Mariachi ensemble: a wedding guide

Your wishlist

Answer these before you meet anyone.

• How big an ensemble are you picturing?

  A trio carries a serenata; a full ensemble fills a reception.

• When would you love them to play?

  The set times settle against your program once you book. In Mexican practice the mariachi sings at the Mass and waits at the church door for the couple's exit.

• Strolling among tables, staged, or a mix?

What to ask each one

• How big an ensemble?

  A trio carries a serenata; a full ensemble — violins, trumpets, vihuela, guitarrón — fills a reception. The vihuela and guitarrón are what make it mariachi; ask any candidate what their lineup carries.

• How does the ensemble handle sound?

  Most ensembles play acoustic; large rooms and outdoor ceremonies are where the question matters.

• What does the ensemble wear?

  The traje de charro — the horseman's suit the mariachi adapted — is the ensemble's formal dress; many hold a gala version for weddings. Worth seeing photos while comparing candidates.

How it’s usually priced

Usually priced as one flat amount.

Possible extras: Additional hour / set, Travel fee.

What you settle once booked

• When do they play?

• Requests and dedications

  Room for the songs that matter — Si Nos Dejan for the couple, Las Mañanitas if there is a morning serenata, the song a grandmother always sang — and just as important, anything the families would rather not hear.

• Strolling or staged?

  Strolling table to table suits a dinner set; a staged set suits the reception entrance and the dance floor.

• Handoffs with the DJ or band

The day-of sheet

Confirm arrival, finish, who to call, access, a meal, and what is due.

Across the whole day

Choose which moments to include.

• Mariachis arrive
• Mariachi sets