Wedding Reception Forum

Chipotle at the reception?

Hello all!

My fiance and I are Chipotle fanatics and it occurred to us a while back that it would be fun to have Chipotle at our wedding! We then found out that Chipotle caters!!! Our reception, we've decided is going to be pretty low-key...semi-informal.

So, what do you guys think? Is Chipotle too casual for a wedding reception? Keep in mind, we would dec out the table and make it look a little nicer than a steamy glassed in display on a metal counter. :)

 Do most people like Chipotle? What kinds of options would we look for if we have non-Chipotle eaters? Is the Vegetarian option enough for those who don't eat meat?


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Re: Chipotle at the reception?

  • I wouldn't do this.  Even though I love Chipotle, I know that not everyone does.  I would imagine that guests with sensitive stomachs would have trouble as well as the older crowd.  Also, their catering usually consists of pre-made burritos.  I don't like/can't eat certain ingredients and need to custom order mine. 

    It also wouldn't match the formality of the wedding if you're planning on wearing a big fancy dress.  Personally, I'd be a little peeved if I got dressed up for a reception and was given a burrito.

    If you really want to do this, I'd say Chipotle half burritos would be a perfect midnight snack!
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  • hah weird i just finished a chipotle chicken burrito about 5 minutes ago. i LOVE chipotle, as do my  friends. however, my parents cant eat it without getting nauseous. i wouldnt do this because it definitely doesnt appeal to everyone. i cant even imagine my grandma eating chipotle.
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  • malaikamorrismalaikamorris member
    First Comment
    edited November 2009
    I love Chipotle and think that sounds fun.  I'm also a messy eater though and would mess up my nice clothes. 
    Embarassed
    No matter how neat I try to be the food always seems to find its way onto my clothes.
  • I should add that I'm also eating a burrito bol while reading this!

    And ditto jeanna.  My mom won't go to Chipotle with me because it upsets her stomach.
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  • not a fan.. How about it for a late-night snack?






    What differentiates an average host and a great host is anticipating unexpressed needs and wants of their guests.  Just because the want/need is not expressed, doesn't mean it wouldn't be appreciated. 
  • I love the idea of doing it for a midnight snack.  They'd probably make you some mini burritos or something. 

    I agree that it isn't really broad enough to please everyone, and is a little too casual for the event. 
  • I definitely think individual tacos and burritos cut in half would be a killer late night snack. 
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  • I think I would eat before the reception.  I do agree it sounds great as a after reception drank too much at the open bar snack. 

  • i also like the idea of a late night snack before people leave. at my reception the place gives out soft NY style pretzels to guests as they wait for the valet to get their cars. A halved burrito or taco would be awesome!
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  • I think it's a great idea for a late night snack, but not so much for a reception dinner.  It's always messy, whether it's all over your face or clothes.  And I like to get something a bit unique at receptions, that I can't get all the time.  Chipotle burritos can be had any time.
  • I think it's a great idea. We are having In N Out burger caterer our wedding reception.  we wanted something different and that people would eat. I hate leaving a wedding starving. Didn't want to do the boring chicken, fish, and steak. You can always have side dishes as well.
  • I love the stuff but it gives me an upset stomach...as it does for many.  Midnight snack is a great idea but I wouldn't go for it as your main meal.
  • Girls-

    Thank you for your input, all of you! I appreciate all of the suggestions. You brought up some very good points. I like the midnight snack idea...and it leaves the menu a lot more applicable to those who can't be limited to Chipotle! Thank you for shedding some light on this subject, and know that based on your suggestions, we probably won't be serving the Chipotle awesomeness at our reception...though many will be missing out! Wink

    Have a great night, y'all!

  • FI and I adore Chipotle, but I have a lot of friends who can't handle it, and I have to order mine without the spicy sauces because I'm a wuss about spices.

