You’re having a fiesta soon, or a special event such as a wedding, quinceañera, sweet sixteen or a graduation…
And you have decided to hire a mariachi band to play.
If this is the case, good for you!
Now, the hard part for you is… what steps do you take to hire a mariachi band? Or, what mariachi do you hire?
This decision process can be difficult or frustrating — especially if it’s your first time.
But don’t worry. I’m here to help you out!
Keep reading this article. I will give you some good tips on how to hire a mariachi band – many of them are common sense, but (you’ll be surprised) many people tend to forget them.
Even though there’s no right or wrong way to go about choosing a mariachi band, the following list provides you with some guidelines to help you ou.
It’ll make this process much easier…
OK, let’s begin!
1. Get recommendations from family and friends
This seems to be what most people think of doing first (I have done the same). Your family or friends might have heard a local mariachi band play and they thought it was pretty good.
They might also know somebody that knows a good mariachi band, or they might know someone who plays there.
So ask them, they’ll help you out. Besides, your family or friends will most likely want to help you out by making sure you get the best mariachi band around.
2. Search for local mariachi band websites
Search online for mariachi bands close to where you live. Nowadays is very common for local mariachi bands to have their own website. If this is the case, visit a few of their sites. Take note of which ones catches your attention so you can contact them later.
3. Browse music entertainment websites
These type of entertainment websites are useful in that they can provide you with a list of local mariachi bands (you might even be able to browse by city). And in many cases, these type of sites will help you out with the booking.
4. Get in contact with an event planner
Contacting an event planner is also a good idea. Since they plan for different types of events, it’s likely that they might know a few good local mariachi bands.
5. Contact a few mariachi bands
Once you have selected a few mariachi bands, now is time to call the mariachi representative (or the manager). Make sure you are specific and tell him/her all about your event:
- type of event
- date of event
- location
- number of mariachis you want
- how many hours you want the mariachi to play
- etc…
Providing as much information as possible will help the mariachi representative come up with the best price possible.
Remember, just because they gave you an initial price, it doesn’t mean is final. There’s always room for negotiation (if you think their price is too high).
But also keep in mind to not always base your decision on price – paying a little more for a good mariachi is always a better choice.
6. Request a CD or DVD
If possible, ask the mariachi band for a sample CD or DVD of their music. This way you can get an idea of how they sound and how they play. And if they have it available, you can also listen to their music (or watch their videos) on their website.
7. Attend an event
See if you can attend an event where the mariachi band that you’re trying to hire will be playing — what a better way than to see them perform live. This way you can get an idea of their energy, sound and how they interact with the crowd.
8. Create a contract
You don’t know how many people make the mistake of not creating a contract from the very beginning. To avoid yourself any future headaches, I highly recommend that you create one.
Be as specific as possible on the contract — state items such as:
- specify the date of the event
- the time the mariachi must arrive
- how many hours the mariachi will play for
- the number of mariachi members that must be at the event
- the amount you agreed to pay
- etc…
These are just a few specific items that should go in the contract. You can come up with more, depending on the type of event you’re having.
But as stated previously, be as specific as possible and make sure you and the mariachi representative look over everything. Sign the contract and make copies for both of you.
9. Call the mariachi band before your event
It’s advisable to call the mariachi band a few days before your event – just to make sure that all is going as planned.
Not that you really need to call the mariachi band to remind them about your event coming up (since you should have a contract in place already), but it’s always best to be prepared for any unexpected events.
10. Other tips to keep in mind
If your event requires a colored theme, ask the mariachi if they have outfits that can compliment the color theme of your party. They may or may not have it, but it never hurts to ask — as many mariachis have a range of colored outfits.
Conclusion
There you have it. A list of tips that will help you hire a mariachi band for your next fiesta, or special event.
Although this list is far from perfect, it can help you get started on the right foot and make the hiring process much easier, fun and smooth. Good luck!
[box type="bio"]If you’re in the process of looking for a mariachi, check out our main mariachi feature page where we showcase local mariachi bands that are ready to play at your next fiesta. Click here to get started.[/box]
