I am attending a wedding in Bermuda in late April 2005. I am trying to find out if Bermuda uses the same rule of thumb as far as colors/fabrics before memorial day and after labor day. I understand that the average temps are in the high 60s/low 70s at that time of year. The wedding will be outdoors during the late afternoon/early evening. I am also looking for input on attire for the rest of the trip. Are jeans acceptable anywhere?

I've noticed Bermuda is not a heavy topic on this board. Maybe you should shoot an email over the hotel you'll be staying at and ask the clothing question.

We are leaving 12/15 for our Bermuda vacation. Since I'm not attending a formal function, I haven't really given the clothing situation much thought. I don't think I'll be packing jeans however. Jeans can be very uncomfortable in humid weather because they always stay wet.

I don't think I'll even be bringing a pair of long pants (other than something with a track suit type thing since they're light weight).

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Susyk,
I think temps will actually be a bit warmer...more like mid-upper 70s to even 80ish daytime highs. For attire, it is casual during the day but after 6pm its coat & tie type attire. Certainly jeans are acceptable during the day, although I'm not sure you want jeans in that climate even though it won't be overly hot and humid.

I would bring cotton pants and a linen/cotton blazer for evenings. I would wear something lighter for day time.

I posted a question hear a few years ago about Bermuda and got all sorts of geography lectures about how bermuda was not in the Caribbean. Wondering if they thought Africa or South America was a better choice?

We were in Bermuda this summer - which is somewhat different because of much higher tourist concentration. But jeans, longer shorts, etc were acceptable on street, in casual restaurants. Some restaurants did, however, have a "no shorts" sign posted. Locals dress more formally than we are accustomed to - men, for example, would not wear regular shorts in public unless they were the full Bermuda shorts with dress shirt type of thing. More local women wore dresses than you would find in US.

For person going to Bermuda 12/15 - it will not be hot and humid in Bermuda in December - better check on a weather board and repack - you will not only need long pants but a jacket as well. It will not be beach weather.

I must echo Gail's e-mail. We absolutely love Bermuda, but its formality can take a little getting used to if you prefer a more laid back atmosphere (but it's worth it). Many nice restaurants need a tie at night or at least a collared shirt (much to my husband's chagrin). But it is so beautiful and people are very friendly and there's plenty to do. Have fun.

I loved Bermuda's formality--its gone. Its very rare (even Waterloo House)
that they require a tie! Jacket yes but rare!! Lots of causal diners in July, even in October.
Just remember tourism is not the main income, as the insurance business is booming. Hamilton is truly a corporate center and they will dress accordingly.
Lots of deals, and buisness dinners!

We have been to Bermuda several times and I agree the formality has waned. Jeans are not very acceptable attire though. Khaki shorts, capris are daytime wear. Evening is nice pants, casual dresses and jacket is usually required for men. I also must say to Auntlynne to pack the pants! It will be chilly in December. You won't be swimming in the Ocean. We have been in May and the ocean was cool. The days were in the mid 70's mostly and the nighttime was low 60's. If it rains, it feels very cool. I would pack capris for your daytime. It will not be hot and humid! It is a very pretty island and there is little poverty here. Oh and by the way, I never truly follow the white before memorial day or after labor day rule. When I am going to the islands, summer rules apply for me!

If you want to wear white - just call it "winter white" - that is what all the stores do.

Thanks to all for the clothing suggestions for my December trip. I was anticipating that it would be pretty cool during December. I'm sure it will be relaxing and beautiful even in cooler weather!

Bermuda's weather in December and April can be tricky. One minute it can be 60's and then it suddenly drops to 50's within hours. (I have had a couple of experiences where I left for lunch and it was low sixties, and within one hour, it had dropped to 45 in December!!)

Bermudians are very into the correct clothes to wear at different times, don't be fooled! Hence the big shopping trips by everyone to the U.S. for Winter clothes.

As a visitor you should never worry about what other people "think" you should be wearing. However, if it is a Bermudian's wedding that you are going to in April - there will be a code - no sleeveless shirts or dresses, no sandals at that time - they do not start to wear summer clothes until after May 24th.

Trust me on this one - I lived in Bermuda for over 17 years until very recently.

April can be summerlike, or cooler.
One tip is to be prepared for wind. April isn't the windiest month, but you won't want to plan on wearing a floppy hat that could be blown away, or that you'll have to hold onto all the time.

I never pack jeans for our trips to Bermuda, and I've noticed that I've never seen anyone wearing jeans there.

Please come back and post a report about your visit to Bermuda. And do check out http://www.bermudashorts.bm/ where there is much info to help, and the message boards where Bermudafiles hang out.
Have fun!

I have visited Bermuda a dozen times in the past five years. I am close friends with someone born and raised there. Bermuda is not nearly as formal as web sites and tourist books imply---unless you are ONLY on resort properties and restaurants. Then it is just the high end restaurants that are formal about jackets for men. I always have jeans with me although they are not appropriate for the nicer restaurants, but have certainly worn them to the non-resort restaurants with a nice top and high healed shoes. Of course my local friend is in shorts most of the year (not Bermuda shorts)and goes with me to all these places in shorts.
I have found the dress of local population to be very similar to my own choice in dress at home. Wear appropriate clothing to churches, weddings, work, etc. What would you normally wear to a spring wedding? I live in Atlanta and would plan the same way for Bermuda. It can be very windy and rainy, although the rainy season should be passing on now. I am heading there for Easter and will be packing my jeans, a skirt and shorts. Just make sure you have an alternative and ask the hotel where you stay if in doubt. The tourists will dress up a bit more because they have all heard how formal Bermuda is! Have a great time.