8 Tips for a Successful Multilingual Wedding

Tips for a Multilingual Wedding

1. Explain Everything on the Ceremony Program

Programs can feature multiple languages – whether on the same ceremony program or two separate programs, and they can also be used to help explain various cultural customs that may be unfamiliar to some of your guests.

2. Select Readings Strategically

Consider choosing shorter readings for the ceremony, so that they can be read in each relevant language either by your guests or an interpreter. This is also a great opportunity to honor multiple loved ones at your wedding.

3. Make Your Vows Special

If you are reciting traditional, religious vows, consider having one of you say them in the primary language (likely English) and the other one say your vows in the secondary language. Bonus points if the person who doesn’t speak the language learns how to say the vows. Who wasn’t touched by Michael reciting his vows in Spanish on Jane the Virgin?

4. Incorporate Multilingual Signage

Having bilingual signage may take more planning and end up costing a little bit more, but if you want to have everyone feel included, don't stop at your paper goods! If you want loved ones to “choose a seat, not a side,” that message should be clear to everyone.

5. Hire a Bilingual Officiant

If a bilingual (or multilingual) wedding officiant is available, that might help to keep everyone in the loop – plus, they're likely pros at presiding over multilingual weddings. While you don’t need to have every line translated, carefully switching between the two languages can be beautiful and inclusive.

6. Think About the Toasts

If you took the time to make sure everyone could understand the ceremony, do the same for the words spoken at the reception! Try to have wedding toasts either be short enough to translate, or alternate between languages so everyone understands a bit of what is being said.

7. Incorporate Your Culture with Music

The parent dances, if you have them, are a great way to incorporate cultures and languages important to your respective families by way of music and dance styles. You can also honor your culture with your first dance or the song that invites everyone to come to the dance floor.

8. Hire a Translator

A hired translator complete with wireless headsets may seem extreme, but it will guarantee everyone can follow along without much extra work on your part. This may be particularly necessary for couples who have wedding guests coming from a wide variety of countries and cultures.

For more ideas, read cultural traditions that real brides took part in on their wedding day, discover a guide on how to have two ceremonies, and view additional wedding planning tips to help you on your planning journey!

Opening photo by Cornelia Lietz Photography; Planning & Design by Bluebell Events; From Real Multilingual Wedding: Fairy-Tale Wedding Abroad at Castle in Groom's Hometown in Germany