    I think it would make an awesome midnight snack though.  "Midnight snacks" at wedding receptions usually refers to food brought out in the last hour or so of the party as a sort of pick-me-up.  It usually tends to be of the greasy fast food variety.  After a night of partying, I could definitely go for a burrito.
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  • I would love that at a reception. Personally I love people that do different food because usually it is the same old bland lukewarm stuff !!!
  • Really late, but I have to comment.  People seriously can't handle Chipotle?  We had Mexican food at my reception and no one complained (not even DH's 90 y/o gradma).  Do what will make you happy, and as a pp suggested, it's good to do something different.
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  • I know this comes as a shock, but yes, some people can not handle Mexican food.

    I personaly can not eat anything spicy so I would have to have non-spicy stuff.

    My parents and BIL refuse to even eat Mexican.  I'm sure it's in their head. But they will not eat it.

    That said, they would never complain to the bride and groom about it if it was served.  They are not that rude, even if they did think it.






    What differentiates an average host and a great host is anticipating unexpressed needs and wants of their guests.  Just because the want/need is not expressed, doesn't mean it wouldn't be appreciated. 
  • I am sure there can be a non spicy option.  Add a salad bar to it and you have a second option right there! you cant please anyone (for example if I went to a reception the only option was a surf n turf combo plate I wouldnt/couldnt eat it)....if some people have to skip the spicy foods then it happens. Reception food rarely pleases everyone
  • I agree you can not please everyone.  We are just giving our opinion.
    Mexican is a meal that people love or hate.   My family hates it (not me).  DH's family loves it.  I would hate for 1/2 of my guest list not be able to eat the meal.






    What differentiates an average host and a great host is anticipating unexpressed needs and wants of their guests.  Just because the want/need is not expressed, doesn't mean it wouldn't be appreciated. 
  • I think it's a good idea for one of the cocktail hour options (along with some more traditional hors d'oeuvres or stations), or as one entree choice amongst two or three others. I think it's a great idea for a late-night snack.

    But as the ONLY dinner choice? I don't think it'd work well in most situations and with most guests. Like a PP said, Mexican food (especially the fast-food type) seems to be a "Love It or Hate It" type of thing. I know that my own parents would probably pick at it and go home hungry.

    I don't think it's a bad idea in theory - I would just make sure that you offer some more standard options along with it, if you decide to go this route. I think it's a clever, outside-the-box idea - just expand upon it a little bit.
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_chipotle-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:3e394158-d2a5-4ad7-a985-2326794ab689Post:3efa6cc7-3f53-4471-97a1-cd907bfe4c8a">Re: Chipotle at the reception?</a>:
    [QUOTE]Really late, but I have to comment.  People seriously can't handle Chipotle?  We had Mexican food at my reception and no one complained (not even DH's 90 y/o gradma).  Do what will make you happy, and as a pp suggested, it's good to do something different.
    Posted by munkii[/QUOTE]

    Do you think your guests would share their stomach issues with you if it was the result of the food at your wedding?  You think your grandma would tell you "oh dear munkii, your food gave me the sh!ts."

    People don't often share their intestinal issues with others.  That's why this board is saying that something like Chipotle isn't a good idea for the main course.  I don't mind saying on here that Chipotle gives me a wicked case of the runs.  I wouldn't share that with a bride that had the food as her main course.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_chipotle-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:3e394158-d2a5-4ad7-a985-2326794ab689Post:297bc311-bc69-4159-a3f1-e05905e630b6">Re: Chipotle at the reception?</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Chipotle at the reception? : Do you think your guests would share their stomach issues with you if it was the result of the food at your wedding?  You think your grandma would tell you "oh dear munkii, your food gave me the sh!ts."

    People don't often share their intestinal issues with others.  That's why this board is saying that something like Chipotle isn't a good idea for the main course.  I don't mind saying on here that Chipotle gives me a wicked case of the runs.  I wouldn't share that with a bride that had the food as her main course.
    Posted by duckie1905[/QUOTE]

    <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-laughing.gif" border="0" alt="Laughing" title="Laughing" /> 

    Duckie - You said what I was thinking. Homemade Mexican I'm fine with, fast food hell no, for the same reasons.






