***ExpatPumpkin****

vgmartinez

Your wedding was so beautiful! I have a question that hopefully you can answer about Mariachis. I saw that they played at you reception. When and what songs did they play? Did they play before,during, or after the ceremony? We will be having a full mass and would like certain songs like Jesu, Joy of Man's and other sacred songs to be played, but I'm not sure how it will sound with the Mariachis playing. Any advice and info you can give as to when and what the Mariachis played would be helpful. Thanks!!

ExpatPumpkin

Thanks!  The mariachis played at the end of our reception...  They walked in playing as a surprise toward the end of the night.  Obviously, everyone had been drinking so they caused quite an impact.  I think our Mexican guests weren't expecting them since we were in Colorado - so they were really excited  

I remember also being concerned about which songs they would play but they knew best.  So I wouldn't worry about the song list unless you want a specific song - an experienced group will play the most popular and crowd-pleasing songs.  I know that regional songs are quite popular, so if you'll have a lot of guests from Guadalajara, for example, just let them know...

You mentioned that they may be playing during your ceremony, however?  Again, we had them at the reception, but they might work for a ceremony as well.  Example: we had a string quartet and a Latino choir during the ceremony.  The quartet did the entrances, exit, and communion...  The choir sang the rest.  They turned out to have a rustic and folkloric sound that fit our wedding really well.  So maybe a mariachi group could do this?

BUT, if you've been to weddings in Mexico you'll remember that the mariachis play at the reception.  At the end of the night when everyone's had plenty of drinks in them is probably the ideal time ....  The men will sing along with them - something they probably wouldn't do if they were sober

Sorry for writing a novela.  Please let me know if you have any other questions

vgmartinez

I'm glad you wrote a novela, lol! I want the best experience for our guests. The group we hiring is an experienced group that plays at an upscale Mexican restaurant nearby. We will have them for three hours. I was thinking that I would like to have them there later in the night but we will also have a DJ. DId you have other entertainment such as a DJ or band before the mariachis came in? Did they alternate and have the mariachis sing a few songs then go back to the DJ for a couple more?