How does a bilingual wedding ceremony work? Or even a trilingual ceremony?
How does a bilingual wedding ceremony work? Or even a trilingual ceremony?
These are the most common questions we receive as wedding celebrants.
Of course, a multilingual wedding ceremony comes with its own set of challenges!
In this short article, we’d like to introduce you to various options for organizing a multilingual ceremony that ensures everyone feels included.
Communication is key—we all know that.
That’s why it’s crucial to first understand what languages the couple speaks.
Sometimes, couples communicate in a language that is foreign to both of them.
For example, if one partner is German-speaking and the other French-speaking, they may communicate in English as a common language.
In many cases, one partner understands the other’s native language, though they may not speak it fluently.
While there’s often a basic understanding,
it’s natural to want to hear your own language during your wedding ceremony.
Language is deeply tied to emotion, identity, and comfort.
It shapes who we are, which is why hearing your native language on such an important day is perfectly understandable.
But then the question arises:
Who are the guests? What languages do they speak?
How can the ceremony be structured to accommodate everyone?
There are several ways to organize a multilingual wedding ceremony. Let’s explore the options.
Two languages – On equal footing
This is the classic approach we recommend for multilingual weddings and use in 95% of cases.
In this format, the speech is delivered in two languages—
for example, German and French.
Each section of the speech is presented first in one language (e.g., French) and then repeated in the other (e.g., German).
The order can be adjusted to suit the couple’s preferences.
When it comes to wedding vows,
the couple decides which language they want to use to express their feelings
and whether the vows should also be translated for all guests to understand.
One language dominates, while the other plays a smaller role
If the couple primarily communicates in one language and most guests also speak this language,
it may make sense to focus the ceremony
on that dominant language.
For example, in the case of a German-Argentine couple
who speak German with each other and have only a few Spanish-speaking guests,
the majority of the ceremony could be conducted in German. However, certain parts of the speech could still be bilingual, incorporating both German and Spanish.
This approach works best when both partners are comfortable and fluent in the dominant language.
Trilingual
A trilingual ceremony can be quite challenging, particularly for the guests.
Long sections in multiple languages risk causing boredom or disengagement.
To address this, you might consider using two main languages for the majority of the ceremony while incorporating the third language selectively for specific parts.
Ultimately, the couple decides how much of the ceremony should be translated.
For added flexibility, an interpreter can be hired to assist with certain sections. (See below for more details.)
English with sections in other languages
Many couples communicate with each other in English,
making it a natural choice as the main language for their wedding ceremony.
In this format, English can serve as the primary language, with select quotes,
phrases, or sections included in the couple’s
respective native languages.
While it may seem that everyone speaks English nowadays
and the entire ceremony could easily be conducted in English,
this is often not the case—
especially for older family members who may not be fluent in English.
In such situations, opting for a fully bilingual ceremony might be a better choice.
Is a multilingual speech boring if delivered in different languages?
Not at all! We delve into this topic further in our FAQ.
Should we hire an interpreter for a symbolic wedding ceremony?
An interpreter can be arranged for guests who don’t understand any of the languages used in the wedding speech.
Guests can follow the interpreter through audio equipment, which ensures they don’t miss a moment of the ceremony.
However, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind:
Guests may find it distracting if the interpreter’s voice is audible from the back of the room or if the audio equipment is set too loud.
Ideally, the interpreter should not be physically present in the ceremony space but connected remotely to follow the speech.
The volume of the audio equipment should be carefully adjusted so that it is comfortable for those using it without disturbing nearby guests.
The interpreter would also need access to the speech text in advance to ensure accuracy.
That said, we generally don’t recommend using an interpreter.
Technology can be unpredictable, and everything must be meticulously coordinated between the celebrant and the interpreter beforehand.
Instead of hiring an interpreter, you could have the speech translated in advance and ask a family member or friend to alternate with the officiant during the ceremony. For example, the speaker and translator could take turns presenting each part of the speech.
We’ve had excellent experiences with this approach and highly recommend it!
Provide Written Translations?
Another option is to print the speech in the guests’ respective native languages
and distribute it to those who do not understand the spoken languages.
However, we’re not particularly in favor of this approach.
Guests who don’t speak the ceremony languages often travel long distances to attend the wedding,
and handing them a sheet of paper with the speech may feel impersonal or even disrespectful.
Regardless of whether you choose this option or another (such as using an interpreter or alternating speakers), it’s essential to inform your guests in advance about what to expect and how long the ceremony will last. Clear communication ensures everyone feels included and prepared.
