Decide which parts of the day get live music
There are four moments worth thinking about. Guests arriving and the ceremony, the cocktail hour while you're off having photos taken, dinner, and a welcome party the night before if people are flying in.
You don't need live music for all of them. Pick the ones where you want the room to feel warm and personal.
The ceremony
Ceremony music starts well before you do. Plan on about half an hour, covering guests finding their seats, the walk down the aisle, the signing and the walk back up together.
Pick your aisle song early and send your musician the exact version you love. If it's a song that means something to you both, an acoustic version keeps it simple and lets the words land.
The cocktail hour
This is when your guests grab a drink and catch up while you're having photos taken. The music should sit underneath the conversation, and familiar songs at an easy volume do that better than anything.
Outdoor ceremonies
Plenty of Bermuda weddings happen outside, on a lawn, a beach or a terrace by the water. Ask your venue where the nearest power is to your ceremony spot and check what your musician needs. Wind off the water carries sound away, so a small speaker helps the back rows hear.
Have a rain plan too. Know where the covered option is and tell your musician, so moving inside takes five minutes instead of fifty.
Timing around sunset
Sunset in Bermuda is around 5.30pm in December and after 8pm in June. If you want golden light for your photos, work back from sunset and set the ceremony time from there.
The welcome party
If your guests are flying in, a welcome party the night before gets everyone talking before the wedding. A relaxed acoustic set keeps it easy and gives both families a chance to meet properly.
Planning from overseas? Here's how destination couples book their music.
What to send a musician
Your date, the venue, what time the ceremony starts, which parts of the day you want music for and roughly how many guests. Add your aisle song if you have one. That's all a musician needs to tell you if they're free.
Pops plays Bermuda ceremonies, cocktail hours and welcome parties. See his wedding music.