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Emmi
Dedicated April 2019

Multi Language Wedding

Emmi, on January 16, 2018 at 11:03 AM Posted in Planning 0 8

Hey all!

I am going to get married in Costa Rica (to a Costa Rican) and I am German. Our language at home is English as my Spanish is still in the making Smiley smile

We are going to have our ceremony and reception with a very mixed crowd and most people do speak English, however there are some that only speak German or only speak English, do you have any suggestions how we could solve this elegantly?

I was thinking to have beamers set up and provide kind of subtitles, however in the location that we are probably going to book this doesn't seem like the best option. The ceremony will be outside and the reception hall is surrounded by windows and doesn't have real walls. Also I wouldn't mind to have a slightly cheaper solution Smiley tongue


I am grateful for any suggestion! Smiley heart

8 Comments

Latest activity by Destination Harrington, on January 31, 2018 at 9:53 PM
  • Susan
    Super November 2018
    Susan ·
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    Honestly I have no idea how to solve the ceremony language issue. So you’ve got 3 languages to contend with, I’m assuming? English and German, and Spanish on his side?

    Im usually team skip programs. However, any way that you do this, it’s going to be complicated. You need programs explaining whatever you end up doing to all parties, in all three languages.
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  • Pegs
    VIP July 2018
    Pegs ·
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    Print out programs! I attend Greek/American weddings all the time and they always pass out programs to describe the importance of the ceremony, events, and what is being said.

    I always hear positive feedback from the guests, so it may be worth a shot.

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  • Daphne
    Dedicated April 2021
    Daphne ·
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    My friend had a bilingual wedding and she just had someone speak in English and someone speak in creole. Of they did songs etc...those weren't translated hey we're just in the primary language of the guests.
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  • Mrs. Sponge
    Master April 2018
    Mrs. Sponge ·
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    I think in this situation programs are necessary. You're guests may not be able to understand every word but at least with programs they will be able to follow along with what is happening. If I were you I would do the ceremony in English, and do programs in Spanish and German to try to make sure most people will at least be able to follow the ceremony, if not understand whats being said.

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  • Emmi
    Dedicated April 2019
    Emmi ·
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    Programs sounds like a good idea!

    What do you think if we would prepare envelopes with our vows translated to Spanish and German (but spoken in English). The vows should be ready ahead of time anyway and we could ask someone from our bridal party to translate them (in order not to spoil the surprise for us).

    This way the people who don't understand can also get some happy tears Smiley laugh

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  • Katelyn
    Devoted January 2019
    Katelyn ·
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    I am finding myself in the same situation, because my family only knows English and my FH's family for the most part only knows Spanish. My FH and I plan on having the ceremony in English and Spanish ( saying one line in English and then the same line again in Spanish.) And then we will both say our vows in English and Spanish as well. I haven't quite figured out what to do about the language barrier among the guests yet, but I want to do something creative so that they can communicate and bond with one another.
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  • Lauren
    Expert June 2019
    Lauren ·
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    Definitely programs!
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  • Destination Harrington
    Dedicated July 2018
    Destination Harrington ·
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    Programs would be the easiest option for all. Interpreters are another option, but it's your wedding and that may take away from the moment. I'm getting married in CR too, in July. So far behind! Good luck to you!!!


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