multilingual wedding and vows..

precamies

here's the dilemma:

My family is flying in from overseas for the wedding and as it is important for me to preserve my heritage as well, we are incorporating details that are traditional to my country. While my whole family speaks English as well, I am creating all menus, signage etc. in both languages. I feel like it would make them feel more comfortable and welcomed. Now, what about vows? Is there a way we can say them... i don't know...in both languages? I don't want an interpreter, because that wouldn't be the same as me saying it in my lanugage. I'm trying to figure out how we could tastefully do it in both? any ideas or experience with this?

Tanq&Tonic

Do you both speak the same language?  I could see you adding maybe one line to the end of your vows in your native tongue. I think repeating the entire thing in both languages is not necessary.  The vows are for your husband, and it's not like your family doesn't understand the words in English.  It sounds like you are already doing a lot to incorporate them and ensure their comfort.  Given that vows are the primary part of the ceremony, I wouldn't overcomplicate them for the sake of others.

scrpio421

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_vows_multilingual-wedding-vows?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:24Discussion:77ad4269-7f5a-4e15-bf46-e98ccafc11b9Post:191e522d-7ad3-4d8e-9309-41cdfa53d842">Re: multilingual wedding and vows..</a>:
[QUOTE]Do you both speak the same language?  I could see you adding maybe one line to the end of your vows in your native tongue. I think repeating the entire thing in both languages is not necessary.  The vows are for your husband, and it's not like your family doesn't understand the words in English.  It sounds like you are already doing a lot to incorporate them and ensure their comfort.  Given that vows are the primary part of the ceremony, I wouldn't overcomplicate them for the sake of others.
Posted by Tanq&Tonic[/QUOTE]

I agree with Tang

KaroPat

I agree, the vows are for your husband.  You can make other parts of the wedding (readings, etc) in other languages.

My fiancé´s native language is Spanish and mine is English.  I´m saying the vows in Spanish and he´s saying his in English because we want to make sure the right message is transmitted.  Given we both have time to work on the vows before the day, we can check and make sure with loved ones that we´re expressing what we want, and then when I say them in his language, he´ll understand the whole sentiment of my message.