For the most part, my family and my husband's family have not met, and will do so for the first time at the wedding and reception. My half speaks German, his half speaks English, and naturally not everyone speaks a foreign language, especially many of the older folks.
I've been trying to think of ideas to get them to interact and take the edge off - I don't want people sitting there feeling uncomfortable because they can't communicate, but I do want everyone to interact.
I've been thinking of seating them in a mixed fashion, making sure there is at least one person who speaks both languages moderately well available at each table, but also making sure nobody feels isolated. I've also considered making up crossword puzzles that use a lot of proper and place names the same in both languages (What is the bride's middle name, what is the groom's favorite band etc), which may encourage them to help each other out.
I've also thought about having activities that do not require verbal communication, such as putting a goldfish and goldfish food as a centerpiece (also for the children), or a puzzle that can be put together to reveal a picture of the wedding party.
Do you think this would be successful? Are there any other things I could do to encourage interaction? I don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable.
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Jul 15, 2007, 8:37 AM)
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Jul 15, 2007, 4:42 PM
Post #2 of 3
(456 views)
Re: [Erdbeere] Wedding guests speak different languages
[In reply to]
Dear Erdbeere,
Your idea of seating someone at each table who could be interpreter is courteous and thoughtful. The gold fish idea is great as well. But, I would caution you on placing the food on the table. Your guests may over feed them and you could have a lot of floaters, which may not be the best decoration for your tables.
The puzzle is a good idea as well, especially if your interpreter knows to initiate putting it together. You could have some of the pieces at each guest's place. It seems like it would get people talking. Perhaps all of them know more of each other's language than they think they do.
Other than that, don't worry too much. More than likely everyone will find something in common--most likely you two.
Re: [Erdbeere] Wedding guests speak different languages
[In reply to]
You might consider creating a family photo scrap book, designing the pages yourself and printing the pages with an ink jet printer. You could annotate the photos in both German and English, as well as including a written summary in both languages. By leaving one side "blank", family members could write in their well wishes and/or comments. A copy for each table could be provided. It would enable your guests to share their lives with those who do not speak the language. By pointing at the pictures and the translated caption, it would encourage interaction between both. Later, you could provide a copy for each guest who wishes to have. You would actually be creating your first heirloom and sharing with family.
You might also want to consider recording the event with a digital video camera, and having the person who is taking the film be conversant in both languages. Once everyone's well wishes and/or comments are taped, have the film edited and subtitle the commentaries in either german or english respectively. Make copies and distribute to the families.
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Wedding guests speak different languages
