A serenata (serenade) includes the musicians of the genre you choose (mariachi, trio, norteño, banda or another), a repertoire you agree on with them and their performance at the place, day and time of your booking. On Serenattia, in addition, your payment is held in safekeeping and is only released when you scan the musician's QR code.
When someone thinks about giving flowers they know more or less what they receive: a bouquet, a card, a delivery. With a serenade the question is similar, but with music: how many songs? what kind of group? what happens if the person lives far away? Here we lay it out as a list of what does come and what is worth confirming.
What always comes with a serenade?
There are four pieces that form the base of any serenade, no matter which group you hire:
- Live musicians: a group or musician who arrives to sing and play for one particular person.
- Repertoire to your taste: you propose the songs that mean something to you both and the musician tells you which ones they can perform.
- Agreed place and time: the home, the workplace, a restaurant, a garden. It is defined when you book.
- A moment designed to surprise: the entrance, the first song and the close are discussed beforehand so the person experiences the whole surprise.
Think of the serenade as a service with details that are fine-tuned with you, not as a closed package the same for everyone.
What changes depending on the musical genre?
Here you choose the type of music. Each genre changes the atmosphere and also the budget:
| Genre | How it feels | Who it usually works for |
|---|---|---|
| Mariachi | Festive, traditional, with lots of force | Birthdays, May 10, anniversaries |
| Romantic trio | Intimate and soft, with boleros | Couples, proposals, dating anniversaries |
| Norteño | Close, cheerful, with accordion | Families and friends who enjoy it |
| Banda | Powerful and danceable | Parties with more guests |
| Saxophone or violin | Elegant and different | A more discreet surprise |
No option is better than another: what matters is that it resembles the person who will receive the serenade.
What should you ask before booking?
There are details that change from one musician to another and shouldn't be assumed. Before booking, check the profile or ask the following:
- How many songs or how much performance time the published rate includes.
- How many members the group will have and what instruments they bring.
- Whether they can play outdoors, in an apartment or in a venue, and whether they need any space or connection.
- Whether the repertoire you want is within what they perform.
- Whether the time you want (afternoon, night or early morning) is available.
The Serenattia team confirms the availability of each booking, so you aren't alone with these questions.
How much does it cost and what else do you pay?
The price is visible on each musician's profile. The musician receives 100% of their rate and you pay a separate 10% service fee with a minimum of MX$200. For example, a rate of MX$1,500 carries a MX$200 fee (because 10% would be MX$150, less than the minimum), so the total would be MX$1,700.
If you need an invoice, it can be issued and the 16% VAT goes on top. To compare prices by city, check the music price index for Mexico.
How is your money protected?
You pay 100% at booking and the money is held in safekeeping. It is released to the musician at the event, when you scan the musician's QR code before they start playing. If the musician doesn't show up, that payment is not released.
You can see the profiles, listen to what each one offers and book from the list of musicians.
What is usually NOT included and is worth confirming?
To avoid surprises, go over these points with the musician before paying. Not all groups handle them the same way, which is why it is better to ask than to assume:
- Extra time: if the party runs long and you want more songs, ask how it is agreed and how much the amount changes.
- Sound or amplification: outdoors or in large venues, confirm whether the group brings its equipment or needs an electrical connection.
- Travel outside the usual area: if the address is far from the city center, ask whether any adjustment applies.
- Outfit or specific repertoire: for example, a charro suit or an uncommon song. It is best to request it from the booking.
- Recording the moment: the musician plays; whoever records the video is someone from your family or team.
Whatever you agree on, ask for it in writing in the booking chat so it is clear to both parties.
What the day of the serenade looks like, step by step
- Before: confirm the arrival time with the musician and share the address with clear landmarks.
- Preparation: leave the space where they will play free and let whoever will receive the group know.
- Arrival: the group gets set up and waits for your signal. At that moment the musician's QR code is scanned, before they play.
- The serenade: the agreed songs, with the dedications you asked for.
- Close: applause, photos and, if you like, an extra song agreed on the spot with the musician.
For which occasions is it hired?
A serenade can be requested for almost any moment when you want someone to feel celebrated: birthdays, anniversaries, Día de las Madres (Mother's Day) or Father's Day, an apology, a marriage proposal, a graduation or just an ordinary day. What matters is that what your booking includes matches the occasion: a marriage proposal calls for soft music and good order; a family birthday calls for songs to sing along to together.
Frequently asked questions
Does a serenade include requested songs?
Normally you propose the songs and the musician confirms which ones they can play. It is best to agree on it before the event.
How many songs does it include?
It depends on each musician and their rate. Check the profile or ask before booking so there are no surprises.
Do I have to be present?
You or the person organizing it must scan the musician's QR code before they play, because that is how the payment is released. The person being surprised doesn't need to know.
Can I change the genre after booking?
Talk to the Serenattia team as soon as possible. Each change depends on the musician's availability.
Is the service fee part of the musician's rate?
No. The musician receives 100% of their rate and the 10% fee (minimum MX$200) is paid separately.