Welcome back or just welcome for those of you who are just reading for the first time! This section contains tips and information when working with ceremony musicians for the beach wedding setting. Many of these tips can apply for wedding ceremonies in general as well.

1. Make sure the musicians can have a visible and clear cue from a wedding coordinator or someone who is in charge with the order of events:

This is a must for any wedding, but especially or beach weddings there are added elements such as wind, or blowing sand that we may have to make adjustments to our music or stands. This will greatly help with beginning and ending the music in the most timely and effective manner.

2. For any interlude moments (sand ceremony, communion) I would recommend having the officiant give the musicians a cue (a nod and good eye contact would do just fine) to begin playing the interlude music if they are part of that. It would be a good idea to mention that to the officiant who can then give the cue to the musicians.

3. Make clear to the musicians where the processional and bride will be coming from:

I have had people start walking literally 10 feet from the last row of guests or some people start walking all the way from the back of the beach towards the front where the chairs were setup. It is always good to give the musicians a heads up on where everyone is starting to walk since it can help with timing the pieces better. The musicians can also determine a good position so they can be heard by the guests.

4. Keep it simple with the songs:

Say if you have one mother walking and three bridesmaids, it may behoove you to just have one song for the whole processional. Yes, usually there is one song for the mothers/grandmothers and one for the bridal party, but if you are having a small processional, it would probably be wise to have one song. That way the music will flow continuously until you are ready to walk down. It may also help with musicians not having to flip pages with the wind blowing.