how to Book a Mariachi 2021
HOW TO BOOK A MARIACHI IN 2021
How to hire a mariachi is not rocket science, but it’s a task that requires a certain amount of research time. Whether your event is birthday, grand opening, quinceañera, funeral, wedding, sweet sixteen, Cinco de Mayo, 16 de Septiembre; in this blog, we will explain all the steps, and procedures to follow so you can book the right mariachi band for your event.
First, you need to have paper and pencil ready to write down this information. It may sounds stupid, but at the end of day, you will not be able to tell which band has the best prices or the best show in town.
Make sure your event is at least three months from the time you start your mariachi research. Most mariachi won’t be able to cover your event if you are calling a week before or on the same date of your event.
If you are doing a wedding, quinceañera, or sweet sixteen, you should include your mariachi research in your event planning which generally is a year from the event.
REQUEST BAND’S INFORMATION
When you call, write down phone number, name of the band, and full name of band owner/representative. Generally, on the other side there is multiple band members that answer the phone and provide all quotes. You might hear mariachi before at a friend’s or acquaintance’s event you may like how they sound, and you can ask for a business card. The band member will be glad to give you one, and keep in your agenda or wallet for future reference,all their contact information is there .
PRICES AND QUOTES
In order to get a quote, the information you need to provide to the representative is date, city, and the amount of performance time. If it’s at a venue like a ballroom or social event, provide the name and address of the place. However, If it’s at home (for private reasons) you don’t have to provide your address. Instead give main references points like crossing avenues, or nearby public venues. This would be a lot easier to get quotes.
NUMBER OF BAND MEMBERS
The price varies according to the number band members that are performing, A basic mariachi band starts from four to six members (two trumpets, two violins, Guitar or Vihuela, and Guitarrón). A fantastic and impressive mariachi consists of 8 to 12 (or more) members.
OUTFITS OR UNIFORMS
The standard mariachi outfit is black, This color is elegant in most occasions. Another standard color is white, and it’s more suitable for weddings, However, you can ask if the mariachi band has other alternative uniforms, you can also ask for combinations. This requests generally shouldn’t be an extra charge.
Mariachi Sombreros are a beautiful ornament and iconic garment for the mariachi and México, however the hats are a very delicate garment because they are made of fine traditional material. Since this ornament is quiet expensive to acquire, it’s also expensive to clean. Expect to pay an extra charge to use sombreros, ask the rep if this applies to you.
REFERENCE MATERIAL
Always ask for reference material like photos, videos of the mariachi performing. Request their website and social media: Facebook, instagram, Tik Tok, Twitter, Spotify. YouTube (if they have any). In our era, most groups are already gone digital. If in the case don’t have anything, ask them if they can play a demo melody for you through a video call. Some bands, have a venue like a restaurant, or bar where they perform, and have the time to pay a visit and watch them perform.
PERFORMANCE SPACE
Always make sure that your venue has enough space for the mariachi to perform. It is suggested that all tables are spread apart so the band can move around as they play.
EQUIPMENT
If in your event planning included some PA system or DJ. You just need to ask if the DJ or the Audio Technician is kind to borrow one his/her microphones. Rarely, Mariachi Bands has some special PA System with them. But generally, you don’t have to provide some extra equipment unless you are looking for the mariachis to perform on stage.
FOOD AMENITIES
Musicians will appreciate some beverages like water and light refreshments upon arrival. Especially if they’ve travelled a long distance. Meals are always welcome, though generally not necessary unless your event runs over mealtimes.
REPERTOIRE
Mariachi is the most versatile genre that can perform all kinds of music, including some pop music. However, keep in mind that they are still mariachis, and most of the repertoire is traditional folk songs. You can ask how much repertoire they have, and what artists the know. If you have an specific song you can ask if the mariachi are able to play it. If not, be aware of time to learn it, and ask if there is an extra charge for that song. You can check our other blogs for a vast list of repertoire for specific occasions.
BOOKING
Once you gather all your data, it’s time for booking. All mariachi bands are booked through a written contract. Expect to pay a minimum deposit at the moment of signing contract, this deposit is sometimes nonrefundable. Ask the representative if this applies to you; band reps are different. Also you ask how you want to pay this deposit and the remaining balance. This sometimes is in cash or check. Like I said, some bands are going digital, and they might accept Facebook Pay,CashApp, PayPal, Credit/Debit Card (expect to pay some fees/taxes)
A MUST: please READ all the contract terms. I cannot stop emphasize how important this is.
Some contracts have conditions that varies like act-of-god incidents that you must agree. You don’t want to find a tree fallen on your venue the day before, and you call the mariachis to cancel and request a refund (remember the nonrefundable deposit?). You still have to pay in full for the service, even if you cancel on the very day of the event.
I don’t recommend to go by oral contract. Because sometimes when this happen, the band is offered a higher bid at another gig, and it is likely they would postpone your event at later time or not perform at all.
EVENT
Alas, this is the moment of truth. The band arrives with their amazing outfit with sombreros (if it comes included in the contract). You or your event organizer should guide the mariachi where to perform.
Let show starts!
Once the show starts is time to pay the remaining balance. I forgot to mention, some mariachis may ask to be paid before the show starts, or sometimes at the end of the services. This varies according to the mariachis terms, (refer to the booking section).
Don’t forget to add a five star rating on their social media and website. This will make a smile and it will bring more gigs for their calendar. 🙂
Remember that you can book your upcoming event with the best mariachi in the Rio Grande Valley: Mariachi Xochipilli. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media.