How Mariachi, a Mexican Wedding Standard, Is Evolving for a New Age

Weddings are steeped in tradition, but where did those traditions come from? And how do those customs differ in other cultures? In our new column, “Traditions,” we aim to explore the origins of various wedding customs from the United States and around the world.

Early on in the planning process, Kristina Trejo was steadfast about the type of entertainment she wanted at her wedding. As a first-generation Mexican American from Culver City, Calif., she thought certain details should pay tribute to her cultural heritage, including — and perhaps especially — the music.

“The mariachi was a way for me to honor, deep down, who I am,” said Ms. Trejo, 29, an event planner and the founder of Viva Planning and Event Design. “I’m very proud of where my parents come from.”

When she told her parents she intended to hire a mariachi, a traditional Mexican band, for her wedding at South Coast Winery Resort and Spa in Temecula, Calif., on June 23, 2023, to Anthony Salguero, 28, a project manager at the construction management firm Bernards, they both had “very emotional” reactions.

“My mom didn’t get to have the typical white-dress wedding, so for her to be able to experience it through her firstborn, that was very special to her,” Ms. Trejo said. “My dad actually wanted that to be his gift, so my dad gifted us the mariachi for the day.”

Leslie Tate wasn’t even sure that she wanted a wedding to begin with. She and Sean Tate, then her fiancé, considered eloping and keeping their nuptials casual. But when they decided to plan a party after all, mariachi was the one requirement for the bride so she could incorporate her Mexican culture into the festivities.