Language barrier between our two families.

So, my fiance's family is Korean and we've had to navigate through some of the same things. We hosted our first Thanksgiving this past year with the two families, and I was so stressed about the inability to communicate between the them. Turns out I was stressing for nothing. Both families made their best efforts to get to know one another, and there really was never an awkward moment. Our families new to be patient with one another, and as the night continued the concerns over communication subsided.

At the end of the day, everyone is going to be at your wedding to celebrate you and your fiance. That is enough of a common bond, and your families will share that and be able to figure it out. I would try to just relax and enjoy the experience.

If you're doing assigned seating, I would be sure to seat bilingual guests with strictly Spanish and English speaking guests so that they can hopefully help translate some of the conversation. Maybe you could do programs in Spanish so that Spanish speaking guests can follow along during the ceremony.

Do you know any spanish or does your family? If not, I would seat his family together & yours together so when they are introduced your fiance can be there to help with translation. I would also supply programs or signs in both languages.

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That makes me feel so much better! Thank you

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I love the idea of the programs. That is very helpful. Thank you!

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I am learning it and i practice with my FH often. But my family does not.

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This sounds like a really good suggestion. And I wouldn't stress the language barrier too much. People will naturally find a way to communicate if they want to. Having you and FH there to translate will be a huge help.

My FH is also from Mexico and his family speaks very little English. I am fortunate that my parents are Spanish speakers and I have definitely picked things up through the years, but I worried about making them feel included in the ceremony and the speeches, given that they are all in English.

I plan on printing bilingual programs for the day to help them follow along, and have considered having a bilingual ceremony with both English and Spanish-speaking officiants.

Overall though, I think they will just appreciate being included in the day. Don't underestimate the power of nonverbal communication too! I think sitting like-language people together can help, but no matter what, they will enjoy y'alls special day!

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Thanks for this! I definitely worry more than i should. I know that my family will do whatever they can to make everyone have a good time! Are you incorporating any Mexican foods, music or traditions into your wedding??

I would also look into doing a bilingual ceremony if possible. You could get an interpreter or a bilingual minister. That way your both families get to hear and understand your ceremony. I wouldn't worry about anything else. Receptions have dancing and drinks and people usually make it work.

Thanks Becca! This was very helpful.

Hi! I'ma very white "Brennan" about to become a "Martinez" to a first generation man whose parents speak Spanish only. (his father understands english better that his mother does but virtually never speaks english) This was a big concern of mine for many reasons. They wouldn't understand my vows.. or their sons vows to me.. and my father is officiating in english. The list of concerns greq quickly is what I am saying but finally I sat down and I came up with some things that have helped tremendously. First, I sat down with the woman creating my invitations and ordered programs. I made programs for the 20 wedding guests who only speak spanish. They will be given to these quests a few minutes before the ceremony begins. There, they will find every word the officiant is saying during the ceremony; along with me and my fiance's vows and the typical order of events so they know what is happening. We originally were going to have my brother-in-law who is in the wedding party, repeat what my father is saying/readings/etc in Spanish but his mom actually said that would take too long. She loved that I was willing to accomodate her family though.

Now, for seating.. I had a seating chart all made up when his mom told me that it may actually make her family feel less comfortable like I had "separated the mexicans from everyone else." Her words, not mine lol. She said it was unnecessary and the owner of my venue agreed so I opted for the reserved tables for our immediate families, then seating is open and a lot of my bilingual guests may end up sitting with his family. I sure hope so, at least.

I have really bubbly family members and friends and as I said, many of them are bilingual. I am excited for them to meet. My dad also speaks Spanish (it was wasnt his first language and it isn't his most used language so it isn't perfect but he communicates with his family effectively ) I'm not too worried anymore. I would talk to close family members. Tell them to say hi, etc, and explain how important it is to you that everyone feels welcomed.

PS since I forgot to mention this a moment ago: Bilingual signage is everything. A welcome to our wedding sign in Spanish will be the first thing they see if you place it in a good spot and they will feel included and comfortable!

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I am a Douglas becoming a Carachure! This was so extremely helpful! I love the idea of having the vows written out for them! I just want everyone to be comfortable and have a good time. Thank you.

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We will probably add some Spanish music to the reception. His parents are from a very small town in Mexico and have asked us to do a small ceremony at the church they got married in for their family that can't come to the US for the actual wedding, and we will probably do that, but not too soon after our wedding so that we have some time to rest! One of the biggest things I was thinking of was getting gifts for the mother/father of the groom that are reflective of their culture. Ultimately, I think if you include his parents, the whole family will feel special.