    What differentiates an average host and a great host is anticipating unexpressed needs and wants of their guests.  Just because the want/need is not expressed, doesn't mean it wouldn't be appreciated. 
  • I didn't know Chipotle caters!

    We're doing the standard reception food (except it is served, so not quite lukewarm...).  We haven't completely decided on which dishes we want yet.

    But that would be great to have catered in for the WP!  I will be making everyone in the WP have some sort of lunch.  Hmmm... Chipotle just became an option... except my brother doesn't like it... I'll change his ways.  We have 9 months.
  • I like chipotle, but everyone has different preferences what they have in their burritos. 

  • I would have it as an "end of the night" snack if you wanted to do this. I think the end of the night is where people can get creative with the food, but actual dinner really should be selected with your guests' preferences in mind. I'm not saying "Oh, nobody should ever do anything different", but when selecting the dinner menu, one should consider what people will actually EAT.

    The ceremony is for the couple, the reception is for the guests. Just because you and your FI loves something, doesn't mean the guests will.

    Having something "unique" for a dinner option isn't bad, but there really should be something (aside from the vegetarian dish) on the menu for your not-so-strong stomached guests.

    I speak as a person who would probably be spending 1/2 the reception in the bathroom if chipotle was the only thing on the dinner menu.

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  • I see the points from both sides here. The reason I love Chipotle so much is because you do have options. Aaron LOVES the spicy, and I get the veggie bowl...no spice what-so-ever. As I was thinking more about it, I came up with something. What if I were to send out request cards with the invitations? Kind of like the meal choice cards. You could hand select your burrito, taco, burrito bowl, or quesadilla. Whatever floats your boat. The way Chipotle catering works is that you have to hand pick everything anyways, so, why not have everyone get what they want? And if they don't want Chipotle, have an alternative meal option? Pasta, Chicken, Alfredo? The more "traditional" stuff. I'm still really crushing on the Chipotle...it's just so hard to let go of! For those who thought it would be a bad idea, what would you think of this plan?
  • I think this is a really fun idea. Your wedding should be a reflection of your relationship. Sounds like the two of you are a playful couple and your friends and family should expect to see that fun playful nature at your wedding. Chat with someone about the catering a bit more. My fiance works for Chipotle (and I LOVE CHIPOTLE) and I know that their catering is no longer just premade burritos and bowls. In Colorado they will bring the whole "line" in to your event and people can pick their meat, salsa, the whole works, just like they would if they went into the store. I would say this is definately worth checking in to. Good luck!
  • Thank you! I thought that they did something like this somewhere, but the most I had heard was the pre-mades! I'll ask around at a few more locations!

    I see you're from Colorado...girl, you've got it made. Fiance at Chipotle and living in one of the best states in the country!! :) Congrats on your engagement!
  • We're thinking of doing the same at our reception.  In Kentucky we have Qdoba and not Chipotle, but it's mostly the same thing I think.  Qdoba has everything separate and it's set up like a buffet so people just choose what they like.  Even though it's Mexican, I don't think it's overly limited since there's meat, rice, beans, veggies, cheese, salsas, etc.  We've bounced the idea around with some of the older folks in our families, and everyone seems to be on board.

    BUT, there are a couple issues we've been taking into consideration.  1) I don't know about Chipotle, but Qdoba isn't a standard caterer.  So they'll just drop off the stuff and leave.  We'd have to bring in our own people to refill containers if necessary, clean up, etc.  2) I think we'd have to bring in a separate bar service to serve the beer and wine.  3) We'll have to come up with our own plates, silverware, etc.  I'd rather not have the waste of paper, but what would we do with all the dirty dishes without a caterer?

    I actually have a tasting today with a Mexican restaurant.  I'm hoping that might be a good balance between our desire to have a little bit different reception dinner and some of the benefits of a traditional caterer.  We'll see!  I haven't decided one way or another yet.
  • jves20jves20 member
    First Comment
    edited April 2014
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