reversed, most of my family only speaks Spanish and FH can only say a few words (mostly swearing words he have learned from me). At least some members of my family do understand English, the main issue is speaking (my dad and sister are actually fluent in English which helps). We are going with mostly English for the ceremony with few things in Spanish. I think it will be good if your officiant says it it English and then you repeat in Spanish. We are not doing our own vows to simplify things and will just do the "I do" but in Spanish. Still thinking about what other parts could be in Spanish. Also, doing signs for things like guestbook etc in both languages.

I also think you should speak your vows in your native language; don't put this layer of nerves on top of everything else.

But I agree with Alejandra; have a reading or two in Spanish during the ceremony (I use one by Neruda, which is technically in Portugese, but everyone loves it.....)

Having just been to a bilingual wedding (English/French) I know fh would have loved a pamphlet with translations. He didn't have a clue what was being said in French and followed my lead.

I think saying your vows in Spanish would mean a lot to him and his family. I say go for it!

I'm with Alejandra on this. You don't want to mess up because it's emotional. I would make some pamphlet in Spanish for them and maybe have a reading.

Thank you! I'm excited about it, but nervous. I learned French growing up so I tend to respond in French instead of the little Spanish that I do know. Yes, I'm asking his sister in law to help me. She is in the wedding so we can practice some before the actual day. I'm sending her the vows so she can send them back to me in Spanish and it will be line by line.

I'm kind of new to the program idea. How are those set up? Thanks for the advice btw.

I love the idea of having someone read a poem or verse in Spanish!

Honestly, if you practice a lot, don't be afraid of doing your vows in Spanish. if you're nervous the day of, you can always just say them in English

I'm DIY my hair and I just am practicing the heck out of it.

Both our families have relatives that only speak and understand Spanish. (My grandmother being one of them) My cousins that have gotten married have always done bilingual ceremonies, some of the readings or songs in spanish, some in english. It's always worked out. I agree though that your vows should be in your native language. It will be hard to read something in another language when you're so emotional.

We are in a similar situation. My family is spanish and some of my relatives dont speak english. We are doing a mixed ceremony. Vows will be in english but we are doing a couple readings in spanish and maybe a song in spanish just to incorporate the cultures and do something special for the family that doesnt speak english . what ever you decide will be great!

If you think you can say them in spanish, I think you should go for it! It probably would mean alot to him & his family and a proud moment for you. I don't think it would look crazy if you read them. If you don't, you could have someone interpret in the family or have a poem or reading. Good luck!

That's a sweet gesture but I personally think you should say your vows in the language you're most comfortable with. Vows are really important and I think they will have more meaning to you if you really understand what you are saying and not focusing on if you're pronouncing works correctly. Of course you should incorporate some Spanish in the ceremony too. Maybe walk down the aisle in a Spanish love song, or have verses/poems read in Spanish? My two cents. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

I LOVE the idea of you repeating the vows in spanish. i think i would cry if i saw that happen (especially if i was one of the spanish speakers). i agree with others that there is some risk here, so you have to know that you're the type of person who will be able to do it. otherwise, i think the concept is perfect.

i also really like the idea of a program. a lot of hebrew prayer books do one side of the page in hebrew and the other side in english (a direct translation), because a lot of people who are Jewish will pray in hebrew but don't understand it. i am picturing something similar for you.

I've officiated weddings with someone standing beside me translating (once into Spanish and once into French).

I sent the ceremony to the groom's sister who translated it into Spanish and read each line after I read it in English.

The French one was not that planned out. In fact, I didn't know it was going to happen until one of the guests started speaking French during the ceremony.

Sarah B how did it work out?? I want to surprise my fiance too and say my vows in spanish