To hire a serenata (serenade), choose the city and the musical genre, compare musicians with a visible price, book the date and pay the total into escrow. The money is only released to the musician when you scan their QR code at the event. It is as simple as ordering flowers delivered to the door, but with music.
Before, hiring a serenade meant looking for a phone number, haggling and praying the group would show up. Today you can compare profiles, see prices and book from your phone. Here is the step by step so you do it right the first time.
What should I decide before hiring?
With these five decisions you will have everything clear to book:
- Date and time: the more notice, the more options you will have.
- Place: house, garden, restaurant, hall. Define the exact address.
- Musical genre: mariachi, trio, norteño, banda, saxophone, violin, marimba or rondalla.
- Songs: make a short list of the ones you most want to hear.
- Budget: decide how much you will spend, including the service fee.
How do I hire a serenade on Serenattia?
The process is short and can be done from your phone:
- Go to the list of musicians and filter by city and genre.
- Review the profile: repertoire, photos, video and visible price.
- Choose the date and complete your booking.
- Pay 100% when booking. The money is held in escrow.
- The Serenattia team confirms the availability of the booking.
- On the day of the event, you scan the musician's QR code before they play and that is how their payment is released.
There is no exclusivity: you can compare calmly and choose the musician who convinces you most.
How much does it cost to hire a serenade?
Each musician sets the price and it is visible on their profile. These are the lowest prices published today by musicians on Serenattia (October 2026), before the service fee:
| City | From (MXN) |
|---|---|
| Puebla | MX$1,300 |
| Mexico City | MX$1,500 |
| Mérida | MX$1,700 |
| Cancún | MX$1,800 |
| Playa del Carmen | MX$2,000 |
| Toluca | MX$2,200 |
| Querétaro | MX$2,400 |
| Monterrey | MX$2,500 |
| Cuernavaca | MX$3,600 |
| Guadalajara | MX$4,000 |
These are starting prices: larger groups or those with more songs cost more. See more details in the price index for music in Mexico.
What is paid on top of the musician's rate?
The musician receives 100% of their rate. You pay a 10% service fee separately, with a minimum of MX$200. For example, if a musician charges MX$2,200 (as in Toluca), the fee is MX$220 and the total would be MX$2,420. If you need an invoice, it can be issued and the 16% VAT goes on top.
How do I avoid problems on the day of the serenade?
- Give a clear address and a contact phone for the day of the event.
- Let a trusted person at the location know so they receive the group.
- Check that there is enough space for the musicians.
- Have the musician's QR code at hand to scan before they play.
- Confirm with the team any special detail, such as a gift or a last-minute song.
What to decide before opening the platform
Hiring a serenade is simpler when you already have five things clear. Write them down before booking and you will save back-and-forth messages:
- The date and approximate time. Afternoon and evening hours are usually the most sought after; if your date is a very popular day, do not leave it for the last minute.
- The complete address. Street, number, neighborhood, landmarks and, if it is a building, how to get in.
- The type of group. Mariachi, trio, norteño, banda, violin or saxophone, according to the taste of the recipient and the available space.
- The reason. Birthday, anniversary, apology, graduation or thank-you change the tone of the songs.
- Who will receive the musician. Someone must watch for the arrival and know that the musician will bring their QR code.
How to compare musicians with judgment
With visible prices you can compare without asking for quotes one by one. To choose calmly, look at these points:
- What the rate includes: number of songs and length. If it is not clear, ask before paying.
- The profile: photos, videos and description give you an idea of the style and the atmosphere they create.
- The area: confirm that the musician covers your neighborhood or municipality.
- The repertoire: if you want a specific song, ask about it at booking and not on the same day.
Since there is no exclusivity, you can review several options and stay with the one that best fits your budget and your taste.
Common mistakes when hiring a serenade
- Booking without confirming the exact address. A wrong number complicates the meeting and takes minutes away from the serenade.
- Choosing only by price. A large mariachi in a small apartment can be uncomfortable; think about the place.
- Not telling neighbors or family. If it is in a building, a heads-up avoids bad moments.
- Leaving the booking for the same day. The team confirms the availability of each booking, and with more time there are more options.
When it pays to ask for an invoice
If you are hiring for a company, a business or a celebration you will deduct, have your tax details at hand from the start. It can be invoiced with VAT (16%) on top, and it is best to sort it out when booking and not after the event.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I hire?
The sooner you book, the more options you will have. The team confirms the availability of each booking.
Can I hire a musician in another city?
Yes, as long as there are musicians available in that city. Check the list and the price in each city.
What happens if the musician does not show up?
Your payment is held in escrow and is only released when you scan the musician's QR code at the event. If they do not show up, it is not released.
Can I ask for an invoice?
Yes. It can be invoiced and the 16% VAT goes on top.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
You pay 100% when booking, but it is held in escrow and only released at the event.