Four things a bilingual wedding needs: and why the speeches run away first

At a wedding blending Chinese and Western traditions, language isn't a translation problem, it's a time allocation problem. Say everything twice and the whole run of show doubles.

So decide first what gets translated and what doesn't.

Four things to prepare

1. A bilingual program

The most effective one, because it lets both sets of guests follow along themselves without consuming run-of-show time (see item 108 of the checklist).

Anything that can go on paper shouldn't rely on live interpretation.

2. Whether the speeches need interpreting

The decision that most needs making in advance. Three approaches:

• Speakers alternate languages themselvesDo half in each language with no repeated translation, which is the most time-efficient.
• Translate only the key passages(No line-by-line translation needed)
• Print the full translation in the programThere will be no live translation on site.

❗ Line-by-line live interpretation doubles the time outrightAn original three-minute speech turns into six minutes, and four speakers end up taking twenty-four minutes.

3. A pronunciation sheet of Chinese names for the DJ/MC

A Chinese wedding involves reading a lot of Chinese names, like the wedding party, both sets of parents, the MC, and relatives giving speeches.Mispronouncing an elder's name is worse than not saying it.

Give them a sheet in advance: the name, the romanization, and an English approximation of how it sounds. Don't assume the DJ can read romanization (see item 29 of the checklist).

4. Bilingual menu labels

So older guests know what they're eating and can avoid anything they don't eat.

Why the speeches run away

Elders speaking in Chinese frequently overrun, with no advance notice of content.

They really don't do it on purpose. They get up on stage, see a room full of family and friends, remember something from your childhood and keep going, turning three minutes straight into fifteen.

And an MC usually doesn't dare interrupt an elder, especially an MC who doesn't speak Chinese and has no idea where in the speech they are.

The fix

1. Ask them in advance to keep it under 3 minutesRemember to give a specific number, don't just say "keep it short."
2. Ask them to give the MC an outlineGive the MC an outline so they know where they are and how much time is left.
3. Have the couple make this request personallyDon't have the MC limit an elder's speaking time, as that only manufactures unnecessary conflict (see item 106 of the checklist).

A structural suggestion

Rather than mixing Chinese and English within every segment, separate them into blocks:

• Run the ceremony mainly in one language, with the other in the program
• Make one reception segment (the tea ceremony, say) primarily Chinese
• Let each speaker use their own language without mutual translation

That way both sets of guests get a stretch that feels made for them, rather than half-understanding every segment.

In one line

Anything printable shouldn't be translated live; and the "three minutes" conversation with an elder comes from you, with an outline collected.

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