Should I have a MARIACHI BAND or a TRIO?

We have decided that we definitely want to hire either a Mariachi or Trio for our ceremony and cocktail hour. The problem is, we can't decide which to hire! We are only having 18 guests, plus us, so I'm a little worried that the Mariachi band would be overwhelming. Or, is the mariachi band so much better than the trio that we should get them anyway?

I have been quoted a price from Mariachi Los Cabos for $450/hr for the Mariachi Band and $350 per hour for the Trio. We plan to have them play for the ceremony and cocktail hour.

What do you think?

The trio is recommended to create a Mexican ambiance. I would recommend it during the ceremony.

The Mariachi and Mexican Trio are similar since both play Mexican music. However the Trio plays more romantic music and the Mariachi band is more fun, festive and cheerful. There are 4 to 6 players in a Mariachi band.

The Mariachi is highly recommended right after the ceremony during the cocktail hour.

This pictures was taken right after the ceremony its the mariachi walking with everyone down town in San Jose from the church to the venue place, people liked it a lot!

I wish I had an opinion to share on this.

At least now you have an explanation of each. I never knew the difference except that the mariachi had more members.

You probably wouldn't go wrong either way. I'll be curious to see which way you go and why.

I can't decide on this either sarah! I'm hoping when I get a little closer I'll have a better idea, but right now I'm leaning towards the mariachi.

Wow? Youre at 50/50 on your poll. I feel for you!

I had a Trio and the reason I chose a trio was that, in my opinion, Mariachi Bands are okay for a little bit. But the loud horns, etc get old fast and start to become slightly annoying. Now this is just my opinion. Many people on this forum loved their Mariachi bands, it just depends what you want. I liked the trio because is was more like background music so people can socalize and not have to yell. I don't know. They are both very Mexican and festive and either will be great! It jsut depends on whether you want the "background" music or more loud rowdy music?

Sarah - I think I mentioned this elsewhere, but I'm getting a MARIACHI TRIO. I have about 25 ppl and was struggling over this as well. They will play the ceremony & cocktail hour. For the ceremony they will do low key processional music and then for the recessional break into mariachi madness. I feel like I'm getting the best of both worlds! The mariachi trio is $320/hour

I wish i cold help u out with this one but am also very stuck on it...it would be great if we had tons of money that way we could hire the trio for the ceremony and the mariachi for cocktails...eeeee how r u gonna choose

one of my BM's had a mariachi at her wedding but it was only for the cocktail hour and right before the ceremony...hers was a large wedding and they were not really in the way.

I voted for Trio because I like the idea that they can provide a better overall ambiance for the entire day...if you were only do it for an hour or so I would say mariachi.