Language issues marrying abroad??

Roisinbunny

Hiya

Hoping some of you might be able to dish some advice on this - marrying in a civil service in a small village in France (OH is from rural France) before having small ceremony and reception in Ireland.

I didnt speak a word of French up until 3 years ago, even now finding it tough trying to learn inbetween work/study commitments and am a bit nervous thinking about standing in front of the Mayor and a room full of French people and completely messing it up. We live in Ireland and its out of respect for both traditions that we are marrying in France also but I don't want to mess it up on the day.

Anyone any experience of this??

T-Square

Get a translator :rolleyes:

Roisinbunny

T-Square wrote: »

Get a translator :rolleyes:

Thanks for that really helpful input. I wonder why you are on the Wedding Forum at all if it's just to drop those pearls of wisdom

amdublin

What's wrong with the suggestion of a translator?

mikemac

My boss got married in Italy.
You'll certainly get a translator, any town will have someone happy to do this for a few hours for a fee
Ask the mayor's office

Roisinbunny

mikemac wrote: »

My boss got married in Italy.
You'll certainly get a translator, any town will have someone happy to do this for a few hours for a fee
Ask the mayor's office

Thanks for the reply. I don't have a clue how these things work (hence why I posted here for advice!) but now that I know that's an option, I'll bear it in mind. Will keep studying away for now:o

Thanks a mil

Roisinbunny

amdublin wrote: »

What's wrong with the suggestion of a translator?

Nothing at all wrong with the suggestion. My problem is the smart arse rolly sarcastic eyes:rolleyes::rolleyes:. I was just looking for advice from someone who had done it and any issues/advice they might have had after it.

amdublin

Roisinbunny wrote: »

Nothing at all wrong with the suggestion. My problem is the smart arse rolly sarcastic eyes:rolleyes::rolleyes:. I was just looking for advice from someone who had done it and any issues/advice they might have had after it.

Em, okay.

prinz

Roisinbunny wrote: »

Anyone any experience of this??

Practice. Not giving a smartarse answer but there it is. Am getting married in Germany soon and like you at the civil marriage it will be in German, and my German isn't good, talked to the people at the town hall and they gave me a printed out sheet which basically covers what will be said - what responses are required from me etc. My OH then translated this for me and has gone through it with me to practice my German spoken parts.

They also said if I got stuck my OH can help me out, surely your fella can do the same.

galah

prinz, I'd be a little careful there - they said the same to us, hubby's German was ok, he could follow the ceremony, and give all the required answers - I told them I was a qualified interpreter, in case he got stuck I could help him, but technically, I was not "allowed" to act as an interpreter, due to 'conflict of interest'.

So make sure you have someone there who has German an English, just to cover yer arse.

Roisinbunny: As prinz said: Practise! You'll be grand.

We held part of our ceremony in Irish - I was so scared you wouldnt believe...

prinz

galah wrote: »

prinz, I'd be a little careful there - they said the same to us, hubby's German was ok, he could follow the ceremony, and give all the required answers - I told them I was a qualified interpreter, in case he got stuck I could help him, but technically, I was not "allowed" to act as an interpreter, due to 'conflict of interest'.

So make sure you have someone there who has German an English, just to cover yer arse.

Thanks for the heads up, Germans and their rules and regulations I'll be glad when it's over and done with.