#20: Serving Under Pressure: How Caterers Handle the Unexpected | Dawn Deardorf

Curious how wedding caterers handle the unexpected? From power outages to last-minute guest surprises, Dawn Deardorf of Aurora Catering shares how her team transforms chaos into seamless celebrations.Dawn the co-owner of Aurora Catering, joins us to talk about the intricate dance of wedding catering. From handling unexpected challenges to accommodating unique requests, Dawn offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to ensure every wedding is a success.Starting her business during the 2008 recession, Dawn has weathered it all—from wildfires to last-minute dietary surprises—and learned how to pivot under pressure. She shares tips for couples on how honesty and planning can make a big difference in a caterer’s ability to deliver a flawless experience.We dive into the challenges of catering without a proper kitchen, the importance of clear communication with other vendors, and how site visits and thorough preparation can save the day. Dawn also opens up about her favorite moments, including creating a six-foot charcuterie board that wowed a bride and her guests.Whether it’s managing timelines or dealing with dietary restrictions, Dawn emphasizes that choosing experienced vendors who know how to adapt is key to ensuring a stress-free wedding day.Highlights:How Dawn’s catering business began during the 2008 recession and thrived through the pandemic.The importance of honesty about guest counts and dietary restrictions.Managing unexpected challenges, from power outages to last-minute dietary needs.The role of teamwork and communication among vendors in creating a seamless event.Unique catering requests, like family recipes and Pinterest-worthy charcuterie boards.Why site visits and pre-event preparation are essential for success.Have a wedding question you’d like us to answer? Email us at [email protected] or visit our website to ask directly! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast with your friends. Your reviews help us grow and bring you more valuable wedding insights!Get in Touch with Dawn:WebsiteFacebookInstagram Get in Touch with Kevin:Wedding IQFantasy SoundInstagramYouTubeTikTok